A Thousand Yards Pavilion: A Modular Botanical Escape in Beijing

🌿 A Thousand Yards Pavilion: A Modular Botanical Escape in Beijing

Designed by: Precht

Location: Beijing, China

Year Completed: 2019

Primary Material: Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)

Area: ~300,000 to 500,000 sq ft

Introduction

In the heart of Beijing, a unique architectural concept redefines how we experience nature and public space. The A Thousand Yards Pavilion is more than a structure—it’s a modular village that grows with its visitors. Blending architecture with ecology, it was envisioned by Austrian design studio Precht as an immersive botanical experience shaped by the community and environment.

Design Philosophy

Inspired by ancient Chinese spatial logic, the pavilion’s layout is based on a repetitive 8-meter modular grid. This system allows the structure to expand horizontally in any direction. Rather than a single grand building, the pavilion resembles a loosely-knit village made up of interconnected wooden units and gardens.

Paths meander through the site, encouraging guests to wander and explore, encountering varied spaces such as courtyards, play areas, exhibition pods, and resting nooks. Each visit can feel different—organic, spontaneous, and personal.

Materiality and Sustainability

At the core of the pavilion's construction is cross-laminated timber (CLT), chosen for its sustainability, durability, and light environmental footprint. Prefabricated wooden components were assembled efficiently on-site, reducing both cost and carbon emissions.

This timber grid is not just functional—it also serves as a trellis for plant life to thrive. Visitors receive seed packets at the entrance, with encouragement to plant them into the open grid. As time passes, the pavilion evolves into a living botanical organism shaped by its users.