A playful reimagining of a traditional Chinese siheyuan in Kunming
In the rolling hills of Kunming a familiar architectural form has been given a refreshing new identity. The siheyuan long regarded as one of the most recognisable expressions of traditional Chinese living has been reinterpreted into a space shaped around imagination movement and joyful exploration. This transformation stands at the heart of Lezhi Camp a two thousand five hundred and sixty square metre learning and recreational complex that invites children and adults to rediscover the beauty of nature while moving freely through a modern interpretation of cultural heritage.
The project reflects a growing interest in spaces that honour tradition while supporting the needs of a new generation. Rather than preserving the courtyard house in a purely historical form the design team sought to create an environment where the classical layout becomes a starting point for creative experimentation. The result is a vibrant courtyard that balances cultural memory with child centred innovation.
A Living Space Crafted for Young Minds
Children are placed at the emotional and functional centre of the redesigned siheyuan. Every curve and circle is meant to encourage discovery. Rather than rigid boundaries the layout supports open movement that feels natural and intuitive. Design elements flow gently from one area to another creating a sense of small worlds connected within a larger whole. This approach reflects the belief that physical environments can guide learning as effectively as structured instruction.
Lezhi Camp is not simply a playground but an ecosystem of experiences. Classrooms play zones reading corners and nature paths are interwoven into the courtyard configuration creating opportunities for indoor and outdoor exploration. Young visitors are encouraged to wander observe and interact with the environment at their own pace. This atmosphere nurtures curiosity and helps children develop a sense of space awareness community and belonging.
Joey Ho Creative Vision Takes Centre Stage
The transformation of the siheyuan is guided by the creative vision of Joey Ho Tzung Hsien a Taiwan born and Hong Kong based designer known for his distinctive approach to children focused architecture. Ho design philosophy places emphasis on fluidity emotional warmth and a careful balance of structure and playfulness. His projects across Hong Kong and other cities have earned recognition for demonstrating how design can gently guide the growth of young learners.
At Lezhi Camp Ho signature style is expressed through sweeping lines soft transitions and thoughtfully placed interactive features. Instead of sharp angles and rigid frameworks the space uses curved walls circular motifs and flexible pathways. These elements generate a welcoming environment where children feel both safe and inspired. The design seeks to spark creativity encourage participation and elevate the everyday learning journey.
Blending Traditional Forms With Contemporary Needs
Although the siheyuan has been reimagined the fundamentals of the original typology are still present. The central courtyard remains the heart of the spatial arrangement but it is infused with colour light and textures that reflect modern sensibilities. Traditional symmetry is softened by playful shapes and transitions. The result is a structure that feels familiar yet refreshingly new.
This design approach exemplifies how cultural heritage can evolve without losing its emotional resonance. The courtyard becomes a bridge between past and present giving young visitors a connection to Chinese architectural identity while surrounding them with contemporary design language that feels engaging and accessible.
Encouraging Interaction With Nature
Lezhi Camp is built on the idea that learning and recreation do not need to be confined to indoor classrooms. The Kunming location gives children access to a natural landscape filled with greenery hills and open skies. The siheyuan is intentionally positioned to emphasise the continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces. Wide openings allow daylight to enter the interior while outdoor play areas are easily reachable from any point in the courtyard.
These fluid boundaries help children understand the relationship between the built environment and the natural world. Students move effortlessly between shaded corridors bright play zones and quiet green corners. This rhythm strengthens their appreciation for nature and encourages exploration that feels organic and relaxed.
A Design Language That Celebrates Joy
One of the most striking aspects of the project is its cheerful visual language. Circles large and small appear throughout the structure symbolising completeness connection and human warmth. Colours are calm yet uplifting and materials are chosen for tactile comfort. The overall composition evokes a sense of play while maintaining a refined aesthetic that appeals to both children and adults.
This thoughtful balance keeps the space from feeling overly simplistic or overly decorative. Instead it becomes a place where design supports emotional wellbeing creativity and shared experience. The siheyuan becomes not only a building but a narrative space where movement curiosity and imagination intersect naturally.
An Evolving Vision of Family and Community
By placing children at the centre of a traditional architectural form Lezhi Camp expresses a broader cultural shift. The project suggests that heritage spaces can adapt to contemporary needs while preserving their symbolic significance. It reflects a modern understanding of family community and growth where the environment is seen as a partner in the development of young lives.
