The Blue Insight Cave Space offering a sustainable and immersive coastal experience
The Blue Insight Cave Space by 3andwich design and He Wei Studio, located along Donghai No.1 Road in Xiapu, Ningde City, Fujian Province, serves as a landmark in the region’s Zero Carbon Island initiative. Originally a simple viewing platform and parking lot, the site has been transformed into an immersive architectural experience that harmonizes with the East China Sea’s rugged coastal landscape.
The project was conceived with three core design principles: precipitousness, concealment, and integration. The structure’s form echoes the natural elements surrounding it—reefs, sea caves, and jagged coastal formations—allowing it to blend seamlessly into the landscape. Concealed beneath the earth, the building minimizes environmental disruption while maintaining an uninterrupted panoramic view of the sea. By embedding itself within the terrain, it achieves natural temperature regulation, reducing energy consumption and supporting the sustainability goals of the project.
The roof of Blue Insight Cave Space doubles as a viewing platform, covered in soil and vegetation, reinforcing the concept of “zero land use.” This elevated space integrates sculptural ventilation and lighting openings, designed to mimic marine organisms, adding an artistic element while enhancing functionality. A perimeter boardwalk extends the experience, offering visitors proximity to the sea-eroded caves along the coastline.
The east façade, composed of floor-to-ceiling glass, blurs the boundary between interior and exterior, capturing the expanse of sky, sea, and distant islands. The south and north façades, more enclosed, house auxiliary functions, maintaining privacy while preserving openness in the primary gathering spaces. The building’s irregular, non-rectilinear geometry and textured concrete surface evoke the essence of natural rock formations, reinforcing its geological inspiration.
Inside Blue Insight Cave Space, the space unfolds like a network of interwoven caves, inspired by the coastal erosion patterns of the region. A semi-cylindrical entrance leads visitors downward, immersing them in an environment of fluid, sculpted concrete surfaces. The main interior consists of a salon and gallery space, both strategically positioned to maximize ocean views. This adaptable space accommodates exhibitions, cultural events, and small gatherings, while a bar area provides an additional social setting.
Lighting design plays a crucial role in the spatial experience, enhancing the interplay of light and shadow. The rooftop features subtle embedded lighting, maintaining the natural darkness of the coastal nightscape while guiding visitors safely. Small perforations in the eaves create delicate light projections, adding an ethereal quality to the structure. Indoors, buried uplights emphasize the dramatic cave-like interior, while functional lighting highlights key areas, ensuring usability without overpowering the space’s ambiance.
Beyond its architectural and environmental considerations, the Blue Insight Cave Space contributes to the cultural and tourism identity of Donghai No.1 Road. It provides a new public space that was previously absent in the region, drawing visitors through its distinctive form and immersive coastal experience. While some elements of the initial vision—such as the interactive lighting design—remained unrealized due to cost constraints, the project stands as a testament to thoughtful, site-sensitive architecture.
Photography by DONG Image, courtesy of 3andwich design, shared with permission
