The Cabin of Maze, an innovative island retreat in Wuhan Ganlushan Culture Creativity City
The Cabin of Maze by Wiki World, nestled within the Wuhan Ganlushan Culture Creativity City, embodies a distinctive fusion of wilderness and contemporary cultural tourism. Developed as part of the expansive ‘ice and snow+’ complex by Wuhan Urban Construction Group, this project marks a departure from the deep wilderness into a space that still upholds the philosophy of natural retreat.
The initiative, known as the ‘Island Living Plan,’ envisions a collection of island cabins that reimagine the experience of returning to nature through innovative spatial designs. The Cabin of Maze, as the first realized structure in this vision, sets a precedent for future developments. Positioned on a slender island designated for five wilderness cabins, the design deviates from conventional single-family structures by fostering an exploratory spatial experience.
The intent is to transform the act of habitation into an engaging journey, where the very nature of the cabin encourages a sense of adventure. This concept materializes in the form of 13 independent modules comprising bedrooms, living areas, and bathrooms, all interconnected by a 100-meter-long, 80-centimeter-wide black corridor.
This winding passage, at times a secluded courtyard and at other moments opening to the sky, generates an unpredictable movement experience within the space. Influenced by the irregular contours of the island’s topography, the corridor fosters a unique spatial disorientation that enhances the cabin’s immersive quality. The result is an environment where guests momentarily lose themselves within the built landscape, evoking a childlike sense of wonder and curiosity.
The design further embraces a balance between solitude and communal living. The Cabin of Maze functions as both a singular large cabin and five independent units, capable of being separated by flexible partitions. This adaptability allows for varied living arrangements, offering both privacy and opportunities for interaction. The interconnected corridors encourage spontaneous encounters among guests, reminiscent of a close-knit community where familiar faces appear at unexpected moments.
Unlike traditional solitary wilderness retreats, this cabin fosters a sense of tribal coexistence while maintaining the fundamental need for personal space. Access to the cabin remains exclusive, requiring a boat journey to reach the island, reinforcing its secluded yet communal character. True to Wiki World’s ethos of sustainable and natural construction, the cabin extends the principles of wild house experimentation. By minimizing artificial intervention and emphasizing a raw relationship with nature, the structure embodies an organic architectural approach.
Carbonized wooden facades, hand-fired on-site, preserve the integrity of traditional craftsmanship, while modular metal connectors ensure the cabins can be repeatedly assembled and adjusted. Elevated above the ground without artificial barriers, the cabins integrate seamlessly into the environment, allowing nature to remain the defining feature of the landscape. In this way, The Cabin of Maze redefines contemporary retreat living, where boundaries dissolve, spaces invite exploration, and the essence of wilderness is preserved.
All images courtesy of Wiki World, shared with permission
