Ruins Cave Garden / ArCONNECT Architects

Mountain, Lake, and Ruins - The ancient villages in Dali, located on the west coast of Erhai Lake under Cangshan Mountain, offer a nurturing and pleasant living environment. Cangshan Mountain's nineteen peaks align in a north-south direction, with eighteen streams running from west to east, nourishing the fertile plains on the west side of Erhai Lake. Traditional houses in this area typically face east, taking advantage of the morning sun and protection from the southwest winds in winter. The inner courtyards further shield residents from harsh weather, creating a traditional and natural lifestyle deeply connected to the surrounding landscape. The studio, located in the southwest corner of a village at the base of Cangshan Mountain, was built to harmonize work and life with nature.