Located at the highest point of a hilly site in Wanning, Hainan, China, Helical Landing (also called the Billow Museum) is a centerpiece for a new residential development project. The building serves as a viewing pavilion and a community center, allowing residents to survey their surroundings from the large exhibition hall at the end of the coil.
The coiled figure of the building is understood as an extension of the natural slope of the site, allowing visitors to climb to the top of the building either on the inside, through a series of amenity programs, or on the outside as part of a terraced rooftop sequence. Framed views of the reservoir to the north, and mountain ranges to the west reward the visitor’s climb to the top. The interior program includes reception areas, cafe, and exhibition programs as well as private conference rooms and kitchen areas.
The building’s exterior wall takes the form of a sawtooth in plan, with each tooth offering view to the outside which is controlled by a set of operable “blinder” panels. By actively cultivating the visitor’s views of the outside, the building makes explicit the role of architecture in constructing local and regional identities.
