Space Type | Spatial Design

Architect | Gao Wei

Completion Year | 2019

Qingshan Nature School was originally Dongwu Primary School in Qingshan Village. It included a two‑story brick‑concrete building and a single‑story rammed‑earth warehouse.Supported by the Alibaba Charity Foundation, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) leased the site and converted it into a rural nature education center.

With the design concept "From the Earth, By the Community", the building uses rammed earth and wood structures, mainly made of local clay. Guided by Ren Weizhong, the simple, rustic architecture blends naturally into the village. Most materials can return to the earth if demolished, reflecting TNC's conservation philosophy.The project was jointly built with villagers and supported by public welfare partners, who donated funding, landscape design, materials and furniture. It has been widely loved since completion.

Due to planning limits on building area, the design focuses on flexible functions: most of the first floor and the second floor serve as two multi‑purpose halls for various activities.

Later, a café and office area were added through low‑cost renovations, bringing new vitality to the space.We are glad that the Nature School has gradually integrated into village life and become an essential part of Qingshan Village.