Haiyan Ketang

Haiyan Ketang is located in Haiyan Village, within the Kunming Dianchi National Tourist Resort Area. After Haiyan Primary School closed in 2008, the playground was converted into a makeshift warehouse, eventually becoming a communal gathering space for the villagers, referred to as a “Ketang” or “Guest Room.” In response to the 2024 Dianchi Folk Art Season, the space underwent a renovation and upgrade. What makes this design interesting is its engagement with the local network—it acknowledges and reinterprets the existing social and material systems of the village, deepening the connection between the community, its environment, and its traditions.

Thanks to its unique geographical location and beautiful sunset views, Haiyan Village became a popular destination after the pandemic, reflecting a widespread desire for public waterfront spaces. This longing echoes the idyllic lifestyle by Dianchi Lake captured by Du Tianrong in the 1960s. At the same time, Haiyan Village represents many typical rural Chinese settlements, where buildings from different periods coexist, creating a compressed historical landscape. The local climate and customs, which allow for more flexible construction methods, have fostered a freer and more informal approach to building. As a result, the concept of “canopy” became the starting point for the renovation.

The renovation process balanced improvements with the reuse of existing materials. Necessary upgrades included leveling the kitchen structure, replacing the roof, adding ventilation systems, and upgrading lighting. Existing elements such as chimneys and stoves were refurbished or patched. The rusted roof was treated with a rust converter for stabilization. Haiyan Ketang regularly hosts banquets lasting three to five days, and the village’s self-organized team can easily handle large gatherings of several hundred people. This loose but continuous working model embodies the spirit of “living together with difference.” Subtle adjustments, such as opening kitchen walls or introducing natural light, help unlock the space’s potential, evoking a resonant sense of community. Once completed, parts of the space will be used for a study room and a health clinic, while other areas will be gradually developed. Haiyan Ketang is expected to become a symbol of the communal, convivial life in the area.