line+ creates a clustered settlement in Yunnan’s Red Earth Valley
The Red Valley Dwellings is a complex of architectural volumes embedded in the red earth valley and eucalyptus forest of Mile, Yunnan. Designed by line+ studiothe project reinterprets the spatial logic of the Hani mushroom home through steep roof profiles, thick masonry, yardsand carefully framed openings. Located on the western edge of Dongfengyun Innovation Park, the project is set in a valley landscape defined by red soil, eucalyptus forest and gently rolling topography. Originally conceived as an artist studio and later adapted into the Muxin Valley Spa Center, the project functions less as a fixed object and more as a flexible spatial framework. Courtyards, staggered traffic, slate roof surfaces, red-toned walls and a locally sourced volcanic spring stone allow buildings to settle into the ground while forming closed interior spaces defined by light, shadow, density of materials and the surrounding forest.
clustered dwellings partially hidden by the surrounding forest | all images by Ce Wang unless otherwise noted
Yards and porches describe Red Valley homes by line+
The drawing per line+ studio it is grounded in space conditions. The compact plot of the valley descends from a higher western end towards the east, creating a series of slopes, terraces and framed views through the vegetation. Instead of a single unified structure, the program is divided into several volumes that keep pace with the terrain. These volumes are connected through courtyards, paths and semi-outdoor circulation spaces, forming a small architectural settlement in the forest landscape. Key reference is the Hani Traditional Mushroom House of Honghe District. Instead of replicating its formal appearance, the project strips away its spatial principles: a grounded base, thick surrounding walls, and roof geometries that rise and taper from the earth. These elements are translated into sculptural volumes with steep roof lines and solid masonry surfaces, positioning the buildings as extensions of the red earth topography.
The project minimizes reliance on large transparent surfaces. In response to the strong sunlight of the Yunnan plateau, the architecture is oriented inward. Deep openings are carved into thick walls, framing selective views of the valley and forest. Daylight enters through calibrated openings, creating changing interior conditions throughout the day and creating a subdued spatial atmosphere. Courtyards organize circulation and spatial sequencing. Entry is from the higher side of the site, followed by a gradual descent through thresholds, terraces and enclosed outdoor spaces. These courtyards mediate between interior and exterior conditions while allowing the framework to respond to changing programmatic requirements. As the use shifted from artist studios to spa facilities, the spatial structure absorbed new functions without major changes.
architectural volumes embedded between dense trees and terraces
Slate, volcanic stone and Red Earth dwellings in the shape of Red Valley
Material strategies reinforce the relationship with the landscape. Dark gray slate tiles form layered ceiling surfaces that shift with changing lighting conditions. The exterior walls are rendered in a red earth tone that extends the surrounding terrain within the architecture, while selected retaining walls are constructed from locally sourced red volcanic stone. The black metal details around the openings introduce a sharp contrast to the heavier material surfaces of the ceiling, wall and stone.
Red Valley Dwellings by line+ studio creates a restrained architectural presence in the valley. Rather than functioning as an autonomous object, the project is shaped by slope, vegetation, climate and gradual programmatic transformation. Its rural character emerges through the relationship between the grouped volumes, the courtyards, the material weight and the slow temporal conditions of the mountainous landscape.
aerial view of red valley homes within the forested red earth valley
