A pavilion topped with fluttering, leaf-like sails now stands on the remote Chinese island of Chaishan, designed by local studio GN Architects. Inspired by traditional village entrances marked by large trees, the structure acts as a symbolic gateway to the island’s small community of fewer than 100 residents.
Located on a repurposed 1960s cargo pier next to a ferry terminal, the Seaside Pavilion was created as part of the “Hello, Little Island” government initiative aimed at drawing attention to Zhoushan’s lesser-known islands through striking architecture.
Described by GN Architects as a “wind-driven kinetic art installation,” the pavilion seeks to bring a sense of romance and storytelling to Chaishan’s coastal setting. Its motion-filled canopy sways gently in the breeze, referencing both nature and traditional Chinese symbolism of arrival and gathering.
Though originally intended to be made entirely from timber, the structure now features a steel-reinforced platform to endure strong ocean winds and typhoons. The timber frame supports benches where visitors can sit and watch the sea or observe ferries coming and going.
The pavilion’s standout feature is its 36 delicate blades—crafted using local fishing nets stretched over a white steel skeleton—which pivot around a central axis. These were fine-tuned using computer modeling to ensure balance and resilience, with counterweights and tie-back systems in place for storms.
To withstand the coastal climate, GN Architects used corrosion-resistant materials and swapped out fabric membranes for fishing ropes, offering both durability and a nod to local maritime culture.