Enshi’s journey from tradition to modern wood construction
Enshi City is a Tujia and Miao ethnic minorities Autonomous Prefecture located in Southwestern Hubei Province. The prefecture spans an area of approximately 24,000 square kilometers and is home to a population of around 4 million. In 2023 alone, Enshi welcomed approximately 20.58 million tourists, generating a total tourism income of 19.155 billion yuan. The tourism industry plays a vital role in enhancing the livelihoods of local residents and is increasingly recognized as a pillar of economic development in Enshi. With its rich natural resources and breathtaking landscapes, Enshi attracts travelers from across China. The unique blend of biodiversity, featuring lush mountains and pristine rivers, alongside vibrant cultural heritage, makes Enshi a compelling choice for tourists seeking immersive experiences, and a haven for developing wood construction tourism applications.
Xuan’en County: A Model for Modern Wood Construction
Among the many treasures within Enshi City, Xuan’en County stands out as a prime example for developing innovative wood construction. Xuan’en County lies near the northern latitude of 30°, covering an area of 2,737.17 square kilometers. This region is characterized by its mountainous terrain and boasts a forest coverage of 68.62% that contributes to its biodiversity and ecological richness. Its population includes a vibrant mix of ethnic minorities, particularly the Tujia people, who bring a wealth of cultural traditions to the region. One of the most iconic architectural features of Xuan’en is the traditional stilt house, or diaojiaolou.
Preserving heritage amidst changes
The stilt house has become a hallmark of Xuan’en’s ethnic minorities, embodying the architectural wisdom adapted to specific natural environments. However, the rapid urbanization over the past thirty years has led to a decline in traditional stilt houses, overshadowed by concrete and steel structures, as well as the migration of younger generations to big cities.
To combat these challenges and protect traditional cultural heritage and local resources, the local government has been implementing initiatives under China’s rural revitalization strategy, focusing on physical, economic, and social sustainability while improving the living conditions of the rural residence. How can the county revive its villages while safeguarding its natural resources and cultural heritage? The answer lies in embracing modern wood construction.
Modern wood as a solution
With the support of the Xuan’en government, Professor Mr. Li Baofeng from the School of Architecture and Urban Planning in Huazhong University of Science and Technology has led a territorial regeneration project in Pengjiazhai village of Xuan’en, which is a very typical Tujia ethic community. The village features some of the best-preserved examples of diaojiaolou-wooden stilt houses, and Pengjiazhai has been listed among the Outstanding Minority Villages of China for continued preservation and cultural heritage.
The territorial regeneration plan has three major goals: protecting local cultural and landscape heritage, enhancing traditional agricultural and craft activities, and promoting the project as a tourism attraction to foster local economic development. The project covers a construction area of 6,000 square meters and includes the rehabilitation of severely deteriorated houses, newly built bridges connecting the nine isolated villages in Pengjiazhai, and new public buildings serving various functions, collectively referred to as the Tujia Pan-Museum. This project showcases the production, lifestyle, and agricultural landscape of the Tujia people, acting as a living exhibition of their rich cultural heritage. Wood has been extensively utilized in these developments, providing a sustainable alternative that aligns with the values of the Tujia community.
These modern wood buildings not only echo the traditional aesthetic practices and cultural spirit of the Tujia ethnic group but also transcend the limitations of traditional wood structures, offering enhanced durability for sustainable development. In addition to Pengjiazhai village, modern wood structures can also be found in Xuan’en, including the newly completed Pigeon Flower Bridge at the county’s entrance.
Designed to resemble the locally famous Gongtong flower, the bridge features unique curved shapes in each element, with over 6,000 rods and nodes forming a complex hyperbolic structure. Completed in August 2024 by the local wood company Hubei Linlang Manmu, the bridge uses Canadian douglas fir as the major wood material. The project showcases the perfect synergy of modern wood technologies, including advanced 3D computing and cutting techniques, resulting in a striking architectural landmark.
The benefits of wood: a sustainable choice
The extensive use of wood in Xuan’en goes beyond a mere nod to tradition; it reflects a commitment to recognizing and enhancing local identities that have been expressed through material and cultural production for centuries-manifested in ways of life, dwellings, settlement systems, and relationships with the landscape. Wood also aligns with the local government’s goals of balancing environmental protection and economic development, serving as a sustainable choice that does not compromise local communities or landscapes. The low-carbon benefits of wood construction are increasingly being recognized within the industry and have received government endorsement.
The success of wood applications in Pengjiazhai and Xuan’en’s regeneration also highlights the importance of architectural advocacy. Professor Li Baofeng and his team have become strong advocates for wood in their designs, fostering strong partnerships with local wood companies in Hubei to effectively demonstrate wood projects. In recent years, an increasing number of renowned architects and industry leaders in China are recognizing the advantages of using wood and are advocating for its inclusion in various projects, such as the Shanxi Botanical Garden (construction area of 54,600 square meters), Haikou Visitor Center (construction area of 28,976 square meters), and Jiangsu Garden Expo Exhibition Hall (construction area of 12,000 square meters), all designed by prominent architects in China. This growing trend encourages local builders to adopt similar practices.
Xuan’en’s success with wood construction exemplifies the potential for similar initiatives the Enshi Prefecture. The region’s abundant natural resources and rich cultural tapestry provide an ideal foundation for further development of sustainable wood architecture. Other counties in Enshi also possess the necessary ingredients for thriving wood construction projects. As more architects and industry leaders in China recognize the advantages of using wood, Enshi stands at the forefront of a movement that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. This growing trend offers a pathway for all of Enshi’s counties to explore innovative solutions that respect heritage and promote sustainability.
In conclusion, the journey of Xuan’en from traditional stilt houses to modern wood applications reflects a commitment to preserving cultural identity while embracing sustainable development. By leveraging the rich resources and traditions of Enshi, other counties can similarly embark on a path of regeneration that celebrates both nature and culture.