The Transformations of Stone Quarries into Cultural Spaces in Zhejiang

In Zhejiang Province, there is one of the many abandoned stone quarries. Responding to this, DnA_Design and Architecture then turned it into a cultural space by creating gaps in the magnificent interior that had been "engraved". Utilization of ex-mining into a cultural space is the team's goal to regenerate the area more broadly. This facility is open to the public and is a vacation destination for residents and tourists alike.

DnA_Design and Architecture transforms a stone quarry into a cultural space

A stone quarry turned into a cultural space located in Zhejiang Province, China

The process of converting the quarries into a cultural space began with the reconstruction of nine holes, currently three of which have been completed. These three spaces are designed to be a library, a performance venue, and a gathering area. In changing the function of the site, the team focused on maintaining the character of the existing mine as much as possible. So, the monuments and stone inscriptions can describe the richness of history that has existed before.

DnA_Design and Architecture retain the characteristics of the mine

DnA_Design and Architecture revealed that the project was a challenging process for a popular tourist area in rural China. “This project is an ecological fix to repair disturbed nature, this abandoned mine reuse reconnects local communities with history and heritage from years past,” the studio said.

The library is placed in Quarry 8

The three spaces that have been completed in the construction process have different shapes and patterns because most of them were excavated by hand. All three have different names. The first room, named Quarry 8, served as an open library derived from a preserved stone platform and adapted to a new concrete staircase. As a complement, there's a seating area made of steel and pressed bamboo. In addition, to put the books, a cupboard was built which was placed on the large staircase of the mine with a tapered shape. This form allows the reader to be protected from distractions.

Performance space placed at Quarry 9

The performance room is equipped with a flat stone stage and a concave sitting area

Quarry 9, like the second hole, is used as a showroom. This is possible because it follows the original nature of its sharp shape which seems to create a cave. Visitors can watch the show on the flat stone stage and sit in the sunken area that has been added at the base.

The third hole, Quarry 10, retains its original shape because this area is used for a demonstration of the rock excavation process, and as an educational room about rock mining. In all three spaces, DnA_Design and Architecture use artificial lighting to accentuate irregular shapes and textures across the stone surface.

Quarry 10

All Images are taken from ArchDaily & Dezeen