Chinese Pavillion

Rooted in the spirit of Chinese tradition, this piece carries the quiet stories of the past, even though it may appear aged or weathered. Each layer reflects the harmony, balance, and beauty found in Chinese culture.

The Chinese pavilion, with origins often traced back to early dynastic periods such as the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE), has evolved across centuries. Though it began as a small, practical shelter, it gradually transformed into a structure representing status, refinement, and elegance.

Its design is never accidental; it always carries purpose and meaning. The upward-curving roof is believed to lift spirits and guide qi energy toward the sky. The gold and red tones symbolize protection, prosperity, and good fortune. Finally, the hexagonal shape represents smooth flow and balance, echoing the rhythms of nature found in traditional Chinese gardens. Every detail was created with intention, carrying the meaning of ancient Chinese culture. Its harmony reflects the idea of humans and nature existing as equals, encouraging viewers to pause and appreciate the world around them.

This project allowed me to explore how traditional ideas of harmony, balance, and connection to nature can be expressed through modern materials and creative interpretation. In doing so, I am not only recreating a structure from the past, but also continuing its story, understanding how history can be interpreted, reshaped, and kept alive through making.

Structural supplies

1. This white board
2. Dowels (6x4.8inch)
3. Thick sheet of paper

Detailing Material

1. Mod Podge
2. Fake turf/bushes/moss
3. Laser cutter with thin sheets of paper
4. Air dry clay
5. Balsa wood
6. Elmer's glue
7. Clear and white glue
8. Acrylic Paint (Red, Black and Blue)
9. any tissue paper

Tools

1. Craft knife + cutting mat
2. Hot glue gun + Glue Stick
3. Ruler
4. 3D printer
5. Mini or large saw
6. Paint brushes
7. Pencil + eraser

First I created a Tinkercad model by combined multiple references together and ended up making a design like this

I created a one-point perspective drawing for this pavilion to establish depth and guide the overall layout of the structure.

I also created multiple drafts of the floor plan to refine the layout and improve the overall design before finalizing the structure.

I created three hexagons using white boards, each with sides measuring 3.25 inches. These three layers were stacked and hot glued together to increase the structure’s stability and thickness. This was done to reinforce the base so it would not rely only on clay for the walls, giving the model more strength and support.

Next, I used thin balsa wood to make an outline for both the top and bottom layers of the white board structure.

I cut the white board into small rectangles measuring 0.25 inches by 0.75 inches. I glued two rectangles together to form one post, because a single piece of cardboard was not thick enough to be structurally stable. After gluing them together, I covered each post with air-dry clay for a smoother finish and added strength. These posts were then used as the fence supports. I made 16 of these pieces total and hot glued them into place one in each corner and two in the middle sections to form the fence supports.

The measurements were taken from the middle top of each post to ensure consistent spacing and alignment between all fence sections. Using these measurements, I cut balsa wood to match the required lengths. I then covered these pieces with air-dry clay for a finished look. Finally, I used these clay-covered pieces and hot glued them between the fence posts to connect the sections.

Finally, I used air-dry clay to add decorative designs between the fence posts to complete the structure.

I 3D printed these two pieces using a slicing program to prepare the model for printing. The pieces were then successfully printed.

I created a hexagon with the same dimensions as the bottom of the top floor roof and hot glued it into place. I then made holes in the white board to fit the 4.8-inch dowels, inserted them, and secured everything with hot glue.

Next, I built small ledge-like structures to connect the first floor to the roof of the first floor, inspired by traditional ancient Chinese architecture.

I also used a laser cutter to create decorative patterns between the two dowels, adding detailed design elements to the structure.

For the roof, I created three hexagons, each measuring 1.5 inches per side, and glued them onto the roof structure. I then covered the roof using air-dry clay and used hot glue to attach and smoothly connect it to the first floor.

I later created a small hill in the corner using tin foil as the base structure. I shaped finer details using tissue paper, then added cardboard for extra support. I used tape to wrap and secure everything, creating a more stable and defined form.

Finally, I hot glued fake grass over the entire hill to complete the natural landscape effect.

First, I painted the dowels, the bottom roof floor, and the connecting areas between the first and second floors using a dark red color. I achieved this by mixing red paint with a small amount of black paint.

Next, I combined the base hexagon with the pavilion and glued the entire structure onto the flat top surface of the hill.

I then created a pathway using tissue paper, shaping it with Elmer’s glue to hold the form. I cut thin boards into small oval-like pavement pieces and glued them along the path.

After that, I removed part of the fake grass at the bottom edge. I painted the exposed surface blue to represent water and applied Mod Podge over it to give a shiny, realistic water-like finish.

I also created rocks using air-dry clay mixed with a small amount of black food coloring to make a gray color. I shaped the clay into geometric forms, allowed them to dry, and then hot glued them into place.

I added larger rocks near the water to make the landscape more natural, and placed smaller rocks directly in the water to create the effect of partially submerged stones. Around the larger rocks on the ground, I added moss using Elmer’s glue, placing it around their bases and nearby areas to help them blend into the environment and give the scene a more natural, aged look.oss the ground to enhance the natural landscape effect.