Located in Dali, Yunnan Province in southwestern China, Erhai Lake is renowned for its ever-changing seasonal landscapes and the rich biodiversity nurtured by its expansive shoreline. Its exceptional ecological environment makes it an ideal stopover and feeding ground for migratory birds on their long annual journeys.

The Sky Migratory Bird Observatory Residence sits along the banks of Erhai Lake. The clients—a couple passionate about ecological conservation—are biology enthusiasts who delight in observing migratory species such as the glossy ibis, Baer’s pochard, cranes, and mandarin ducks. In 2023, they commissioned architects Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee, founders of HAS Design and Research, to design a multifunctional space that serves both as a station for observing and documenting migratory birds and as a place for academic exchange, rest, and hospitality.

Inspired by the clients’ deep connection to wildlife, Hung And Songkittipakdee (HAS) proposed two distinct spatial approaches. The first utilizes abundant locally sourced Dali timber to craft a warm, organic observatory that immerses occupants in an environment akin to that of migratory birds. Undulating ceilings and curved walls echo the natural contours of the Erhai landscape, grounding the structure within its surroundings. The second approach embraces raw, unfinished materials—exposed soil, sand, and stone—to evoke the austere and transient habitats that migratory birds pass through. This interplay of coarse and refined textures symbolizes both the resilience of avian life and the ruggedness of the natural world.

The spatial sequence within the Sky Migratory Bird Observatory Residence is meticulously composed. Visitors first pass through a dimly lit foyer with a lowered ceiling, where filtered natural light creates an introspective threshold. A curved-walled transition space leads to the central gathering hall, connecting the entrance with the main observatory. The observatory itself features expansive, double-layer ultra-clear glass, offering panoramic views ideal for both visual study and high-resolution photography. Flexible, mobile furniture enhances the adaptability of the space. Handmade curtains crafted from locally woven fabrics interact with shifting natural light, helping define zones suitable for meditation, yoga, tai chi, quiet reflection, and academic dialogue.

More than a place for birdwatching, the Sky Migratory Bird Observatory Residence is an architectural meditation on ecological empathy. It embodies a dialogue between humans and nature, exploring themes of environmental care, biological awareness, and the evolving conditions of the natural world. Through the vision of architects Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee of HAS Design and Research, the project reflects the delicate, interconnected relationship between people and migratory birds—offering new possibilities for living in harmony with nature.