A small wooden shelter on a riverbank, surrounded by lush greenery and water.

Siming Wu Crafts a Unique 20 m² Shelter with Abandoned Timber in Huizhou River Project

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-07-28

A retreat for diverse life forms

Siming Wu’s inventive installation, the Deadwood Hut, is part of the Nankunshan-Luofushan Rim Pioneer Zone Architectural Art Project located in Huizhou along the Xutian River. This 20-square-meter structure, completed in 2025, challenges traditional concepts of shelter by extending its purpose beyond human use alone.

To delve into more uses of tiny spaces, check out making the most of crawl space and uncover creative solutions.

Interior view of the shelter, showcasing wooden walls and sparse furnishings.

A space of coexistence

The Deadwood Hut reinterprets “shelter” by crafting a space harmonizing with nature, transforming leftover timber from the riverside into a refuge for insects, plants, microorganisms, and other life forms. Wu’s design elevates the visibility of these overlooked elements, showcasing their importance in the ecosystem.

Close-up of timber joints and texture on the shelter's exterior.

By integrating deadwood into its core structure, the installation not only offers a striking visual but serves as a functional habitat. It exemplifies how architecture can foster an inclusive environment, highlighting the interconnectedness of all beings. This project invites you to rethink the potential of architectural spaces to support biodiversity.

Shelter viewed from a distance, blending into the riverside environment.

For more architectural inspiration that embraces nature, explore this plant-filled architectural installation which highlights the relationship between architecture and threatened ecosystems.

Detail of the shelter's timber roof against a clear sky.
Siming Wu stands proudly beside the wooden shelter he created.
© Siming Wu

Sources & Links

Source: archdaily.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Siming Wu’s Deadwood Hut?

The Deadwood Hut challenges traditional concepts of shelter by extending its purpose beyond human use alone, creating a refuge for insects, plants, microorganisms, and other life forms. It harmonizes with nature by transforming leftover timber from the riverside into a functional habitat.

Where is the Deadwood Hut located?

The Deadwood Hut is located in Huizhou, along the Xutian River, as part of the Nankunshan-Luofushan Rim Pioneer Zone Architectural Art Project.

What material is used in the core structure of the Deadwood Hut?

The Deadwood Hut integrates deadwood into its core structure, offering both a striking visual and a functional habitat, enhancing the interconnectedness of all beings in the ecosystem.