Xiazhi Ferry Terminal, Xiazhi Island is located in the southern part of the Zhoushan Archipelago, between Taohua Island and Liuheng Island. The Zhapeng Wharf, where the ferry terminal is located, is situated at the northernmost protruding topographic singularity of the northwest coastline. It is a triangular site bounded by the Z-shaped seawall on the outer side and the S-shaped coastal road on the inner side, adjacent to the Zhapeng Village to the south.
© Min Yang
The Xiazhi Ferry Terminal is not only the main entrance and exit of Xiazhi Island but also symbolizes the connection between people and the ocean, tradition and the future. We regard the whole station area as an open public space and to release the coastline, which becomes the core of the site strategy. Two concrete barrel shell structures are applied to form two volumes that intersect at an angle on the site, are proportionally matched, and transition from hill-shaped to arched-shaped. The splay opening between the two shells facing the station square is connected by a curved light steel arched corridor. This layout continues the hints of the trace of site’s topographical changes and the preservation of its construction history as designed in conceptual plan. The existing ferry terminal building can be sustainably reused, and the eastern boundary of the large shell still serves as a reminder of the disappeared inwardly folded seawall.
© Min Yang
We explore and translate the daily acts and symbolic meanings carried by the ferry terminal as a link between ocean and island. When facing the sea, these two structures present gentle semi-circular arches, while facing the island hills, they appear as solid triangular pitched roofs, symbolizing the transformation and transition from the vastness of the ocean to the safe shelter of the island. This materialization of the concept of “Ferry as Transition” not only reflects the interpretation of the dynamics of arrival and departure from the island but also inspires deep reflections on belonging and travel, settlement and exploration.
© Min Yang
The barrel shell structures adopt a variable cross-section shear-wall-supported concrete shell structure. Two large elliptical arch caves of misaligned different sizes are opened on each side of shear walls of the shell structure, which brings lateral openness and abundant natural light to the interior space, and forms a huge coverage supported by only six quasi column piers.
© Min Yang
In terms of material selection, we intentionally give two different textures to the inner and outer surfaces of the shell. The inner cavity of the shell adopts pure fair-faced concrete to echo the inherent beauty of the structure. The outer surface of the shell is covered with sky-blue glazed round ceramic tiles, which have a fish-scale-like gloss and symbolize the island’s fishing culture. When overlooking the building and the sea from the hillside, the gloss of the glazed ceramic tiles has an extremely similar silky texture to the shimmering sea surface, further enhancing the anchoring effect of the new ferry terminal in this unique location.
Project Info
Architects: Atelier Z+
Country: China, Zhoushan
Year: 2021
Photographs: Min Yang
Partner In Charge: Wei Zhou, Bin Zhang
Project Architect: Yanlin Jin
Project Team: Yue Xu, Yu Lu (Intern), Mengfan You (Intern), Wenhao Xu (Intern), Shuai Song (Intern)
Structure Consultant: AND Office for Architecture & Structure
Concrete Barrel Shell Structure Detailed Design: China Construction First Group Co., Ltd.
Construction General Contractor: Zhoushan Jiahong Construction Engineering Co., Ltd
Concrete Barrel Shell Structure Subcontracting: China Construction First Group Co., Ltd.
Flood Lighting Design: Zhejiang Geyin Lighting Technology Co., Ltd
Construction Drawing Design: Zhejiang University of Technology Engineering Design Group Co., Ltd
Clients: Zhoushan Putuo Transportation Investment and Development Group Co., Ltd.
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.