Sunner Museum Combines Landscape Design with Industrial Heritage by Atelier Alter

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Sustainable modern architecture with green roofs and innovative design combining eco-friendly elements and contemporary construction in an urban setting

A New Sign of Ecological and Industrial Synergy in Fuzhou

The Sunner Museum by Atelier Alter Architects represents a vibrant new cultural landmark in Guanzhou, Nanpin, Fujian Province, China. Commissioned by Fujian Sunner Holding Co., Ltd., it is a 6,800 square meter museum that goes beyond merely honoring the group's four decades of modern agriculture – it is a statement in ecological design and industrial heritage.

Located amid the scenic landscape of Mount Wei-I, the museum sits within the group's production complex, known for its circular agricultural system with zero emissions. Lush nature, clean Futun River, and mountainous terrain served as direct sources of inspiration for the project's architectural style.

Redefining Terrain: Architecture as Landscape

Atelier Alter Architects approached the project with a clear philosophy: to blur the boundaries between architecture and nature. The museum's silhouette is carved into three smooth green roofs, rising like hills from the ground, echoing the forms of surrounding mountains. These curved surfaces form atriums and public terraces offering panoramic views of the industrial area and its natural surroundings.

The project employs the concept of landscape architecture, where the roof itself becomes an inhabitable landscape. These smooth forms not only define the museum's profile but also manage airflow and climate adaptation, integrating drainage, insulation, and ventilation systems directly into the topography.

Sustainable Design with Sculptural Identity

The Sunner Museum's facade is made of folded concrete panels, reminiscent of retaining walls. These textured surfaces vary in scale — providing strength at the base and transparency in public areas using glass curtains. The folds create dynamic light and shadow patterns, while also concealing ventilation grilles and managing water runoff.

At the center of the museum is a massive 25-meter-high column-free hall, supported by four walls resembling silos. This central space allows for dramatic volumes perfect for large installations, all lit by north sky that lets gentle daylight stream in.

The sloped roofs are covered with a thick layer of soil and vegetation, enhancing thermal efficiency and integrating the building into its environment — turning it into a literal green hill. Functional systems, lighting, and mechanical components are concealed within the roof's technical level, preserving visual coherence.

Architecture in Dialogue with Community and Climate

Built to respond to the hot and humid subtropical climate of Fujian Province, the building employs passive design strategies including insulation, natural ventilation, and light modulation. The museum is open during the day to showcase achievements in agricultural science and becomes a public terrace with mountain views, accessible to local residents at night.

This dual role as exhibition space and community platform reflects the building's broader mission: synthesis between architecture, industry, and environment. The Sunner Museum does not merely house exhibits; it embodies the sustainable aesthetics of the Sunner Group.

A Model for Future Industrial Museums

Through its blend of architectural innovation, ecological integration, and industrial history, the Sunner Museum by Atelier Alter Architects sets a new standard for public buildings in rural and industrial settings. It is not only a symbol of the Sunner Group's heritage, but also a blueprint for how future industrial spaces can coexist harmoniously with the landscape.