Interview with Xinyue Geng | Award-Winning Designer of the Forest Float

KPF is one of the world's top design firms. As part of KPF's New York studio, I am honoured to have contributed to many landmark projects, including super high-rise office towers, high-end residential and master planning.

The design is inspired by the nostalgic childhood treehouse we all loved, combined with the allure of a mysterious dream where we can escape from the everyday. I wanted to design something that evoked a sense of nostalgia, wonder, and reminiscent, like our childhood memories.

With its hanging structure, the treehouse achieves a light and elegant presence, flowing seamlessly atop the treetops, evoking the image of an alien ship floating in the forest. The curved, woven wood surface was inspired by the cocoon-like structures found in nature, symbolising protection, mystery, and tranquility.

Absolutely. My design process is deeply influenced by the cultural heritage and natural landscapes of China. The use of bamboo in Forest Float, for instance, is a nod to traditional Chinese architecture, which often incorporates natural materials that blend with the environment. Growing up surrounded by rich cultural traditions has instilled in me a deep respect for craftsmanship and sustainability, which I strive to integrate into my designs. My work often reflects a balance between modern innovation and cultural continuity, ensuring that each project is both contemporary and rooted in its context.

Thank you! Winning the French Design Awards is a tremendous honour for me. It is a recognition of my commitment to creating innovative and meaningful designs that resonate on both an aesthetic and emotional level. This award validates our approach to architecture, where sustainability, cultural context, and human experience are at the forefront of our design philosophy.

The winning work, Forest Float, is a treehouse designed as both a teahouse and a small-scale vacation room. It’s a unique structure that seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings in the lush forests of Huangshan. The design features a curved, cocoon-like woven wood surface that gives the impression of floating among the treetops, evoking both nostalgia and mystery. We chose to enter this project because it encapsulates our design ethos at Studio Circle: creating spaces that are deeply connected to their environment, culturally resonant, and committed to sustainability.

One of the main challenges in designing Forest Float was achieving a balance between the structure's modern aesthetic and its integration with the natural environment. The suspended structure creates a living environment that blends seamlessly with nature while protecting the trees from damage. The curved, hanging structure required careful engineering to ensure it would be both stable and visually light, giving the impression of floating atop the treetops.

Forest Float uses materials sourced locally from Huangshan, a major bamboo-producing region, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and regional authenticity. The result is a structure that is both modern and deeply connected to its natural and cultural context.

All my designs are distinguished by a deep commitment to blending innovation with locality and sustainability. I strive to create spaces that are not just aesthetically pleasing, but also meaningful and connected to their surroundings. My work often draws from a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, local materials, and sustainable practices, ensuring that each project is rooted in its specific context. What truly sets my designs apart is the emphasis on human experience—creating spaces that resonate emotionally, making each project unique and impactful.