Gewu Study House

Dongfang Gewu (SZ) Culture & Tech Co., Ltd.

Short description

Gewu Study House is a cultural and educational space guiding individuals in mindful practice. The materials used are sourced entirely from nature and are constructed in strict accordance with the wisdom of traditional Chinese architecture and philosophical systems.
The dojo is the core area of the space, embodying profound design wisdom and philosophical concepts. Its ceiling comes with Asia’s largest single-unit natural spectrum lighting system, with spectral characteristics that closely replicate natural sunlight, in order to promote relaxation and enhance focus.
The surface of the lighting fixtures is engraved with the core symbols of ancient Chinese astronomy and astrology, the Twenty-Eight Constellations diagram.
Directly beneath the light source, the floor features five differently colored soil samples, green, red, white, black, and yellow, corresponding to the traditional Chinese Five Elements philosophy (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth), representing the energy distribution of the earth.
With the Twenty-Eight Constellations above and the Five Elements below, a harmonious structure is formed, resonating between heaven and earth: the ceaseless movement of the stars above and the continuous cycle of the Five Elements below. This design not only embodies the ancient wisdom of “the unity of heaven and humanity” but also makes the flow of energy within the space visible and perceptible.
Practitioners sit in meditation around this installation, attuning to the rhythm of natural energy, using it to harmonize their own qi (life energy) with the surrounding environment, gradually entering a deeper, more focused mental state.
The bamboo curtains in the dojo are made from special bamboo materials, which not only soften intense light to create a gentle ambiance but also filter out harmful ultraviolet and blue light, further enhancing the space’s comfort and safety.
The dojo’s unique acoustic design is a critical component in creating an immersive practice environment. While adhering to the principle of using entirely natural materials, the designers achieved a perfect closed acoustic field through innovative use of bamboo and a sandwich-style composite panel structure. The outer layer consists of high-density bamboo panels with numerous precisely arranged acoustic micro-perforations. They work in synergy with approximately 240,000 liters of internal wall cavities: high-frequency sound waves enter the cavities through the perforations and are absorbed by sound-absorbing materials, while low-frequency sound waves are dissipated through cavity resonance, significantly reducing indoor reverberation time and eliminating echo interference. This creates a controlled, closed sound field environment. Additionally, the natural humidity-regulating properties of bamboo provide dynamic temperature and humidity buffering, maintaining a relatively stable microclimate without external intervention, reducing physiological stress and enhancing user comfort and focus.
This dynamic temperature and humidity regulation mechanism, reliant on natural materials, extends to other areas of the academy. For instance, the surface coatings on the floors and walls outside the dojo are made using the traditional Chinese sticky rice mortar technique, infused with natural soil particles sourced from five regions of China (East, West, South, North, and Central). These soils, due to regional differences, possess distinct negative potential characteristics. Under the catalysis of light and water vapor, they spontaneously generate a pyroelectric effect, continuously releasing negative oxygen ions, with concentrations ranging from 20,000 to 80,000 per cubic meter, over ten times higher than typical office spaces.
When indoor humidity exceeds 85%, the natural microporous structure of the coating automatically activates moisture absorption, capturing water vapor through hydrogen bonding, with each square meter of wall absorbing up to 1.2 liters of water daily, keeping surfaces dry and preventing mold growth. When humidity drops below 40%, the stored moisture in the coating’s crystal lattice is gradually released through thermal motion, contributing approximately 0.3 liters of moisture per cubic meter daily, naturally restoring humidity to a comfortable 50%–65% range, preventing overly dry air. This system relies on the inherent properties of materials and their responsive synergy with environmental changes, creating a humid yet comfortable microclimate akin to a pristine forest.
Located in Shenzhen, characterized by high temperature and humidity in southern China, this system completely eliminates condensation during the “return to the south”. Compared to spaces with conventional latex paint, humidification energy consumption during the air-conditioned season is reduced by 47%, notably decreasing reliance on modern electrical appliances like air conditioners and dehumidifiers. This approach achieves efficient, stable, and low-energy microclimate regulation through natural means, embodying a sustainable design logic rooted in the essence of materials, not merely adapting to the environment but actively creating an ecological practice space in harmony with nature.