Unique Membrane Architecture Projects: The Luxe Lakes Equestrian Club In Chengdu
When people talk about Chengdu, they often mention its vibrant food culture, laid-back lifestyle, or the famous giant pandas. But few know that this city is also home to some of China’s most striking modern architecture—especially in the growing Luxe Lakes area. A standout example is the Luxe Lakes Equestrian Club, a beautifully designed entertainment and training facility that blends futuristic design with natural surroundings using membrane structural technology.
A Light Yet Strong Design for a Demanding Space
Located in Chengdu’s Luxe Lakes Eco-City on Lukedao Island, the Equestrian Club is more than just a training facility—it’s a multifunctional recreational space designed to host equestrian activities while engaging visitors of all ages. With a total construction area of 6,450 square meters, the structure had to be both spacious and resilient.
The main riding arena features a 45-meter span, requiring a roofing material that can cover a large open space without adding excessive weight or rigidity. The solution? A high-performance tensile membrane structure that combines industrial-grade engineering with elegant aesthetics. The design adopts a ring-pull umbrella-style canopy with flying masts, effortlessly covering the riding ground and the adjacent “Luxe Academy” activity area.
Functional Beauty in Every Detail
Viewed from above, the crisp white PVC membrane surface glows under daylight, forming a soft contrast with the lush green surroundings. What makes the material even more remarkable is its self-cleaning property. Thanks to a specially treated surface layer, rainwater beads up and rolls off the roof, washing away dust and debris in the process. This not only reduces maintenance but ensures the structure retains its bright, fresh look for years.
Beyond function, the membrane also contributes to the building’s visual identity. Its elasticity, translucency, and color versatility allow it to interact naturally with sunlight—creating a warm, inviting atmosphere inside the arena.
A Hidden Wonderland Beside the Stables
But there’s more to this project than horses and training. Next to the stables lies a charming children’s maze and petting zoo, hidden cleverly within the landscape. Taking advantage of the natural elevation difference between the stables and the main road, designers created a playful space reminiscent of Hobbit houses—a true hidden gem for kids.
Animal enclosures and twisting tunnels are embedded into the earth, surrounded by greenery and filled with wonder. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful architectural planning can merge education, entertainment, and nature in one delightful package.
A School, A Sanctuary, A Story
The Luxe Academy (麓学堂), housed beneath another stretch of tensile membrane roofing, was designed to be more than just a classroom. It’s meant to be a “warm cave” in a child’s imagination—a quiet, protected place where learning meets adventure. Through carefully planned spatial interfaces, children can engage with the natural world around them, learn about animals, and discover the joy of exploration.
The architecture itself plays a central role in shaping that experience. With three interactive zones, the academy encourages movement, observation, and curiosity—essential ingredients for any learning journey.
Who Built This Project?
The stunning Luxe Lakes Equestrian Club in Chengdu was brought to life by Jieol Tensile Structure, a leading membrane architecture company based in Guangzhou, China. With years of experience and technical expertise, Jieol has earned a strong reputation for delivering high-quality tensile structure projects both domestically and internationally.
In China, Jieol has completed numerous landmark tensile structures, including large-scale stadiums, commercial landmarks, and educational facilities. The Luxe Lakes project highlights the company’s ability to combine functional design with artistic form—providing a weatherproof yet visually striking solution for both equestrian sports and community spaces.
Internationally, Jieol has also established long-term collaborations with several tensile structure companies in the Philippines, jointly delivering many successful projects across the archipelago. From shopping malls to public pavilions, Jieol’s designs are known for their durability, beauty, and efficient installation.
Thanks to its global experience and local roots, Jieol continues to push the boundaries of membrane architecture, turning bold concepts into reality with precision and professionalism.
Why Chengdu? Because few cities embrace this kind of bold experimentation in urban planning, sustainability, and child-friendly design. Luxe Lakes is setting a new standard for eco-conscious architecture that is both playful and purposeful, blending high-tech materials with human-centered values.
For those who thought Chengdu was just about pandas and hot pot, the Luxe Lakes Equestrian Club offers an inspiring new perspective.
