Renovation of Guangnan Gospel Hall by TouchGrass Architecture

TouchGrass Architecture, led by Zishi Li, has completed the renovation of the Guangnan Gospel Hall, a historic timber church in Guangxi, China. Constructed in 1930 and consecrated in 1932, the hall is the only wooden church in the region. It was built by local villagers under the leadership of Pastor Dong Shi Zhengang, using local fir and the traditional chuandou timber framing system, topped with a hip roof. Over its nearly century-long history, the building served as a place of worship, a village committee office, an elderly activity room, and a primary school classroom, each use leaving its mark. By 2025, the structure had severely deteriorated: widespread decay, irregular settling of the frame with localized collapses, and an enclosure that no longer protected the interior from wind and rain. The renovation, covering 288 square meters and completed in 2026, was led by restoration and timber construction leader Changyuan Yang. The project, categorized under cultural heritage, was curated by Han Shuang and photographed by Chun Deng. The renovation aimed to preserve the building's historical and cultural significance while addressing structural issues, ensuring its continued use for the community.