continuation studio renovates chinese mountain resort into a luxe getaway

yule mountain resort, nestled in the taihuyuan creek in china, was renovated into a sophisticated natural escape by hangzhou-based architecture firm, continuation studio. surrounded by a provincial highway and mountain slopes, the site is nearly three metres higher than the highway, and is easily accessed by steps. the lush nature and enchanting surroundings make the resort a perfect getaway, tucked away in the mountains. 

continuation studio was inspired by the site itself, and aimed to choreograph the relations between the creek, highway, courtyards and buildings to generate a narrative spatial sequence. the main building existing on the site was a four-story construction with 30 rooms, built in an antique style. the owner hoped to reduce the amount of rooms and enhance the spatial experience for the guests’ stay. the dispersed, wooden corridors throughout the site all merged into a 30-meter-long area. each end of the space accommodates a reception and a pavilion, effectively separating the noise of the provincial road, and creating a more intimate atmosphere. at the same time, the distance between the highway and the lobby was stretched to obtain richer views of the surrounding vista along the way. 

the resort’s hidden entrance enhances the tranquility and escapism of the private property. the courtyard in the site of the main building was transformed into a shallow pool as an installation of water reflection, enclosed by walls and a continuous corridor. from underneath space on the front of the main building, the whole elevation of the main building cannot be seen in the corridor. only when you look back on the bonfire platform at the end of the corridor, you will see the complete main building facade.

the reflected scenery in the shallow water make the four-story building blend with the contours of the mountains around it. the activities and events are held on the terraces situated on the other side of the corridor: barbecue aresa and hot spring areas are distributed in multiple terraces around the building. the zoning provides serene experience of living in nature for guests in rooms overlooking the pool, with spatial perspective expanded by the water reflection of the sky. the original 5 rooms on each floor of the main building were re-arranged into three.

a balcony extends from each room, of which has the external space for enjoy the nature. flittering the scenry through the trellis on the facade of the balcony, limiting the horizon of the landscape, and enhancing the privacy of the room. in addition, we collected and surveyed the timeber doors and window frames from the orginal building, then reapplied them onto the building by the creek, weaving its ‘new skin’ into a collage of history.the building will project out warm and memorable lights at night.

project info:

project name: the overall renovation of yule mountain boutique hotel

architects: continuation studio 

design year & completion year: 2016-2018

chief designer: jiu-jiang fan, wen-ting zhai

design team: team members: kai yu, kai-xiong chen, he huang, ting li, fu-dong sun, shuang-er lu, run-jin dong (intern)

location: taihuyuan, lin’an, hangzhou, zhejiang

area: approx. 1100 m2

photographers: yi-long zhao, hong-fei zhao, jiu-jiang fan

lighting design: shanghai pinko lighting design

decoration design: shenzhen wenhua

design structure & construction: xiao-wen neng’s team

clients: ju-ping xia, yong-shui jiang

brand: wood veneer

material: ancient wood

other materials: local

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: cristina gomez | designboom