DL atelier's mountain inn is a humble escape from the city life in china

situated beside the ming dynasty tombs in china, this charming mountain inn by architectural studio DL atelier is an hour drive from beijing — making it convenient for guests who want to escape the bustling city life. this rural refuge offers fresh food and beverages, as well as encourages people to cook together, interact and relax within a humble and simple environment. 

the shared kitchen overlooking the western courtyard
all images © sun haiting

wanting to enforce collective activities, DL atelier has integrated a shared kitchen designed like an open stage facing the courtyard — brightening up during sunny days. its operation table has been purposely shaped as an island for people to cook together. meanwhile, a chef would be facing the audience and leading the session. the eastern sections includes guest rooms with different themes and designs where one can enjoy either the view of mountain or lake from different angles — inviting a sense of serenity and mindfulness. on another hand, spatial voids are interwoven together not only to blur the boundaries of segregation, but also eliminate the distance between people. conceived for multiple users and activities, families and couples are all welcome to stay in the lodge. 

west yard during evening time

in this project, there are not grand architectural narratives or sophisticated construction methods. rather, the studio has opted for local materials such as brick and wood, with appropriate adjustments to the project’s scale and form. in springs, the brick wall becomes covered in climbing plants and wild flowers,  while the courtyard offers guests a sunny and airy escape. in other words, the mountain inn is an ideal hub for aimless, simple leisures that take the mind away from the urban jungle.

the shared kitchen overlooking the western courtyard
east yard view

interior view of the shared kitchen space (west)

the architecture reflects simple, local character with no sophisticated construction or layouts

the east yard offers an open platform towards the mountains

perspective east yard

perspective west yard

master plan

concept diagram 

plan view

project info:

architecture & landscape: dl atelier

architecture: liu yang, sun xinye, lu xuwen, zheng limei

architectural structure: wang chunlei

electrical: hou yanming

heating and ventilation: zheng limei

interior: dl atelier, warming house

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: lea zeitoun | designboom