located in the chinese city of hangzhou, UAD (the architectural design and research institute of zhejiang university), has completed the renovation of the ‘hangzhou ya gu quan shan’ hotel. surrounded by a landscape of rolling hills and greenery, the concept behind the project seeks to respect the natural environment while also paying homage to the historical heritage of the region. the resulting plan, which covers a vast total area of 337,589 ft2 (31,363 m2), aims to forge a harmonious relationship between nature and humanity. 

UAD renovates hotel to respect the natural environment and heritage of hangzhou, china designboom
entrance, image © zhao qiang

 

 

comprising a total of 182 rooms, the program of the scheme has been designed by UAD to cater for a huge number of guests. in the center of the plot sits the main hotel building, with separate ‘villas’ built around it, affording a more private residence. in addition to hotel rooms, the plan also includes a banquet hall, chinese restaurant, all-day restaurant, conference room, gym, indoor swimming pool and other facilities. the overall site is punctuated by external courtyards, connecting the interiors with an outdoor ‘breathing space’ and bringing guests closer to nature.

UAD renovates hotel to respect the natural environment and heritage of hangzhou, china designboom
south elevation view of the main hotel, image © zhao qiang

 

 

the generous entrance courtyard works to invite guests into the hotel and announce its presence. articulated by a large pool of water, this subtle intervention intends to outline the space while expressing the calmness of buddhist philosophy. the main functions of the hotel are composed by the courtyards located on either side of the central axis of the main entrance. the hotel rooms are located to the southwest of the main building, which is surrounded by the green courtyard and spotted by green plants and dry stones. here there are also several trees, shrubs, and an ancient pavilion at the corner, giving it a rich sense of place.

UAD renovates hotel to respect the natural environment and heritage of hangzhou, china designboom
villa area, image © zhao qiang

 

 

the external architectural expression makes reference to the historical hangzhou style of buildings, with white walls, black roof tiles, deep eaves and dark timber panels. once inside, the same character continues throughout the interiors, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. overall, the combination of materials, forms and colors results in an architecture that balances contemporary luxury with traces of vernacular design.

UAD renovates hotel to respect the natural environment and heritage of hangzhou, china designboom

elevation view, image © zhao qiang

UAD renovates hotel to respect the natural environment and heritage of hangzhou, china designboom

villas, image © zhao qiang

UAD renovates hotel to respect the natural environment and heritage of hangzhou, china designboom

detail view, image © zhao qiang

UAD renovates hotel to respect the natural environment and heritage of hangzhou, china designboom
porch, image © zhao qiang

UAD renovates hotel to respect the natural environment and heritage of hangzhou, china designboom
stairwell, image © zhao qiang

UAD renovates hotel to respect the natural environment and heritage of hangzhou, china designboom

interior view of the hallway, image © zhao qiang

UAD renovates hotel to respect the natural environment and heritage of hangzhou, china designboom
guest room interior, image © zhao qiang

UAD renovates hotel to respect the natural environment and heritage of hangzhou, china designboom
villa viewed at night, image © zhao qiang

UAD renovates hotel to respect the natural environment and heritage of hangzhou, china designboom

bird’s eye view, image © zhang chenfan

 

 

project info:

 

project name: ‘the overall renovation project of hangzhou ya gu quan shan hotel’

location: no. 147, san tai shan road, xihu district, hangzhou, zhejiang, china

architects / architecture firm: hu huifeng, jia zhongde / UAD (the architectural design and research institute of zhejiang university)

client: zhejiang tourism group

gross floor area: 337,589 ft2 (31,363 m2)

photography: zhao qiang, zhang chenfan (bird’s eye view)

 

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: lynne myers | designboom