Urbanization has resulted in the abandonment of rural areas as people migrate to cities, leaving behind deserted villages with inadequate infrastructure and slow development. Responding to this challenge, the project breathes new life into Shanwan village by developing a circular rural tourism economy.
At the village's entrance, the Restaurant of Metasequoia Grove and the Boatyard Hotel harmonize with the natural surroundings, utilizing existing elements to celebrate a unique local identity. These establishments are captivating tourist destinations and dynamic community gathering spaces, providing local employment opportunities, carrying sustainable economic benefits, and injecting fresh energy into the region.
Situated along the lake, Shanwan Village embodies the scenic Jiangnan landscape. It unfolds from the east, while farmlands cover the west and north. To the south, a grove of metasequoia protrudes from this flat expanse, and a small wild dock lies further into the water. Given this open setting, establishing a gateway landmark that echoes the context, accommodates diverse functions, and inspires unique experiences becomes important.
The grove is translated into multiple frustum geometries, creating an undulating restaurant canopy that merges into the natural silhouette. Similarly, the hotel incorporates a motif inspired by awning boats, repeating to compose a folk Jiangnan rhyme through an abstract language. Thus, the entire project becomes an integral part of the surroundings.
To minimize the construction-related environmental impact and pollution, the restaurant and hotel are slightly elevated, and their prefabricated roof modules are assembled on-site. Additionally, the roof collects rainwater, which is then directed to a water mirror square and filtered for landscape irrigation. To further reduce the carbon footprint, locally sourced rubble stones are incorporated into both structures.
The restaurant incorporates shaded spaces to mitigate humidity, while wooden grating on the ceiling limits direct sun exposure. Considering its internal height, an under-floor air distribution system with floor-level air outlets optimizes cooling and heating efficiency. It also provides enhanced comfort at the ground level, where human activities are concentrated.
The restaurant's distinctive frustum canopies reflect its metasequoia motif with a 2:3:4 ratio. These clustered modules evoke natural growth by delivering an artificial forest profile. Each canopy consists of three layers and a skylight. The outer layer features custom-textured and perforated aluminum panels, the middle layer is glass, and the inner layer contains a wooden lattice pattern, allowing natural light to filter into the interior. The panoramic views and environmental integration are maximized by floor-to-ceiling glazing. The columns are scaled down to further promote spatial continuity between indoor and outdoor areas by minimizing visual obstruction. Ten column bundles are aligned with the ceiling edge, consisting of three slender columns each, contributing to a sense of structural lightness.
The hotel features an entrance reception, a dining hall, and guest rooms. The spatial sequence begins with a grand archway at the reception. On either side of the archway, two multi-arched roof areas are divided into front and back sections by courtyards. The front section houses the dining hall, while the back section accommodates the guest rooms. Each roof arch aligns with a guest room below, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic. The dining area by the water's edge provides an immersive lake view. It subtly sinks 0.3m below the water's surface, evoking the ambiance of a cozy boat cabin floating on the river.
This project integrates the essence of Chinese rural memories and urban lifestyles. It is an inclusive space for both rural inhabitants and urban explorers, providing an improved living experience for locals and an immersive rural tourism experience for visitors.
GOA is a highly influential architectural firm in China, renowned for its unwavering commitment to the highest design standards, along with multidisciplinary elite teams, sophisticated operational systems, cutting-edge research capabilities, and extensive collaborative networks. With a 25-year legacy of excellence, it has established an exceptional reputation in the industry.
GOA embraces the transformative power of design by providing comprehensive design solutions to address the evolving challenges of the modern era. Its projects seek to shape the built environment in a meaningful, sustainable, and responsive manner. They celebrate the diversity of human experiences, encompassing spatial, natural, social, and urban engagement, while striving to impact future positivity.