The design draws inspiration from the fundamental elements of Huizhou dwellings—courtyards, skywells, and alleyways—reinterpreting them as architectural prototypes for spatial organization. Among these, the skywell stands out. In traditional Huizhou houses, the skywell served practical functions such as lighting, drainage, and ventilation, but it also embodied a profound cultural metaphor: the idea of "converging four waters into the hall," symbolizing harmony and unity within the household.

△ Study of the Surrounding Village Fabric

△ Project Site Fabric

△ Model

The site itself presents a strikingly varied topography, with steep slopes, gentle inclines, and a valley, creating an elevation difference of up to 30 meters. The layout of the hotel responds to this dramatic landscape, using the natural terrain and the varying vistas of sunlight—at sunrise, midday, and sunset—as guides to shape the spatial sequences of the hotel.

△ Planning Generation Analysis

The eastern highland, with its open vistas, offers views of the sunrise, making it ideal for outward-facing public spaces. To the north, the view unfolds to reveal a panoramic scene of rolling mountains and the close-knit, ancient villages below—where nature and culture coexist harmoniously. In contrast, the western valley is more inward-looking, shrouded in peaceful solitude and dense with tall poplar trees. This seclusion fosters a quiet, reflective atmosphere. The layout, therefore, follows the natural contours of the land: public spaces are positioned to the east, while the guestroom clusters gradually transition westward.

△ Overall Layout Model

The architectural organization mirrors the traditional grouping found in Huizhou villages, where buildings are organized into clusters, linked by alleys, and capped with inward-sloping roofs.

△ Roof Element Extraction

Below these roofs, a series of skywells and courtyards seamlessly guide the transition between private and public, exterior and interior, creating both singular and dynamic spatial experiences.

△ Roof Element Application Analysis

The public spaces are arranged along the canyon landscape, with the arrival and reception zones forming the entry sequence. To the east, elevated terraces open to expansive views, accommodating gathering areas like restaurants and banquet halls. This design not only maximizes the site's scenic potential but also emphasizes the outward-focused experience of the space.

△ Public Area Model

Dining is a signature offering of Kimpton Hotels, and it has been placed at the easternmost end of the site, where it enjoys a high degree of independence and the best possible views. To the west, a more secluded, gently sloping plateau is devoted to wellness and leisure spaces, providing a more intimate and tranquil atmosphere.

At the heart of the public buildings are skywells, opening toward the sky to bring in natural light and establish an inwardly focused, contemplative atmosphere. The spatial arrangement within the clusters adheres to a rhythm of symmetry and layered courtyards, breaking down larger volumes into fragmented, terrace-like forms that enhance spatial continuity and openness.

△ Guestroom Model

△ Guestroom Cluster Analysis

The guestroom clusters follow a linear arrangement along both sides of the primary circulation route, responding to topographical and sightline considerations. On sloped terrain, the rooms are terraced downward from higher elevations, ensuring that each level enjoys uninterrupted panoramic views. Within the valley, controlled spacing between guestroom clusters minimizes visual intrusion, enhancing privacy while preserving a sense of openness and connection to the landscape.

△ Visual Analysis