Beijing Wanli Yipiao Courtyard Spring Resort

Beijing: Local Approach

The Red Wall, with its grey bricks and glazed roof tiles, along with the courtyard, features traditional architectural elements from Beijing that nurture a shared cultural memory. These elements have been preserved in the space through modern design language, transforming them into a contemporary experience. The interior showcases a red textured wall, green glass furniture, a grey ceiling, and a brass background screen, all of which link the local community’s cultural sentiments to the hospitality experience.

XUTING: Environmental Approach

The project utilizes design-by-environment as its core strategy. In creating the space, the architect removed many wall partitions, ensuring that each area is surrounded by one to three courtyards. This arrangement creates a fluid circulation of abundant courtyards that enhance the spatial narrative. Architect Jung Donghyun adopted the concept of XUTING as a spatial language within the context of the courtyards. He drew inspiration from the characteristics of Hidden, Penetrate, Blur, and Transparent found in traditional Oriental Shanshui Painting. This approach allows for a seamless integration of the relationships between architecture, garden, and interior. Ultimately, it organizes the XUTING cluster to reflect the layout and ambiance of the courtyard hotel.

Space: Reverse Approach

The ceiling texture in the lobby and restaurant features a pattern resembling roof tiles, which blurs the distinction between the interior and exterior and creates a unique experience that transcends conventional designs. In the courtyard suites, auditorium, and lounge, the ceiling maintains a consistent logic but adopts various forms. The surfaces in the guestroom suites strike a balance between regular and irregular shapes, symmetry and asymmetry, as well as order and disorder, offering a continuous or interrupted design that surprises guests unexpectedly.

Experience: Approach to Shanshui

The design prioritizes people and nature, placing them at the forefront while making architecture and space secondary. It incorporates natural elements such as light, wind, trees, and water to enhance the experience and evoke feelings. Inspired by oriental Shanshui Painting, this philosophy is embodied in XUTING, an eastern spatial prototype. The layout revolves around an interior pool and a courtyard pool, which serve as core spaces that create a flowing route between the XUTING area and the courtyard. This design maximizes opportunities to connect with nature, revitalizing both the mind and spirit.

The hotel successfully balances modest comfort with luxury, providing a relaxing experience. The architects aim to inherit the oriental XUTING and organize the XUTING cluster within a modern context while practicing a Shanshui hospitality journey.

Clients: Beijing Shuicheng Yipiao Hotel Management Co., Ltd.

Architects: PLAT ASIA

Principal architect: Donghyun JUNG

Partner architect: Liu Guowei

Design director: Lian JIngyun

Project architect: Chen Yiyi

Scheme design team: Zhou Qinyuan, Shang Anqi, Wang Haiyu, Liu Xinwei, Yang Lu, Ma Xuan, Dong Zijuan, Li Shu

Interior LDI: YiBoChuan (Shandong) Design Institute

Landscape design: Shucha (Suzhou) Design Co., Ltd.

Lighting consultant: Zhu Haiyan

Decoration design: Beijing Yanyi International Art Design Co., Ltd.

Signage design: Beijing SEED Culture Media Co., Ltd.

Construction contractor: Beijing Ruixiang Jincheng Engineering Construction Co., Ltd.

Photo: Yumeng Zhu; DW KIM