Architects transform abandoned farm houses into Chinese hillside eco-resort
by Kim Megson | 02 Dec 2015
Shanghai studios Ares Partners and Atelier Liu Yuyang have regenerated a complex of abandoned farm houses in a Chinese valley to create a boutique eco-resort called Yun Lu (The Cloud House).
The 3,000sq m (32,300sq ft) resort is located in Yangjia Village, southern China, where it sits among the jungle-topped karst mountains of the Li River valley.
The two architecture firms renovated five farm houses to make space for 23 guestrooms. To create a balance between the traditional architecture of the village and the modern concept of the hotel, the rammed earth technique was used in construction.
“We had to take a sensitive approach to the local culture, with villagers still living nearby, so we integrated the planning and landscape design with the original village structure,” said Atelier Liu Yuyang.
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ARES Partners designed the room interiors, creating a contemporary living space by using both traditional materials – such as restored timber beams and bamboo – as well as steel, concrete and glass.
The two studios also worked together to create a new structure for the hotel’s restaurant and reception areas. Again, old and new styles were combined – the building is made of rough-cut stone blocks, charcoal-treated wood and terra-cotta roof tiles and features large glass doors, a steel interior frame and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Yun Lu hotel offers guests a base from which to explore the village’s dramatic surrounding landscapes. The area has many hiking and cycle trails and river cruises can be taken along the Li River.
The 3,000sq m resort is located in Yangjia Village, southern China, among the jungle-topped karst mountains of the Li River valley Credit: Su Shengliang
The design mixes traditional and modern design features to integrate with the local village Credit: Su Shengliang
Timber beams and bamboo were used alongside steel, concrete and glass for the interiors
Credit: Su Shengliang
The bedrooms have been designed as a contemporary space within a traditional Chinese community Credit: Su Shengliang
Original bricks were used along with modern steel frames and floor-to-ceiling windows Credit: Su Shengliang
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Shanghai studios Ares Partners and Atelier Liu Yuyang have regenerated a complex of abandoned farm houses in a Chinese valley to create a boutique eco-resort called Yun Lu (The Cloud House). The 3,000sq m (32,300sq ft) resort is located in Yangjia Village, southern China, where it sits among the jungle-topped karst mountains of the Li River valley. The two architecture firms renovated five farm houses to make space for 23
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"Culture is the beating heart of this project"
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