Nature inspired hotel design creates a zen-like retreat

Project: Nanjing Back To Yaxi Manor Resort
Award: Bronze, Hospitality Interiors - Hotel & Other Overnight Accommodation, 2024
Location: Nanjing, China
Design Practice: YuQiang & Partners
Client: Jiangsu Shuman Investment Co., Ltd.

YuQiang & Partners’ design for Nanjing Back To Yaxi Manor Resort, draws inspiration from nature, using wooden textures to convey a sense of time and cultural depth at this tranquil retreat in a scenic tourist spot in China’s Gaochun County.  The project incorporates rammed earth walls and earth-covered buildings that blend perfectly with the surrounding landscapes.

The hotel’s reception centre features a focal point central island platform that displays organic produce from the estate's farms while transparent glass windows blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing natural light to fill the interiors.

“The use of natural materials, such as rammed earth and wood, not only promotes environmental protection but also contribute to the artistic expression and overall ambience of the spaces,” the design studio said.

The restaurant and private dining areas feature bamboo art lamps, bamboo walls and ceilings painted with white, show casing Yaxi's bamboo culture.

The judges said: "The interior design concept embraces a simple yet powerful idea of returning to nature. Despite its simplicity, this approach brings beautiful nuances to the guest experience, creating a strong and impactful intent."

They added: "The materials used effectively bring the presence of nature into the spaces. The user journey within the space flows naturally, offering a rich variety of experiences. The design language is consistently translated across different areas, yet it explores multiple identities: the locality of the place, the manor’s identity, and a Japanese interpretation of the tatami experience."

Design highlights

The Bamboo Grove Single Bedroom, structured with Tatami mats, forms a Japanese-style tourist cottage, where bamboo and wood interweave between earth and walls.

The "Ya Ji" Lakeside Banquet Hall, capable of accommodating up to 200 guests, offers a versatile space for conferences, banquets, and events. The deep and layered tones of the wooden ceiling add a rhythmic sense of richness to the ambience. A relaxing lounge area encourages social interactions and provides a serene environment for guests to unwind.

Photo credit: Huang Zaohui