I. Project Overview

Perched at an altitude of 3,000 meters in China’s smallest administrative village, the site was once at risk of disappearing as its buildings fell into decay. Rooted in a philosophy of protective regeneration, the project transforms eight fragile traditional wooden houses into an eco-friendly mountain retreat where cultural heritage and contemporary hospitality coexist in harmony.

II. Design Philosophy: Contemporary Interpretation of Tibetan Culture
• Material Reuse
The design begins with a careful deconstruction of the existing structures. Nearly 80% of the old timber—hand-split shingles, wooden staircases, and other components—is salvaged, reinforced, and reused. Combined with modern waterproofing and structural technologies, this approach breathes new life into traditional craftsmanship.
• Settlement Reinterpretation
Twelve standalone guest houses form a settlement that reinterprets the stepped layout characteristic of Tibetan villages. Each building features four distinct functional volumes—living room, bedroom, soaking tub, and tea pavilion. These spaces are linked by passageways, forming a spatial sequence that honors communal memory while offering contemporary privacy and comfort.

III. Spatial Innovation: A Deep Dialogue Between Nature and Humanity
The public area is centered around a shared firepit, creating a sense of communal enclosure reminiscent of the hearth that once anchored local village life. Guest rooms open generously to the landscape through floor-to-ceiling glazing, bringing cloud seas and starlit skies indoors and dissolving the boundary between architecture and nature. Low-impact systems including underfloor heating and rainwater harvesting are thoughtfully integrated to enhance comfort without compromising the rustic aesthetic.

IV. Social Impact: Community Co-Creation Through an Aid-Supported Model
As an aid-supported project, this hospitality development adopts a “company + village collective” partnership model. Local residents engage through house leasing, on-site employment, and profit sharing, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits both cultural preservation and the local economy. The continuous involvement of local artisans ensures that intangible heritage is not merely preserved, but actively carried forward as a living, evolving craft.