Situated on the main street of Dali Shuanglang, adjacent to Erhai Lake, the Yunqi Seaview holiday hotel enjoys a unique cultural ambiance shaped by the surrounding mountains and waters. Facing new demands and challenges. As an architect, designer, and hotel operator, An Jun aimed to achieve a multidimensional and forward-looking design rooted in the local context, creating enduring and immersive spaces that capture the essence of contemporary vacation experiences while harmonizing with nature.
Simplifying for Forward-thinking Richness:
In response to the evolving needs of contemporary living and the growing desire for immersive environments, the hotels sought to provide a seamless blend of comfort, versatility, and richness. Structural changes were implemented to address the limitations of the existing space. Rather than extensively modifying the building itself, the focus was on adjusting the number and configuration of the rooms. The original 22 rooms were reduced to 15, allowing for larger individual units ranging from 45 to 100 square meters. Recognizing that space is key, the designer aimed to offer modern travelers the autonomy to choose their own experiences. Guests can now enjoy the lazy tranquility of a sea-view room while savoring the allure of Dali through various seating, lounging, and private contemplation areas thoughtfully integrated within the spacious layout.
Symbiosis with Nature, Connection to the Local:
Yunqi Seaview holiday hotel embraces a natural aesthetic, characterized by subdued wall surfaces, organic materials, and warm tones. The interplay of flowing light, delicate fragrances, and gentle breezes becomes a dynamic element that stimulates emotions. The designer's vision of symbiotic design with nature permeates every aspect of the hotels. The lush vegetation, originally planted 12 years ago, has grown into an irreplaceable part of the landscape.
Considering the operational perspective, world-class hotels often owe their excellence to the presence of water, comfortable temperatures, and unique cultural contexts. An Jun concentrated on interpreting and extracting natural elements and local identity. Plants played a functional role in each room, where elevated platforms were created near the windows, incorporating various heights and densities of vegetation to enhance relaxation and address lighting needs. This same concept was extended to the floating platforms outside the third floor, covered in greenery, allowing guests to experience the natural beauty of Dali immediately upon arrival.
Returning to Simplicity and Minimalism:
The hotel's interior design adopts a minimalist approach, eschewing ornate decorations and vibrant colors. Within this efficient simplicity, residents find genuine, heartfelt, and distinctive aesthetics. "Localization" does not mean simply showcasing local objects; instead, it infuses new vitality into the space. For instance, the iconic fireplace, which has become synonymous with Yunqi Seaview holiday hotel, was meticulously crafted by local artisans using traditional bricks unique to Shuanglang. It serves as a sincere invitation for visitors to explore the local culture.
The selection and use of materials throughout the hotels were carefully considered. An Jun adhered to the principle of incorporating natural attributes into the materials while embracing the craftsmanship involved in their construction. The natural textures of stone, bricks, and coatings were left unadorned, showcasing the workmanship of craftsmen. The result is a space that breathes and exudes vitality, resonating with the essence of its time and place.
Harnessing the Power of Light:
Light played a crucial role in the design, both in its curation and application. Situated in the eastern part of Erhai Lake with its natural landscapes, the hotels face the challenge of intense sunlight at high altitudes. To address this issue while maintaining aesthetic unity, traditional curtains and blackout blinds were replaced with a multitude of grille doors and windows. These grids not only provide shading but also allow gentle light to filter through, creating a symbiotic relationship between visitors and the natural environment. As dawn breaks, the soft illumination gradually awakens the senses, fostering a shared moment between humans and nature. At sunset, the interplay of light and shadow through the grilles becomes a unique memory, sculpting the experience of Erhai Lake bathed in moonlight. This dynamic lighting design enriches the space, offering a minimalist, diverse, and immersive encounter between nature and humanity