Soft and earth-toned walls combined with horizontal geometry choreograph the spaces of the hotel in Fengxi New City, Shanxi Province, China, designed by Studio A+. 

Named Mu Feng Yue Hot Spring Hotel, the 3,440-square-metre building is envisioned as a serene retreat, nestled in the natural wilderness yet mere moments from the urban bustle. 

The hotel, which spreads horizontally around the site, is built on a layout with the structural walls positioned completely perpendicular to each other.

The use of earth-toned, wood-textured bare concrete was chosen to give the impression that the building emerges organically from the land.

"This hotel represents a seamless fusion of city life and nature, providing guests with a peaceful and refined sanctuary," said Studio A+. 

"The architectural approach adopted here emphasizes harmony with nature and thoughtful adaptation to the surroundings, resulting in a design that boasts a rustic façade paired with a rich interior."

"This establishment isn't merely a structure; it's an environment crafted through strategic placement of walls that redefine and choreograph the space," the office added.

The experience of the space is enhanced by the orientation of the walls, while integrating the "environment" with its larger context. 

The building features a sunken courtyard, tailored to the local condition, and gives the impression of the structure emerging organically from the land. 

The sudio emphasizes that the choice of materials is important in this project and believes that the structure naturally looks like a part of its surrounding.

The selected materials is comprised of rich earth-toned, timber-textured bare concrete that complements the natural hues of the surroundings. 

Key features include the ethereal "rice paper lantern" suspended tearooms, reflective pools, sloping water surfaces, and Zen-inspired orange glass pavilion set over water, all contributing to the hotel's enigmatic allure.

The hotel programme includes 6 luxurious guest rooms, each with its own indoor pool, and 8 outdoor pools with dedicated showers and lounges.

Fine dining halls and tearooms specialize in local flavors. The 10,005-square-metre land of the hotel is dedicated to a sprawling layout that can include gardens, water features, lawns and seasonal flower seas. 

"The hotel becomes an attractive option for those wishing to find peace and indulgence in an urban oasis," the studio explained. 

"Notably, this project adeptly incorporates an urban pumping station and a power distribution facility buried on the second underground level."

The building was built atop pre-existing structure, constrained by the limitations of the site. 

In order to minimize earth backfilling, the architects have strategically positioned the building functions starting from the first basement level, ingeniously using the landscape to craft a sunken courtyard connected to the ground level via green slopes on two sides. 

According to the studio, this approach not only help to reduce costs for the developer but also demonstrate a profound respect for and utilization of the site natural condition. 

Key features in the project include temperature-sensitive skylights that smartly open to enhance air circulation and adjust the indoor microclimate, infusing vertical natural light into public spaces. 

In addition, it features a series of light-guiding tubes that channel daylight to lower levels, promoting energy efficiency. 

A plenty of greenery was added to the rooftop to purify the air and harnesses rainwater, offering energy savings and cooling for indoor spaces. 

"These environmentally sensitive designs significantly reduce long-term operational costs, reflecting a commitment to sustainable architecture," the office added.

Master plan

First basement floor plan

First floor plan

Roof floor plan

Sections

Elevations

Studio A+ designed a climbable, ring-shaped art center on a green mound in Zhengzhou, Henan Province in China. 

Studio A+ was founded by founding partner and the design principal Min Wang. The firm is a young and vigorous design team aiming to provide innovative architectural, interior architectural, landscape architectural, and product design solutions for clients.

Project facts

Project name: Mu Feng Yue Hot Spring Hotel

Architects: Studio A+

Location: Fengxi New City, Shanxi Province, China

Total floor area: 3,440m2

Site area: 10,005m2

Architecture height: 8.4m

Design firm: STUDIO A+

Chief architect: Min Wang

Interior design: STUDIO A+ (public area), Xi'an Xilv Tourism Culture Development Co., Ltd. (guest rooms and pools)

Structural consultant: Beijing Qinghua Tongheng Planning and Design Institute Co., Ltd.

Electromechanical design: Beijing Qinghua Tongheng Planning and Design Institute Co., Ltd.

Curtainwall system consultant: Architecture Design and Research Institute of HIT

Lighting design: Ning Field Lighting Design Corp., Ltd.

Landscape design consultant: Xi'an Symbiosis Architectural Landscape Planning and Design Co., Ltd.

Client: Shaanxi Fengxi New City Investment & Development Corp., Ltd. 

Design period: 2019 August – 2021 January 

Construction period: 2021 April – 2023 August

Contractor: SCEGC Fengxi Construction Corp., Ltd.

All images © Archi-translator.

All drawings © Studio A+.

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