Hengxu International Hotel Complex

Hengxu International Hotel is located in Lingang Economic and Technological Development Zone, Yibin City (a prefectural-level city) in Sichuan Province. In the process of urban modernization, cities like Yibin desire for a 'land mark' which in most of property developers' mind has eccentric form and remarkable height. However, what 'landmark' means to us, is not the physical condition but the cultural and spiritual core. In this project, Yushe Design tries to create a complex based on the "faraway mountains and nearby water" around the site and echoes to the city's identity as "Shan-Shui city" which is best known for its mountainous terrain and the first city on Yangtze river. With 384 guest rooms, the new 22-storey, 122,500-square-meter hotel &complex serves as a dynamic addition to the city.

The main towers of the complex are served as five-star hotel whose unique sculptural form is interpreted from Chinese traditional culture of “Shan-Shui”, which means ‘high mountain and flowing water’. The commercial complex and villa areas are layered in sinuous organic forms inspired from the native natural shape of mountain and rock.

This common icon is recognized in this project both literally and spiritually. The form of the main tower appears like the Chinese ideograph “山”（in pinyin ‘Shan’，which means mountain）,while the glass curtain wall is decorated with ribbed stainless steel bar which is a dynamic parametric simulation of the shape of flowing water.

Distinctive elements have been specially designed to respond to "Shan-Shui" concept. The robust of slot-cut stone is neutralized by the slight and reflective glass. The reflective surfaces capture the changing palette of natural light, creating different visions from different angels. These features add innovative regionalism to the building's contributions to the city, help earn Hengxu International Hotel the "name card" of the city.

The intention of flowing water is also emphasized by the ‘waterfall’ flowing down from the canopy high above the entrance of the hotel which is collected by a rainwater collection system. When people step into the hotel, a scroll of landscape painting unveiled.

The interior design of the hotel adopts “Shan-Shui” concept too. The free-form pendant lamp throughout the whole lobby with stunning 16-meter high space is an allusion of flowing river. While the reception and lobby area design exude a masculine aesthetic, features elegant and solid materials, such as marble, bronze, which complement the feminine feeling of silky pendant while yellow golden veining in the marble adds a luxurious touch. In the adjacent lounge, fixtures, furniture, and materials balance the theme.

Guest rooms are designed to five-star standard—emphasizing clean lines and warm woods—with artwork featured in ‘Shan-Shui’ painting to further infuse the interiors with ‘Shan-Shui’ city spirit.

The dialogue between form, technology and material is a constant state of interplay. It’s absolute catalyst for fusing together elements which we believe can convey deeper primordial responses in contemporary hotel design. Every time when a certain kind of material reaches to its critical point, another different material would appear. Just like the harmonious symphony of a master piece, the architect, also a conductor, let all musical notes integrated together to create a beautiful tune.

Director: Xu Yi, Chen Xiao, Lizhiqiang, Gao Shantong
Project Team: Xu Junfeng, Li Keke, Cao Zhen, Li Meng, Tim, Li Jing, Nong Yanyan, Wang Dengdeng
Photography: Hu Yijie