Zoland · Emei

ZOLAND Resort is a boutique mountain retreat in Emeishan, designed by Studio J. Bridgland. Rooted in the philosophy of architectural quietude, the project transforms a series of dilapidated structures into a sanctuary that dissolves seamlessly into the forested landscape—inviting guests to reconnect with nature and with themselves.

The architecture draws inspiration from the site’s terrain and cultural heritage. Buildings are arranged in a staggered, village-like composition, recalling stone dwellings nestled into the hillside. Traditional pitched roofs and deep eaves are reinterpreted with a contemporary sensibility, bridging past and present.

With its landscape-first approach, restrained material palette, and poetic integration of tradition and modernity, ZOLAND Resort is conceived not merely as a hotel but as a secluded haven—an environment that encourages reflection, slowness, and a renewed dialogue between people and the land.

Appearance · A Sculpted Arrival
At the entrance, the façade is formed in hand-chiseled textured concrete, its raw tactility grounding the architecture in permanence. This crafted surface establishes an immediate sense of material authenticity and timelessness.

The Courtyard · Heart of the Mountain
The central courtyard serves as the social core of the resort, an outward-looking space where nature and architecture converge against the majestic mountain backdrop. At its centre stands an ancient Zhennan tree, encircled by a reflecting pool. As the valley’s oldest and tallest tree, it becomes a silent guardian—anchoring the experience in history and continuity.

Spiritual Space · Boundless Connection
Defined by expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing, the spiritual space dissolves the boundary between interior and exterior. The result is an immersive dialogue with the forest, fostering stillness and openness to the surrounding environment.

Dining Room · A Taste of Craft
The dining hall expresses a union of local craftsmanship and refined structure. Externally, the roof is clad in traditional Leshan grey tiles; internally, a cedar framework spans the ceiling with warmth and rhythm. Walls of schist stone sourced from Emei Mountain root the space in its geological context.

Bedrooms · Framing the Mountains
Perched at the highest point of the site, a washed stone-clad structure houses guest suites discreetly integrated beneath a lifted green landscape. From the exterior, the building is nearly invisible; from within, floor-to-ceiling windows frame tranquil mountain vistas.

Bathrooms · Stone and Serenity
Bathrooms feature deep red local stone, fostering a tactile and timeless connection to the land. The natural textures and muted tones transform the space into a serene retreat within the mountain.

Outdoor Pool · Immersed in Nature
The bathing experience extends outdoors, where a stone pool merges with the mountain terrain. Finished in washed stone and green granite, it blurs the threshold between built form and landscape, enveloping guests in nature’s embrace.

Embracing Slow Time
At ZOLAND Resort, the design philosophy is guided by the idea of slow time—a conscious retreat from distraction. Through its landscape-led planning and calm, understated architectural language, the resort invites guests to slow down, notice their surroundings, and reconnect with their inner selves.

Project Name: Zoland · Emei
Address: No. 33, Group 3, Qingyin Village, Huangwan Town, Emeishan City
Area: 2,900 sqm
Indoor area: 2,516 sqm
Partners in charge: Justin Bridgland, Jaycee Chui
Architecture design: Studio J. Bridgland
Interior design: Studio J. Bridgland
Photography: Jonathan Leijonhufvud @AGENT PAY
Completion time: April 2025