A serene haven blending traditions and modernity

Korla City stands at the cradle of Western culture and is a shining jewel of the ancient Silk Road. Embracing the continuity of local culture and nature, Aedas Global Design Principal Kevin Wang and his team have crafted the CGDG Korla Renaissance Hotel and Courtyard Hotel here, weaving a narrative where architecture meets nature, and culture meets wilderness. It is a serene haven for travelers and an experiment in blending tradition with modernity.

‘Korla’ in Uyghur means ‘to look afar’. The vast Taklamakan Desert and the majestic Tianshan Mountains face each other, creating an oasis miracle at their convergence. Today, Korla has become a modern city that embodies both ethnic charm and the essence of a water town, where multiple cultures harmoniously coexist and blend together.

‘The future hotels possess a unique personality that reflects the cultural values of the brand. We hope to intricately interpret the essence of local culture on this mysterious and vibrant land, imbuing it with modern vitality to create a new high-end travel benchmark that embodies international standards while connecting with human and natural elements.’ Kevin says.

The project is located at the intersection of the major roads, covering an area of 47,770 sq m. The location offers convenient transportation and excellent landscape resources. Unlike conventional standalone hotel buildings, this dual-brand hotel project balances functional efficiency, streamlined operations, and flexible shared needs while highlighting Korla’s unique urban culture.

The design adopts a courtyard layout that creates rich urban interfaces and provides a unique, private arrival experience. The internal courtyards, including multi-functional courtyards and camping area, are interconnected, encouraging guests to explore and experience the harmony of nature and architecture in a tranquil setting.

The hotel employs a modern, simple design language, with a dialogue between raw stone materials and refined metal and glass. The façade integrates elements of nature, modernity, and culture, incorporating Korla’s light pear blossoms and resilient poplar trees as well as abstracting traditional ethnic elements such as arched windows and niches. To fully utilise the intense sunlight and scenic resources, the podium employs partial hollowing and colonnade spaces, offering a unique aesthetic experience and a comfortable living environment.

The Renaissance Hotel’s drop-off area features a ‘floating canopy’ design, creating an 800 sq m comfortable arrival space that effectively shields guests from the scorching sun while providing a cool and serene courtyard atmosphere. The rough-textured walls embedded with warm-toned embracing arched doorways fill guests with anticipation.

The design incorporates the local topography into the lobby design. The 50m high atrium uses cable curtain walls, constructing an impressive vertical landscape visually while allowing natural light to immerse into the atrium, echoing the scenic beauty of the surroundings, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor natural and cultural landscapes.

Entering the hotel, guests are directed to a colorful serene realm. The design balances the boundary between nature and modernity, employing a variety of local materials and textures between nature and modernity. The intricate metal patterns add a touch of futurism and exclusive luxury.

‘The hotel will become a new landmark in Korla. We aim to inspire guests’ curiosity and passion for exploration, evoke their understanding and resonance with the unique vitality of this land, and showcase Korla’s traditional and modern characteristics to the world.’ Kevin shares.