Distinctive Features of Hangzhou
Hangzhou Kaiyuan Senbo Resort is nestled within the Xianghu Tourist Resort, a 4A-rated scenic area famously known as the “sister lake” of the renowned West Lake. Thanks to Hangzhou’s mountainous landscape, public transportation conveniently connects directly to the amusement park, allowing visitors to enjoy a vacation experience without leaving the city. This project represents a unique vacation cluster situated right inside the amusement park.
▲ General layout of the Starry Sky Room
Looking Up Beneath the Yangmei Tree
Three years ago, upon first visiting the project site, I wandered through a dense forest of tall Yangmei trees. Sunlight filtered sparsely through the branches and leaves, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor. The atmosphere was tranquil, yet slightly somber. Upon reaching the clearing outside the forest, one naturally looks upward at the Yangmei tree canopy, feeling an urge to “emerge” from the woods.
The architecture is designed to coexist harmoniously with the growth of these mature trees. It does not stand isolated but blends with the slope of the land and the surrounding Yangmei trees, creating a sense of upward tension — a form that grows alongside its environment. The concept of the “Star Cube” emerges from this vision, like an organic life form that, together with the Yangmei tree, gazes up at the starry sky above this site.
▲ Perspective view of the Starry Sky House
Stepping Inside
Following the gentle slope of the terrain, the interior spaces are arranged across three different elevations, linked by staggered steps. The entrance foyer is located at the mid-level elevation and features a skylight to provide natural guidance.
The living room sits at the highest elevation, connected to the outdoor courtyard through expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The bedroom is positioned at the lowest elevation, designed so that occupants lying down can gaze freely at the starry sky through the window.
To achieve this, a uniquely angled window—neither parallel nor perpendicular—was designed. This not only fulfills requirements for lighting, ventilation, and views but also enhances the architectural character of the building. Because the entrance is positioned in the middle, the guest room enjoys a rare north-south transparency that maximizes the connection with the surrounding landscape.
Combined with the varying indoor heights, this creates a rich spatial hierarchy where each functional area remains relatively independent yet interconnected. Through these distinctive spatial experiences, we hope every visitor to the “Star Cube” feels a special sense of joy.
Beyond the Structure
The unique features of the site inspired the design approach. The dense Yangmei trees act as a natural shield, concealing the architecture within. From a distance, these structures resemble a cluster of wooden cubes with “eyes” fixed upon them, gently floating within the vast Yangmei forest.
They appear to grow from the forest floor, eager to reach above the treetops and admire the beauty of the stars.
Ecological Construction System
Building within natural environments requires careful attention not only to ecological preservation—such as protecting large trees and landforms—but also to ensuring the building’s own comfort, especially regarding insulation and moisture resistance.
Taking these factors into account, the primary structure employs a heavy timber system. To address the humid conditions typical of mountainous areas, an overhead reinforced concrete foundation and bottom plate were used.
Main structural components were prefabricated off-site in a factory and then transported to the site for assembly. This approach avoids wet construction and dust generation on-site, making the building process simpler, more efficient, and environmentally friendly.
▲ Floor plan of the Starry Sky Room
Project Information:
Project Name: Hangzhou Kaiyuan Senbo Resort Park – Star Cube
Design Company: Landscape Architecture Design and Research Institute of China Academy of Art
Company Website: __AI_ST_URL_0__
Contact Email: __AI_S_SC0__
Owner: Kaiyuan Tourism Group
Principal Architects: Chen Xiawei, Wang Kai
Project Location: Hangzhou
Year Completed: January 2019
Total Building Area: 490 ㎡
Construction Area: 3,500 ㎡
Photography: Shi Zheng, Aoguan Architectural Vision
Design Team:
Architects: Ke Lijun, Jin Tuo, Chen Liangxing
Project Manager: Yu Guangjie
Wooden Structure Consultant: Luo Zhuming, Hangzhou Meiya Ju Integrated Wooden House Co., Ltd
Interior Design: Montessori Design
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