△ Aerial view
View of the building from across the river
This project is set in the ancient village of Rizhao, Shandong, a place rich with history and heritage. Over 100 century-old houses remain well preserved, their walls predominantly constructed from stones sourced from the nearby Gouya River. These stones, marked with mottled patterns, resemble the faint fireworks left behind after the bloom of life, reflecting the brilliance of a bygone era.
At first glance, the site’s wildness and tranquility are striking. To the east, the land borders a hillside, while to the west, it faces the water, with three large trees standing prominently between. The client wished to build a new residence here to serve as a retreat and hospitality space. The spirit of the location evokes a desire to hide one’s aspirations away in nature.
View of the building from the mountain
△ Architectural appearance
△ Architectural appearance
The architectural design responds directly to the site and program. We emphasize the use of local, unique stones, restoring their importance and aiming to create a contemporary building that appears to have “grown” organically from its surroundings. The design embodies the spirit of “fishing on rocks, clear water, and leisure.”
Inspired by the traditional residential buildings of northern China, the layout features a courtyard space encircled by three trees, with houses arranged around it. The spatial organization follows natural circulation paths and functional requirements, accommodating dining, gathering, and lodging.
The concept embraces a layered spatial experience: “a courtyard within a house, a house within a courtyard, a courtyard within a house, and sky within the courtyard.” This is an exploration of creating a “spiritual place” through architecture.
△ Aerial view of the buildings
The building sits at the foot of a hill, composed of volumes that include a restaurant, tea room, guest rooms, and reception area. Each room features windows facing the central courtyard to promote inward circulation and outward views.
For privacy, low stone walls are placed just outside the windows, defining the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces. These low walls, combined with expansive outward-facing windows, create micro-courtyards that function independently from the larger building. This arrangement ensures ample natural light and visibility indoors while providing a smooth transition between private and public areas.
△ Entrance
△ Courtyard
△ Meeting Room
△ Artist Studio
A bedroom with windows facing outward
To harmonize with the atmosphere of the local ancient village, we collaborated with local craftsmen whose refined skills were essential to realizing this project. The entire building’s walls are constructed solely from stone, and the mottled texture of these stones lends a natural character to the architecture, seamlessly integrating it into the landscape.
△ Construction process
△ Building Overview
Design Drawings
△ Exploded diagram
△ Layout plan
△ Elevation drawing
△ Sketch
Project Information
Location: Rizhao City, China
Architectural Firm: DK Dake Architectural Design
Area: 320 m²
Project Year: 2020
Principal Architect: Yang Pan
Design Team: Yang Pan, Gao Haojun, Wang Dong, Wang Xueyi
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