Introduction: This project is nestled in a small mountain village in Yichang, Hubei. The village is uniquely surrounded by two water systems, framed by a semi-circular mountain and adjacent farmland. The mountains are predominantly composed of natural raw stones, and all the houses in the project are constructed using local stone materials.
Origin: The design draws inspiration from local customs and traditional stone wall construction techniques. It is carefully adapted to local conditions, guided by contemporary trends, and tailored to fit the lifestyle of the community.
Challenge: The existing houses are original stone homes built by two brothers in the village. The exterior is composed of small stones stacked unevenly, giving a raw, rugged texture. Over time, this rustic craftsmanship has gained character. Inside, the structures are wooden with adobe brick walls, which have deteriorated significantly and no longer support the heavy stone walls.
Solution: To preserve the authentic stone wall texture, the original wooden framework was replaced with a steel frame structure. Large glass windows were incorporated into the stone walls, and selective demolition and reverse masonry techniques were applied. Between the two stone houses, a steel and glass structure was inserted to serve as an entrance lobby and courtyard. Additionally, a staircase was added at the rear to access the second floor, maintaining the seamless integration of stone walls inside and out.
The first floor features a Western-style café with an enclosed fireplace, providing a cozy space for guests to chat and relax. On the opposite side, traditional Chinese elements such as books, incense, tea, and paintings create a serene atmosphere. Additionally, a restaurant is available to accommodate various guest preferences.
Second Floor: The upper level houses four guest rooms—three spacious rooms and one family suite—offering diverse layouts that enhance the guest experience. Original wood elements have been repurposed within the space, harmoniously combined with stone walls and steel structures to strike a balance between strength and flexibility. The design emphasizes the seamless integration of architecture and nature, where interior and exterior spaces blend, and framed views become living paintings.
Conclusion: This project embodies the landscape of the countryside and the essence of ancient village stone houses. It evokes the clear and melodious mountain songs of Teacher Mao from Badong, songs that never grow tiresome. The Shiwu tribe seeks to express an artistic vision that imagines a harmonious integration between nature and humanity.
Design Drawings
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Elevation View (axes 1-14)
△ Elevation View (axes 14-1)
△ Elevation View (axes A-H and H-A)
△ Sectional View (1-1, 2-2)
△ Sectional View (3-3)
Project Information
Project Name: Nanchawan Shiwu Tribe Homestay
Location: Group 4, Nanchewan Village, Yiling District, Yichang City, Hubei Province
Type: Homestay
Area: 900 square meters
Completion Date: May 2020
Design Scope: Architecture / Interior / Landscape / Soft Decoration
Design Firm: China Academy of Art Landscape Architecture Design and Research Institute (www.caaladi.com)
Email Contact: __AI_S_SC0__
Lead Designer: Huang Zhiyong
Architectural Design: Zheng Ruokan, Lai Han, Huang Xiaofeng, Hu Luxiang
Interior Design: Huang Xiaofeng, Liang Zhangmeng, Zhang Zhixiang
Landscape Design: Zheng Ruokan, Hong Xuefeng, Hu Luxiang, Xie Qiming, Huang Xiaomei
Soft Decoration Design: Lin Yongfeng
Structural Design: Lin Yingfeng
Equipment Design: Zhang Yonggang
Photography: Aoguan Architectural Vision
Owner: Yichang Duxin Stone House Homestay Tourism Development Co., Ltd
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up