“Whenever I look at the ocean, I always want to talk to someone.
But when I talk to people, I always want to see the ocean.”
— Haruki Murakami
Haruki Murakami perfectly captures our deep connection to the sea. For those living along the coast, the ocean holds an even stronger allure. This longing inspired the creation of the ‘Hi Sea Floating Hotel’—a unique retreat embraced by the vast waters.
Floating Island
Hi SEA · Haixi
Haixi is like a seed planted deeply in the heart, a dream sprouting toward utopia.
Situated 500 meters off the coast of Dongshan Island in Fujian Province, this hotel floats like an island, seamlessly detached from land and preserving its independence through generations.
“From the beginning, our goal was to create a space truly removed from city life, work, and crowds—to experience the purity of nature and emptiness,” explains the designer. The warm and cool hues of sunrise, gentle breezes on sunny days, and sunsets painted with rosy clouds have all shaped the essence of Haixi.
During construction, natural forces such as ocean currents and monsoons were carefully considered. Utilizing fish raft construction techniques, the architects precisely calculated buoyancy and added extra load capacity to ensure the structure’s stability and its ability to withstand level 12 typhoons.
Material selection was meticulous: the roof uses decorative materials common in airport terminals and yachts, chosen for their corrosion and acid resistance. The outdoor deck features weather-resistant flooring with a texture comparable to solid wood—eco-friendly, safe, and fire-resistant. Power supply is maintained through cables running from the seabed.
At night, tranquility reigns, broken only by the playful waves crashing against the structure. The building opens its heart to the ocean, fulfilling the human longing for nature and purity.
# 01
The Connection Between Architecture and Nature
Hi Sea feels like a newborn—pure and vibrant.
The unique natural surroundings create an intimate atmosphere. The moment you step onto the deck, time seems to slow, transforming from a rush to a gentle whisper, draping a soft veil over the world before you.
The 500 square meter space includes a living room, three guest rooms, and a kitchen. Whether hosting a small group of friends, a family gathering, or a business event, guests can enjoy complete privacy, as the hotel only accepts one group at a time.
The interior design embraces simplicity, with natural wood tones creating warmth and comfort. Diamond-patterned carpets and polygonal coffee tables add a modern, stylish flair.
Expansive folded glass walls act like a giant movie screen, seamlessly blending the interior with breathtaking ocean views. This subtle relationship between humans, nature, and architecture is quietly established here.
To retreat, release, open up, detach, choose, and gather—this space starts with people and unfolds through design, extending outward. Haixi stands as a testament to the designer’s journey from “initiative” to “hard work,” and it represents a personal exploration as well.
# 02
The Gifts and Responses of Nature
The most magical moments at sea are undoubtedly sunrise and sunset. The sun slowly rises from the ocean, painting the sky in hues from purple to blue, creating a magnificent dawn.
For the designers, the seamless blend of sea and sky colors offers the perfect spatial palette—vibrant yet calm. The flowing lines in the design ensure every view connects effortlessly to the ocean. Through this interaction, nature takes its course, time passes naturally, and life reveals its true essence.
The culinary experience is rooted in fresh seafood and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Guests can also enjoy the unique fun of fishing and cooking their own meals, creating lasting memories through taste.
Amidst rain and fog, Haixi embodies an ethereal spirit—surrounded by loneliness yet calm amid surging waves. It offers a sense of solitude and indescribable comfort.
Each bedroom frames a unique view, designed for maximum openness. Natural light floods through every window, blending brightness and shadows, warm currents, and gentle breezes. The balcony’s coffee table and chairs invite guests to enjoy the slow, comfortable pace of life—even without doing anything.
Hi Sea offers more than just outdoor massage pools, circular sofas without dead corners, and sun-drenched decks. As the sunset slowly dips behind distant jade-like mountains, soaking in a bath and sipping a cold beer here feels like a temporary farewell to life’s mundane routine.
The sea gradually swallows the sunset—from glowing brilliance to deep mist—allowing guests to feel the passage of time, surrounded by nature, slowly narrowing the distance until merging with it.
We all need a space to sit, daydream, listen, or express ourselves. Architect Dong Xinmeng understands this deeply. Hi Sea is dedicated to exploring and enhancing user experiences, reshaping the connection between people and space through the power of nature.
△ Layout plan
△ Structural analysis diagram
Project Information
Project Name: Sea Seat | Hi Sea Floating Hotel
Design Company: Balanced Space Design
Principal Designer: Dong Xinmeng
Location: Dongshan Island, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province
Project Area: 591 square meters
Completion Year: 2020
Photographer: Summer Solstice
Main Materials: Steel structure, aluminum-magnesium-manganese panels, heavy-duty wood, stone plastic panels, plastic wood
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