△ Night view bird’s-eye perspective
The “Chenxi” homestay is a perfect retreat for a post-80s couple located on the eastern island of mainland China. Originally, the homestay was a native stone cottage nestled on the mountainside at the island’s center. Overlooking rising tides and surging clouds, enduring storms and winds, the stone dwelling embodies a simple island culture and the timeless beauty shaped by nature. The design of “Chenxi” homestay draws inspiration from these “local dwellings” and their “natural textures.”
△ Aerial view of the landscape
△ Night view of the main facade
This project preserves the original stone walls, wooden floors, timber frames, and grey tiled sloped roofs to create a simple, authentic living environment. White blocks are introduced at the first-floor entrance to unify the previously separated public spaces and add depth. An outdoor atrium is positioned in the central lobby to enhance lighting and atmosphere. On the third floor, several white blocks are elevated and rotated in response to the surrounding landscape. The building’s three or more floors culminate in a rooftop platform equipped with amenities such as an infinity pool, open-air theater, and social gathering areas.
△ Main facade featuring Japanese-inspired scenery
△ Entrance gate
△ White block at the entrance
△ Balcony view
△ Newly built suspended guest rooms
△ Second level platform
△ Second level platform
△ Courtyard area
△ View above the atrium
The new construction enhances the functionality and quality of the homestay experience, while the original structure preserves local architectural characteristics. The clear distinction between old and new creates a striking contrast, which is softened and harmonized through the use of the atrium, staircases, and elevated grey spaces, ultimately achieving spatial unity and balance.
△ Staircase with flower rack
△ Staircase blending old and new elements
Between the white blocks in the stairwell
The site covers 456 square meters with a total building area of 733 square meters. The old house occupies 318 square meters, while the new construction adds 415 square meters. The property includes nine panoramic sea-view rooms, one restaurant, one bar, one conference room, and a 360° viewing platform featuring an infinity pool, open-air theater, water bar, and gathering space.
△ Rooftop swimming pool
△ Lobby area
△ Meeting room
△ Guest rooms on the second floor
△ Guest rooms on the second floor
△ Guest rooms on the third floor
△ Model © Shen Shengzhe
△ Construction process © Shen Shengzhe
Technical Drawings
△ General layout plan
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Plan of the top sloped level
△ Third floor plan
△ Roof plan
△ Section diagram
Project Information
Type: Youth Hostel
Location: Zhoushan, China
Architectural Design: Jieyin Architectural Firm
Area: 733 m²
Year: 2019
Lead Architect: Shen Shengzhe
Design Team: Guo Yixin, Yao Yongli, Xiao Peng
Structural Engineer: Chen Wei
Landscape Designers: Shen Shengzhe, Guo Yixin
Photographer: Jin Weiqi
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