© Zheng Xun
Liuyun Xiangshu is situated in Qinglongwu, an ancient village in Tonglu. It forms part of the “Fangyukong Xiangsu Cultural and Creative Complex,” where a variety of cultural events will be hosted throughout the year.
© Summer Solstice
© Summer Solstice
© Summer Solstice
© Summer Solstice
© Summer Solstice
In 2017, MDO was commissioned to renovate six existing village houses on the site, transforming them into homestays. The entire project took five years to complete.
Before renovation © MDO
MDO’s original design intention was to create a peaceful retreat away from the city, where visitors could experience Qinglongwu’s centuries-old history and cultural heritage while connecting deeply with nature.
Design sketch © Justin Bridgland
Floor plan © MDO
Blending New and Old
During our initial visit, we were captivated by the existing buildings and the surrounding natural environment. The structures are closely spaced, connected by narrow alleys, and surrounded by vast bamboo groves. From each building, one can see the others, creating a harmonious bamboo landscape.
© Summer Day
© Summer Day
These buildings exude a rich sense of history, with their ancient walls and weathered windows telling tales of times long past.
© Summer Day
© Summer Day
The original buildings feature traditional wooden structures. We explored the possibility of preserving these while integrating new design elements. However, after thorough inspection, we found the roofs and structures to be fragile from years of wear, rendering repair and reuse impossible. Additionally, the narrow windows provided limited natural light and ventilation, creating a dim interior that disconnected from the surrounding bamboo forest and ecology.
© Summer Day
© Summer Day
© Summer Day
Subtle Transformation
Our design approach focused on gently modernizing the existing structures while strengthening their connection to the landscape. We preserved and restored the original walls, doors, and windows with the help of local craftsmen. To support the roof, steel reinforcements were added to the walls, and traditional techniques and materials were used for the roof structure and finishes.
© He Bin
© Zheng Xun
© Zheng Xun
The new interior elements stand independently from the old, clearly illustrating the relationship between past and present. Modern amenities such as underfloor heating and updated bathrooms enhance comfort, while other functions are simplified to minimize distractions. This design encourages guests to engage fully with nature, friends, and family, free from the interference of televisions and other electronic devices.
© Zheng Xun
Social connection lies at the heart of this project. Our design offers many shared spaces for guests, including outdoor barbecue areas for friends, living rooms for family conversations, and quiet retreats for solitude. Across all settings, the design focuses on the seamless integration between the landscape and existing architecture.
© Summer Solstice
Sunlight and Views
Located away from the hectic city, our guests can experience the changing rhythm of the seasons. To enhance natural light indoors, we retained the wooden window designs of the old buildings and introduced new windows framed with metal to distinguish them.
© Ah Zhao
© Zheng Xun
The placement of new windows was carefully planned to frame specific views from inside, such as from the bed, sofa, and even the shower, allowing guests to enjoy picturesque landscapes including the valley outside.
© He Bin
© He Bin
© MDO
© Zheng Xun
© Zheng Xun
We raised the roof slightly to separate it from the walls, creating a more spacious interior. Skylights on all sides let soft, scattered light fill the space. From the roof, guests can enjoy views of the bamboo forest from multiple angles, maintaining a constant connection with the natural surroundings.
© Summer Solstice
Place and Environment
Two of the original village houses suffered severe structural damage and could not be restored. MDO embraced this as an opportunity to create new buildings that engage in dialogue with the countryside and nature.
© Summer Solstice
© Summer Solstice
© Summer Solstice
These two new structures, located near the mountain entrance, serve leisure purposes such as reception and bars. Their architectural form resembles rocks shaped by years of wind and water erosion. The rough concrete surfaces sharply contrast with the traditional rammed earth buildings nearby.
© Summer Solstice
© Summer Solstice
We advocate for materials that naturally age and blend with their environment, reflecting the effects of rain, sunlight, and snow. Over time, the exterior walls will become part of the natural landscape, blurring the line between architecture and nature.
© Summer Solstice
© Summer Solstice
© Summer Solstice
© Summer Solstice
© Summer Solstice
Framed window views make the bamboo forest an integral part of the interior experience. During the day, sunlight creates shifting patterns of light and shadow on the walls, while at night, guests can gaze at the twinkling stars through the windows, enriching their stay with memorable moments.
© Summer Solstice
© Summer Solstice
The moonlight is soft, the lights around are lively, and stars twinkle above Lanxuan.
© Summer Solstice
Inspired by traditional lantern culture, the lighting design transforms the new building into a guiding beacon, welcoming travelers from every direction.
Lighting effects © MDO
The dynamic lighting shifts within the social spaces signal changes in function and atmosphere, directly reflecting the lively energy within.
© Summer Solstice
© Summer Solstice
The Liuyun Township villas represent a fusion of local craftsmanship and culture through modern technology. Given China’s vast and diverse landscapes and cultures, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. As designers, we are committed to researching and understanding these nuances to create unique, site-specific designs in the future.
Project Information
Project Name: Liuyun Township Villa
Project Area: 1,300 square meters
Project Type: Rural Renovation
Location: Qinglongwu, Xiekengkou, Luti Village, Fuchunjiang Town, Tonglu County, Hangzhou City
Design Team: MDO Mu Jun Architectural Design
Scope: Architecture, Interior, and Soft Decoration Concepts
Lead Designers: Justin Bridgeland, Xu Yijun
Contributors: Gundam, Zeng Siniang, Carlo Alberto Follo, Yao Yabin, Kelsey Alexander, Tang Yanping, Xia Shengnan, Peng Haiyan, Wang Zhiyuan, Que Jiacheng, Chang Di
Photography: Summer Solstice, Zheng Xun, A Zhao, He Bin
Completion: 2017–2021
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