Site Location
The Hidden North Luxury Hotel is nestled in Xidamo Village, Beijing, set against a mountainous backdrop that offers a stunning panoramic view surrounded by lush greenery and towering peaks. According to local legend, Bodhidharma once traveled here to spread Buddhism, leading to the mountain being named Bodhidharma Mountain and the village known as Xidamo Village. The total construction area spans 1,700 square meters. Originally a residential building, the site has been thoughtfully redesigned and repurposed.
A gentle river flows from the mountain through the center of the site, dotted with large, smooth stones shaped by years of erosion. Trees grow alongside and within the river, creating a serene natural environment that fills the area with a peaceful, Zen-like atmosphere—truly a paradise on earth.
This project is designed as a wild luxury hotel, offering urban dwellers a retreat to relax and rejuvenate by reconnecting with nature. The new two-story building follows the water’s edge, ensuring each guest room enjoys breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and river. The design encourages a harmonious dialogue between people and the natural environment.
The overall planning reflects the form of the nearby village, integrating the architecture closely with the local cultural context. The buildings, village, and natural surroundings come together to form an organic, unified whole.
Construction and Materials
The building’s form undulates gracefully, adapting to the terrain. Its construction combines distinctive characteristics from northern and southern residential styles. Nearby lies the famous Cuanxia settlement, a typical northern stone-built residential area. Consequently, the building’s lower levels feature brick and stone masonry, inspired by this northern tradition.
The upper floor showcases a wooden structure, drawing from the residential architecture of the Naxi ethnic group in Yunnan. This blend of materials demonstrates how modern residential designs can flexibly merge styles across regions and eras, forming new composite forms.
This combination of construction techniques offers multiple benefits. The solid stone masonry foundation provides moisture resistance and structural stability, while seamlessly integrating the building with its natural surroundings, embodying the principles of organic architecture.
Locally sourced stone was manually crafted by regional stonemasons, emphasizing the building’s connection to its environment. The traditional sloped roof complements the regional architectural style, lending the hotel a subtle, grounded presence.
The two-story wooden upper structure is lightweight and flexible, creating a warm, natural, and comfortable interior space. The interplay between wood and stone enriches the building’s overall aesthetic and character.
Function and Layout
The hotel’s lobby and guest rooms face each other across a river, connected by a pedestrian bridge at the center. From the lobby and restaurant to the guest rooms, guests cross the river, immersing themselves in the beauty of the natural surroundings from the moment they arrive.
The hotel features 24 guest rooms, split between waterfront and terrace rooms, maximizing the site’s natural advantages. The terrace offers a communal space for guests to socialize, enjoy tea, and take in the scenery, fostering a shared appreciation of the tranquil environment.
An infinity pool in the courtyard invites guests to relax during the summer heat. Inside the rooms, large French windows frame stunning views of green waters and mountains, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Some walls showcase exposed stonework, enhancing the rustic charm and Zen ambiance of the interiors. The orderly and rich spatial design evokes a sense of calm and serenity. At night, the building’s lighting complements the landscape corridors, crafting a welcoming atmosphere that encourages lingering and relaxation.
Soft indoor lights reflect gently on the river’s surface, sparking the imagination. The soothing sound of flowing water and the scenic mountain views combine to create a peaceful, friendly, and leisurely retreat—offering the ultimate wild luxury experience.
Site Landscape
The landscape design honors the site’s natural environment and terrain by focusing on restoration and gentle integration, allowing visitors to enjoy the calm and comfort of nature fully. The hotel’s simple exterior harmonizes with its surroundings, while its bold layout, comprehensive leisure facilities, and luxury accommodations ensure a complete relaxation experience.
This project perfectly balances the contrast between “wilderness” and “luxury,” reflecting a deep human connection to nature. Perched at a high elevation, the hotel offers spectacular views of clouds, sunrises, sunsets, fragrant flowers, forest sounds, and starry skies.
Here, fatigue turns to rest; weariness transforms into relaxation. The hotel is a sanctuary for the spirit, far removed from the steel and concrete of city life.
A stream runs through the property, with trees growing in the water, creating a dynamic natural landscape that changes with the seasons. In summer, the lush greenery invites hiking and swimming, making it an ideal summer retreat. Autumn brings a vibrant palette of colors, with flowers blooming and falling leisurely in the courtyard. Winter cloaks the area in white snow, with plum blossoms reflecting the pristine surroundings, offering a unique seasonal charm. This secluded mountain village offers guests a pure and tranquil sanctuary.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
Project Information
Name: Hidden North Luxury Hotel
Location: Xidamo Village, Qingshui Town, Mentougou, Beijing
Scale: 1,700 square meters
Category: Architecture, Landscape
Function: Hotel
Duration: 2016-2021
Project Creators: Sun Dayong, Wan Shuyan
Design Team: Penda China
Photographer: Summer Solstice
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