Project Base
The Returning Xiyaxi Manor Hotel is nestled within the Jingshan Bamboo Sea Scenic Area, a serene “slow international city” located in Gaochun, approximately 90 kilometers from Nanjing. Spanning a 50-square-kilometer region, this area is free from industrial pollution, boasting lush green mountains and pristine waters, creating a picturesque countryside reminiscent of an outdoor peach blossom garden.
△ Project land and surrounding landscape
△ General layout plan
△ Site Model
Back to Nature | Hidden in the Forest with Water
The project owner specializes in organic agriculture and promotes a healthy lifestyle, embracing the philosophy of “returning home.” Their production methods are tailored to the local ecology and aim to preserve the land, striving for a balanced agricultural ecosystem. Reflecting this, the core concept of the hotel is to integrate the building harmoniously with nature — “hidden in the mountains, accompanied by the lake.”
The hotel features a decentralized layout, with a series of individual buildings scattered across valleys and forests. The reception center acts as the hotel’s gateway, offering guests their first experience of the “returning home” lifestyle.
△ Aerial view
△ Aerial view
△ South side rendering
△ Realistic scene on the south side
Challenges and Opportunities of the Terrain
The site has a distinctive shape, positioned atop a dam, bordered by Xiantang Reservoir to the north and rice fields to the south. The significant elevation differences present design challenges while offering unique opportunities.
△ Site profile
The elevation difference between the dam crest and the lake surface on the north side is 3 meters, while between the crest and the southern rice fields it reaches 9 meters. The design employs a “staggered stacking” strategy, embedding buildings into the dam body, aligning them with the terrain to minimize earthwork and protect the original ecology.
This distinctive height variation creates a dual architectural expression: the north-facing lakeside is a single-story volume to preserve the lake skyline, whereas the south facade rises to three levels, extending toward the rice fields and gradually stepping back to create rich spatial layers. The exposed concrete, sharp angular terraces, interplay of solid and void surfaces, and the interaction of light and shadow together define the building’s form.
△ Sectional perspective
△ View from the shore side
△ Perspective from one side of the rice field
Facade Design: Curved Horizontal Lines Embracing the Terrain
The design’s gradual floor setbacks reduce the building’s perceived mass. Horizontal lines outline each floor slab, reflecting the mountain contour lines on both sides. This approach softens the precision of modern architecture, enhances the ruggedness of the natural landscape, and creates a distinctive visual language.
△ Appearance
△ Appearance
△ Appearance
△ Appearance
△ Appearance
Localized Materials & Simple Construction
The design maximizes the use of local and natural materials. Heavy bamboo and wood panels, plain concrete boards, stone-like aluminum panels, and highly transparent glass curtain walls blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an atmosphere where the building seamlessly merges with nature.
△ Material details
△ Material details
△ Material details
△ Material details
△ Wall section
△ Wall section
Functional Layout & Spatial Organization
The main entrance and reception hall are situated on the west side of the first floor. The lobby bar and dining area face south, offering scenic views. On the second floor, multifunctional spaces such as the bar, tea room, book bar, and dining room are located, with the north side overlooking the lake. Fitness and entertainment facilities are placed on the south side of the basement, complemented by an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by fragrant rice fields.
△ Functional layout diagram
△ Reception Hall
△ All-day restaurant
△ Gym
△ Secondary entrance
△ Main entrance
△ Main entrance
△ Roof terrace
△ Lakeside terrace
△ Negative floor plan
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Elevation drawing
△ Elevation drawing
△ Elevation drawing
△ Elevation drawing
△ Section diagram
△ Section diagram
Every design decision has been carefully considered, balancing various factors to achieve harmony. Supported strongly by the owners, the design overcomes challenges posed by the site and functionality, balancing volume, space, materials, and lighting. Our hope is that this project remains firmly rooted in nature, fostering a connection that allows guests to slow down, escape the hustle and bustle, and reconnect with life itself.
Project Information
Project Name: Comprehensive Reception Center of Returning Xiyaxi Manor Hotel
Project Owner: Jiangsu Shuman Investment Co., Ltd
Location: Yaxi Town, Gaochun County, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, China
Architectural Design: Jian Shi (Beijing) Design Consulting Co., Ltd
Lead Designer: Yang Jinang
Design Team: Xu Kai, Wang Zhendong, Huang Chuanhui, Zhang Zheng, Wang Huijuan
Building Area: 3,200 square meters
Construction Start Date: February 2022
Construction Drawing Design: Nanjing Return Architectural Environment Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd
Interior Design: Shenzhen Yuqiang Environmental Art Design Co., Ltd
Hotel Management: Nanjing Jinfan Hotel Management Co., Ltd
Photographer: 1 | Image
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