Qimeng Huaxi is a homestay located near the Shanghai Disneyland Resort. This project involved renovating two adjacent rural self-built houses to create a cozy and inviting space. Staying true to the Qimeng brand concept, the design aims to provide a warm environment where guests can create their own romantic memories. The project benefited from the collaboration of two design studios: Pingjie Design handled the exterior facade renovation and courtyard design, while Zewen Design focused on interior design and soft furnishings.
△ Original state of the homestay © Pingjie Design
△ Renovated entrance of the homestay © Xu Yingda
The Qimeng brand is known for its “girlish style,” and this is reflected in the choice of theme colors, with pink as the dominant hue. To balance the sweetness of pink, the design incorporates tough materials and rough block shapes, symbolizing the strength and delicacy of every girl striving in a city.
△ East side swimming pool of the homestay © Ask about design
The overall palette of Qimeng Huaxi features pink combined with calm neutral grays, accented by carefully balanced color blocks and golden materials. The choice of hard materials includes glass, metal, and acrylic, supplemented by perforated panels, terrazzo, and micro cement. These are complemented by fabric soft decorations, creating an elegant blend of softness and rigidity. The design not only crafts a dreamlike architectural space but also highlights a harmonious balance between strength and gentleness.
△ Room details © Ask about design
Originally, the courtyard was split by a road, which compromised privacy and the integrity of the space. After consulting with the property owners, the courtyard layout was reorganized: the road was relocated, and the entrance was moved to the side to create a secluded atmosphere. Unlike the spacious original entrance, the renovated entrance features a scenic wall that blocks direct views into the courtyard. Passing this wall, guests are greeted with a sudden sense of entering a serene garden.
△ Homestay entrance © Xu Yingda
The courtyard interior centers around two swimming pools, creating a landscape contrast with the surrounding environment. Water symbolizes life, and the clear, refreshing pools bring vitality to the courtyard. The interaction between the dynamic water and the static surroundings forms a harmonious unity, evoking a sense of mystery and fantasy. Steps and sunken seating areas around the pools provide diverse spaces where guests can find quiet corners to relax.
View of the east side swimming pool from the entrance © Ask about design
View towards the south side swimming pool at dusk from the entrance © Xu Yingda
△ Courtyard leisure area © Xu Yingda
△ Aerial view of the homestay © Xu Yingda
Light is essential to space as air is to life, and the design carefully considers the interplay of light and shadow. During the outdoor renovation, doors and windows were reinstalled with an emphasis on preserving natural light. To control costs, the exterior facade underwent only demolition and repainting, with a large area painted pink to establish the homestay’s visual identity. Perforated panels were used in the exterior decoration, creating a block-like effect that artfully manipulates natural light to produce layered contrasts of light and shadow indoors.
△ Homestay facade © Xu Yingda
△ Evening view of the homestay facade © Xu Yingda
The glass French windows provide transparency and brightness. To maintain ventilation without compromising the facade’s aesthetic, the design uses large windows as scenic views and smaller windows for air flow. Ventilation windows are discreetly covered with perforated panels, ensuring a consistent and harmonious facade.
△ Facade details © Xu Yingda
Both the owners and designers placed great emphasis on the homestay’s interactive spaces. The main building’s ground floor was originally divided into separate areas but was transformed into an integrated public space. This area serves as a place for reading, socializing, and relaxation. Amenities such as a bar counter, dining table, and simple kitchen appliances like bread makers are provided to accommodate guests who wish to prepare their own breakfast.
△ Kitchen details © Ask about design
The guest rooms are designed to face the landscape, creating a peaceful resting environment. The decor in the rooms is kept simple to enhance comfort and relaxation.
△ Guest room with stunning natural landscape views © Ask about design
Reflecting on the entire project, despite challenges such as facade renovation, material selection, and constraints from the pandemic, schedule, costs, and collaboration, the initial conceptual vision was largely realized. This project provided invaluable experience in homestay renovation design, teaching the team how to coordinate schedules, construction drawings, and on-site collaboration more effectively. The team also deeply appreciates the trust and cooperation of the owner throughout the process.
Project drawings
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Axonometric diagram
Project Information
Project Name: Qimeng Huaxi Homestay Renovation
Design Period: October 2022 – December 2022
Design Team: Pingjie Design + Zewen Design
Pingjie Design team members: Zhang Ying, Li Wenjing, Wang Haidong, Yang Nan, Kong Xiangpeng;
Zewen Design: Bian Yangyang;
Qimeng: Zhu Wei, Lu Songwei
Project Address: No.1 Mengfeng Family Residence, Lingnan Road, Nanliu Highway, Pudong New Area, Shanghai Disney Resort
Design Area: 830 square meters
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