The project is situated in Guangfu Town, near Taihu Lake in Suzhou. It is surrounded by self-built homes inhabited by local villagers of all ages. Just one road separates the site from Taihu Lake to the southwest, offering expansive views and easy access. Located on the lake’s shore, the site lies 28 kilometers west of Suzhou City, bordered by Tibetan Town to the east, Taihu Lake to the west, Xukou Town to the south, and Dongzhu to the north. The Taihu Lake Resort is only a 10-minute drive away.
△ Distant lake view © Pingjie Design
The original structure was a three-story brick and concrete self-built house featuring a courtyard, with an additional single-story wooden extension. The owner had constructed a courtyard platform to prevent moisture upon moving in. However, due to the building’s age and original construction issues, significant cracks appeared in the columns supporting the single-story courtyard terrace. For structural safety reasons, it was unanimously agreed to demolish and rebuild the courtyard extension and the wooden auxiliary structure.
△ Original building condition © Pingjie Design
The project owner is a local resident of Guangfu Town who grew up in the area. She rented this lakeside self-built house with plans to launch a catering business. During design discussions, she requested a private space for her work and to host friends discreetly. Accordingly, one third-floor room was designated as her private office and accommodation area, while two other rooms and bathrooms on the same floor were arranged to accommodate small, private gatherings in the future.
△ Lakeside bird’s-eye view © Pingjie Design
△ Distant lake view © Pingjie Design
At the outset, two distinct approaches emerged: integrating the building naturally with the site or making it stand out. However, both client needs and the site’s characteristics consistently emphasized the theme of “viewing.” The core design goal is how to best “see” Taihu Lake. We aimed to ensure guests can enjoy views of the lake from multiple vantage points within the site, using layered spatial relationships to enrich the experience and encourage movement throughout the building.
△ Lakeside bird’s-eye view © Pingjie Design
△ Entrance perspective © Pingjie Design
△ Entrance perspective © Pingjie Design
After extensive discussions with the client, we settled on a layered platform concept for the renovation, aiming to create varied height experiences for lake viewing. Given Suzhou’s frequent rainy days, during construction we raised the courtyard level, which was originally lower than Huanhu Road, to create a flat, comfortable space. This also elevated the building floor and courtyard slightly above street level.
By selectively demolishing parts of the existing structure and reorganizing the architecture, the design stacks and shapes the building through interconnected blocks, establishing a terraced setback. The sunken courtyard space on the north side serves as an outdoor venue for performances and gatherings. Large rectangular windows facing the lake maximize the view for guests passing by.
Transforming the original residential spaces into commercial public areas presented challenges such as fragmented, small-scale rooms, multiple partitions, and low ceilings. We converted the first floor’s living room and main hall into the primary dining and bar area. This is the largest space in the building, featuring a centrally located bar counter surrounded by various booths and casual seating.
Removing original windows and doors helped connect the old structure with new additions, greatly expanding the usable area. The bar counter is positioned along the wall where old and new parts meet, acting as a central hub that radiates activity throughout the space. A circular arc guides the longer bar counter to the other end, where the new annex provides a private area for the owner to host friends. The interior mainly features a clean white color palette accented with colorful furnishings. Curved, layered ceiling and staircase elements echo the gentle ripples and backflow of lake waves reaching the shore.
△ First floor interior © Pingjie Design
△ First floor interior © Pingjie Design
△ First floor interior © Pingjie Design
The second floor originally contained several bedrooms and a living area, with smaller, more fragmented partitions than the first floor. We combined the master bedroom and living room into one spacious seating area, while the remaining bedrooms were kept as smaller rooms. Large windows facing the lake allow guests on the second floor to suddenly be greeted by stunning views of Taihu Lake.
△ Second floor interior © Pingjie Design
△ Second floor interior © Pingjie Design
△ Staircase detail © Pingjie Design
The prolonged pandemic has driven many to seek refuge from city life and find a spiritual oasis. This project uses the lake as a focal point to attract visitors, foster human interaction, and create new possibilities. Away from the urban rush, the pedestrian streets and the buildings together form an idyllic lifestyle. Our hope is that every visitor here experiences peace and comfort.
△ Facade view © Flat Design
△ Roof aerial view © Pingjie Design
Project Drawings
△ Model photo © Pingjie Design
△ Model photo © Pingjie Design
△ Axonometric diagram
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Third floor plan
Project Information
Project Name: Vacation Dining Bar by the Lake Ring Road
Design Firm: Pingjie Design
Project Type: Commercial Building
Building Area: 686 square meters
Design & Completion Year: 2022–2023
Design Team: Li Wenjing, Wang Haidong, Wu Si, Yang Nan, Kong Xiangpeng
Structural & Hydroelectric Design: Shanghai Hengtai Architectural Design Consulting Co., Ltd.
Photography © Yan She Visual
Client: Juese Café Restaurant
Project Location: No. 26, Group 8, Kanshang Village, Taihu Lake Avenue, Guangfu Town
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