“Life often feels mundane and easily satisfied by everyday needs, yet it quietly holds onto higher aspirations and constantly seeks to fulfill them.” — Goethe Grado Labs
Ten-Year Fishing Ban: Rest and Renewal
In recent years, to protect the ecological environment from the impacts of fishing, Taihu Lake has implemented a “Ten-Year Fishing Ban” policy. Facing this restriction, fishermen who once depended on the lake for their livelihood have returned their boats to the harbor. Fishing boats now rest quietly at the docks, creating a peaceful and prosperous scene.
Our project is located by Taihu Lake, nestled among these fishing boats. The original building was a fisherman’s home near the lake. Through renovation, we aim to preserve the owner’s cherished memories of “thousands of hectares of Cangbo waters and a boat drifting under the vast blue sky,” inspiring a design concept centered around the theme of “Fishing Boats Returning to Port.”
Renovation Strategy
The original structure was a small, pink European-style building constructed by local villagers. Due to rural construction regulations, only limited exterior modifications were allowed, prohibiting major renovations. We approached the project with a minimal intervention strategy, aiming to restore the building’s integrity while preserving its essence.
All Roman columns and European decorative elements were removed and replaced with green tiles. The exterior was repainted, and ornate edges and corners were simplified to reveal the building’s purest form. Inside, we expanded the landscaped areas and introduced small breathable windows at the balcony edges to enhance the surrounding atmosphere. Through subtle demolitions and thoughtful modifications, the building was revitalized.
Deconstruction of Time
At the entrance, a light paper boat floats gently, symbolizing the harbor where returning fishermen take temporary shelter. Throughout the space, elements from fishermen’s daily lives are integrated — salvaged shells, fishing boat shapes, and the essence of water — all contributing to the core theme of “fishing boats returning to port.”
The first floor is transformed into an open parking and resting café, serving as a communal area for homestay guests. The spirit of the “ship” is infused throughout the space, emphasized by large areas of blankness in both the building and interior, enhancing the feeling of openness and fluidity.
The coffee bar serves as the visual centerpiece, designed as an abstract ship anchored in the space. The beams and columns act as masts, while the deck and dock form the hull. This design blends social function with artistic expression, transforming the café into a symbolic fishing boat drifting on the lake, evoking the daily life and atmosphere of fishermen.
Dialogue and Memory
The space preserves fragments of the fishermen’s past lives. Stones from the bottom of Taihu Lake are placed at the base of the stairs, adding symbolic meaning. The simple furnishings interact beautifully with natural light.
The staircase leading upstairs blends old and new: it retains elements of the original structure while introducing modern design. Ancient purlins and rafters reveal traces of time, creating a visual dialogue between heritage and contemporary aesthetics.
Embracing Nature
The second and third floors serve as homestay accommodations, offering visitors a tranquil space to connect with nature. The design avoids excessive decoration in favor of simplicity and authenticity.
The layout employs a technique of enclosure and interweaving, creating “continuous yet distinct” zones that accommodate different activities. Unified visual elements weave through the space, establishing a clear spatial hierarchy. Artworks mainly feature shells collected by fishermen, reinforcing the connection to local culture.
The semi-enclosed curved designs maintain spatial continuity while defining functional boundaries, enriching the spatial experience.
Encounter · The Lighthouse
“Fishing boats returning to port” reflects the current reality of fishing life at Taihu Lake, while also preserving the history of the fishing village through architectural renovation. We envision the transformed fishermen’s home to serve three roles:
- Container: A practical and user-friendly space.
- Yeast: A catalyst that stimulates vitality in the surrounding area.
- Lighthouse: A beacon of light, visible from afar, attracting visitors and guiding them here.
Project Drawings
△ Plan View
Project Information
Project Name: Qianshanjing Homestay
Location: Guangfu Town, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
Client: Xu Gang, Suzhou Suzhi Dacheng Hotel Management Co., Ltd.
Area: 450 square meters
Completion: January 2023
Design Firm: Chao Yu Design Firm
Design Team: Liang Fei, Wang Xing
Project Staff: Yi Hangfei, Wu Taokai, Hua Yiying, Zhou Jie
Construction: Suzhou Dahan Fubon Building Decoration, Liu Changbao
Lighting Design: Suzhou Huoyuan Lighting, Huang
Publicity Planning: Two Barriers
Photography: Xu Yiwen, Tan Xiaozhong
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