Simianshan Town in Jiangjin, Chongqing, is named for its surrounding mountains and intersecting valleys. Nestled among these four mountains is the first mountain homestay of the renowned domestic brand Da Le Zhi Ye in Southwest China. Kongkong Architecture was commissioned to oversee the overall design, aiming to help visitors rediscover this hidden gem through thoughtful architecture.
The owner envisioned 24 guest rooms, with most featuring private hot spring pools to accommodate year-round vacation needs. The project also includes comprehensive amenities such as a restaurant, coffee bar, tea room, swimming pool, kitchen, linens, staff quarters, and ample parking.
The site is set within a U-shaped mountain valley that opens to the west, positioned midway up the mountain with views spanning east and west, offering breathtaking sunsets. Several original mountain houses remain on the site. After residents relocated, new homestays were constructed on these existing foundations, preserving the original building locations. The terraced fields and fruit trees planted by former residents have been maintained, forming a natural landscape that enriches the entire site.
We designed three building clusters — Mountain Observation, Mountain Leaning, and Hidden Mountain — following the natural contours of the terrain. Through architectural and spatial design, we aimed to establish a fresh, interactive dialogue between humans and nature, offering visitors new perspectives and immersive experiences while exploring the site. This approach redefines the relationship between people and the mountains.
Our construction strategy respects the existing terrain and climate by incorporating the principles of traditional homesteads and stilted buildings. Minimizing soil excavation preserves most boulders and trees, integrating them into the architectural dialogue. The design features large, lightweight, overhanging roofs that shield walls and foundations from rain erosion, greatly extending the buildings’ longevity.
Additionally, the design incorporates extensive grey spaces throughout the complex to enhance ventilation and natural lighting, while providing ample open areas for movement and social interaction.
Local materials were prioritized throughout the project. Retaining walls were built using local rough stone, while red sandstone blocks were employed for foundations, railings, and steps. Recycled elements such as old wood, stone strips, stone slabs, and large wine jars were thoughtfully integrated into the buildings and landscape, adding character and sustainability.
Project Drawings
△ Location Map
△ Master Plan
△ Floor Plan
△ Elevation
△ Elevation
△ Elevation
△ Section
△ Section
△ Section
△ Section
△ Exploded View
△ Detail Drawing
△ Detail Drawing
△ Hand-drawn Analysis
△ Hand-drawn Analysis
△ Hand-drawn Analysis
Project Information
Architect: Kongkong Architecture
Area: 2,200 m²
Project Year: 2023
Photographers: Tang Xuguo, ddw, Dandan
Suppliers: Benjamin Moore, CDN Lighting, Chai
Lead Architect: Gan Quan
Structural and Electromechanical Consultants: Liu Tao (Structural), Yan Zhaojun (Electromechanical)
Interior Design: Skyscraper Architecture
Soft Decoration Team: Da Le Zhi Ye Design Department
Construction Management: Wan Yizhen, Quan Xiangwei, Xiao Wu, Ji Xiaoxiang
Design Team: Le Feng, Pei Jun, Sun Xi, Yang Changqing (Shanghai Yeyouzhu Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd.)
Architectural Scheme Development: Wish Studio Weft Design
Design Team (Wish Studio): Dong Dawei, Zhai Kaicheng, Xu Fengshan
Client: Chongqing Jiangjin District Dalezhiye Hotel Management Co., Ltd.
Location: Simianshan Town, Jiangjin, Chongqing
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