Gold Architecture, Building and Structure Design · 2020
The Peach Garden Hostel Homestay
by Chao Zhou
- A' Design Award 2020 Gold Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
- Awarded April 15, 2020
- CLIENT: United Practice Architects | UPA
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 27,564
- Verification code 35297ADFD7 · Verify this award
About The Peach Garden Hostel Homestay
In this project, the designer shows enough respect for the old house during the reconstruction. The addition part adopts the form of wood structure, which not only makes the connection between new and old buildings appear natural, but also makes the new part have a light feeling, as well as continuous space. At the foot of the mountains and the Great Wall, the transparent interface is impressive, especially when architecture and nature blend each other.
The Peach Garden Hostel Homestay by Chao Zhou exemplifies a distinguished approach to contemporary hospitality architecture that honors vernacular building traditions while introducing thoughtful modern interventions, positioning itself within broader architectural conversations concerning heritage preservation, material authenticity, and the creation of meaningful dwelling experiences in rural landscapes. The designer demonstrates exceptional sensitivity in orchestrating the dialogue between existing traditional structures featuring characteristic gray clay tile roofing and river stone foundations with newly introduced elements including the striking glazed gabled pavilion that rises as a transparent beacon within the compound, its contemporary vocabulary rendered respectful through adherence to regional roof pitch angles and proportional relationships. Technical accomplishment manifests in the careful material palette selection where warm natural timber cladding achieves visual warmth and tactile invitation against cooler masonry masses, the honest expression of construction methods evident in visible wood grain, stone aggregate textures, and the weathered patina of traditional roof tiles suggesting authentic aging and regional appropriateness. The composition captured at twilight reveals particular chromatic sophistication as interior illumination transforms the architecture into inhabitable lanterns, warm amber light spilling through generous glazing to create inviting scenes of domestic gathering while exterior zones recede into contemplative blue-gray atmospheric tones. Thematic resonances activate considerations of shelter, hospitality, the relationship between human habitation and natural landscape, and the possibility of contemporary life enriched by connection to craft traditions and regional identity. The integration of mature trees within the courtyard garden suggests respect for existing landscape features and biophilic design principles that acknowledge human psychological needs for natural connection. Visitors might contemplate how architectural spaces shape experiences of arrival, dwelling, and departure, and how thoughtful design can foster both intimacy and openness to surrounding landscape beauty.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- In this project, the old traditional quadrangle in the northern China was rebuilt as a courtyard house, providing accommodation and social function, as well as, exhibiting floristry. The design team respect the historical building and spare no effort to minimize the effect of newly built part. Also, they utilize innovative transformative strategy to satisfy the new functional need and improve the wellbeing of guests.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The construction area of this project is 158 m2 .
- Tags
- Homestay, Architecture, Landscape Design, Interior design,Reconstruction
- Production Technology
- During the reconstruction of the old house, the original timber structure has been reserved, while part of external walls has been renewed. As for the strategy of light construction, it is sustainable and can achieve high construction quality by a low cost.
- Design Challenge
- The depth of it was quite small, about 4.2 meters. Obviously, the small space was not able to satisfy the new functional need. Therefore, the design team extended a multi-function hall by timber construction in the southeast corner, which is closed to the original annex. And the key problem in design is how to minimize the effect of newly built part on the historical building. In the end, the design team decided to remain the strategy of light construction, which is what they have been studying and practicing.
- Project Duration
- The project was completed at No.10, Shihuyu Village, Jiuduhe Town, Huairou, Beijing, China in 2019.
- Operation Flow
- During the reconstruction of the old house,the design team reserved the whole stone walls, but rebuilt the southern wall. Meanwhile, they redesigned the entrance and windows, as well as the viewing boxes. They tore down the shabby roof, added insulation and waterproof layer, as well as the skylight. In addition, the traditional grey roofing tiles have been recycled. What is more, the design team utilized large area glass to allow nature permeate into the room.
- Research
- The rebuilding concept is based on the relationship between architecture and nature. On the one hand, the design team chose the raw materials of nature – timber, which is also the original bearing structure of the old building. On the other hand, they utilized large area glass to allow nature permeate into the room. Through the glass, guests are able to enjoy the beauty of the seasons as well as the Great Wall.
- Inspiration
- In sharp contrast between the old and the new, the heavy and the light, the historical building is reborn.
- Image Credits
- Image#1:He lian， The Peach Garden，Facade Cenovation，2019
Image#2:He lian， The Peach Garden，Wood Construction，2019
Image#3:He lian， The Peach Garden，View Box，2019
Image#4:He lian， The Peach Garden，Guest Room，2019
Image#5:He lian， The Peach Garden，Aerial View，2019 - Patents
- For copyrights: "Copyrights belong to He lian, 2019. "
Colors of The Peach Garden Hostel Homestay
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