Zhi Lan Hotel by Jinxiang Zhao is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award in Bronze in Gastgewerbedesign Competition Category.

BronzeGastgewerbe· 2025

Zhi Lan Hotel

by Jinxiang Zhao

Client: Luxun Academy of Fine Arts

A' Design Award in Bronze Winner in Gastgewerbe Category

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Verified Award Winner

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

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The Design

About Zhi Lan Hotel

Zhi Lan ist ein Hotel, das durch den Umbau einer ehemaligen Fabrik in einen nachhaltigen Gastgewerbe-Raum entstanden ist. Der ursprüngliche Stahlrahmen wurde erhalten und in Möbel sowie Interieurelemente integriert. Bepflanzte Bereiche, Wege und ein Wasserreinigungssystem bilden ein sich selbst erhaltendes Ökosystem. Abwasser aus Gästezimmern, Restaurants und Büros wird zusammen mit Regen- und Schmelzwasser gesammelt, aufbereitet und für begrünte Terrassen und Pflanzenbereiche genutzt. Ein transparenter modularer Wasserreiniger macht den Wasserkreislauf sichtbar. Intelligente Beleuchtungs- und Klimasteuerungen unterstützen einen effizienten Energieeinsatz.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Bronze

Zhi Lan Hotel ist Gewinner des A' Design Award in Bronze, einer hochprestigeträchtigen Anerkennung für herausragende Designs, die sich durch Kreativität, Einfallsreichtum und Scharfsinn auszeichnen. Bronze-Gewinner sind reichlich geschickte und auffallend kreative Artefakte, die die große Erfahrung, Fantasie und Findigkeit ihrer Designer belegen. Von Zhi Lan Hotel wird erwartet, dass es ein hochgeschätztes, bewundertes und geliebtes Objekt ist, das bemerkenswert professionell und innovativ ist. Dieses mit dem A' Design Award in Bronze prämierte Design verkörpert bewährte Verfahren in Kunst, Wissenschaft, Design und Technologie und ist hervorragend in seiner Liebe zum Detail. Zhi Lan Hotel befriedigt Bedürfnisse auf großartige Weise, berührt Wünsche, bezaubert Gefühle und spricht die Neugier an.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The Zhilan sustainable hotel design transforms an old factory into an eco-friendly space, merging industrial aesthetics with green ecology. The steel frame retains its industrial charm, while integrated greenery and a sewage purification system create a self-sustaining ecosystem. Intelligent systems and water recycling optimize energy efficiency, fostering a sustainable and harmonious connection between humans and nature.
Tags: Sustainable, Device, Hotel, Green
Production Technology: Our design employs an interdisciplinary approach, integrating advanced numerical simulation and intelligent monitoring to achieve a seamless union of ecology, structure, and energy efficiency. The hotel’s southern water purification system collects and purifies wastewater from guestrooms, restaurants, offices, and natural rain and snow, supplying landscaped terraces and plant areas to form an indoor-outdoor ecological connection. The transparent, modular purifier visually demonstrates the water cycle. The regenerative facade uses energy-saving materials with excellent mechanical and thermal properties, providing both protection and efficiency, embodying the harmony between humans and nature.
Design Challenge: The hardest aspect was harmonizing the historic industrial character with modern sustainability demands. We faced the challenge of preserving heritage while integrating cutting-edge eco-technologies, navigating regulatory constraints, and reconciling conflicting production capabilities. Balancing historical context, social expectations, and available technology required extensive research and innovative problem-solving.
Research: Type of Research: Mixed-method exploratory study. Research Objectives: Blend industrial heritage with sustainable design. Methodology: Field studies, interviews, and simulations. Data Collection and Research Tools Used: Surveys, sensors, and digital modeling. Participants or Experiments: Designers, engineers, and local community. Results: A design harmonizing history with eco-tech. Insights and Impacts: Enhanced user experience and business viability. Effect: Boosted social cohesion and innovation in design.
Inspiration: The Zhilan hotel design is inspired by the idea of merging industrial heritage with green ecology. A large-scale water purification system collects wastewater and natural water sources, supporting the hotel's ecological systems. By seamlessly linking indoor and outdoor spaces, the design fosters a sustainable relationship between humans and nature, embodying the vision of harmonious coexistence with the environment.
Project Duration: Located at No. 1 Yingpan North Street, Hunnan District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, the project occupies a prime position adjacent to the Shenyang Olympic Sports Center, Shengjing D’Outlet, and Liaoning Gymnasium. The site benefits from comprehensive facilities and excellent connectivity—Youth Street and Metro Line 2 (within 500 meters)—establishing it as a major urban node. While the exact project duration has not been disclosed, its strategic location underscores its significance.
Operation Flow: An old factory is reborn as a sustainable cultural and hospitality space where industrial charm meets green nature. The original steel frame is integrated into furniture and art, blending strength with renewed vitality. Lush greenery, walkways, and a water purification system create a self-sustaining ecosystem that enhances comfort and sustainability. Smart lighting and climate controls adjust naturally, while water recycling optimizes resource use, fostering a harmonious connection between people and nature.
Team Members: Haochen Xu
Jinxiang Zhao
Haige Huang