Youhe Community Caltepacholiztli Tlachihualiztli by Zhifeng Zhao

Youhe Community Caltepacholiztli Tlachihualiztli by Zhifeng Zhao is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl in Tecialiliztli, Ahuiltiliztli, Nehnemiztli ihuan Tlanextiliztlanemiztli Tlachihchihualiztli Competition Category.

IztacteocuitlatlTecialiliztli· 2025

Youhe Community Caltepacholiztli Tlachihualiztli

by Zhifeng Zhao

Client: ZHANG Qiang

Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl Winner in Tecialiliztli Category

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The Design

About Youhe Community Caltepacholiztli Tlachihualiztli

In Lotos Tlalli Tequitl cualli quitlacemana milli cuicatl ica altepemilli tlayecanaliztli, quitlamaca ce netlacaquiliztli milli tepetlamatiliztli. In tlachihualiztli quitlananquilia ixquichcauh nemiliztli ihuan tozquitiliztli, quinamiqui cuauhtlalpan ica tequipanolcalli. In maitlachihualixtli ihuan cuauhtlaltetl quichihua ce nepapan yoliliztli, auh in patlahuac tlamantli, ica malacatl, amoxcalli ihuan nauhcampa icpalli, quitlalia cehuiliztli ihuan altepecaliztli. Ica cualnezqui tlachihualiztli ihuan tequipanoliz, in tequitl quitlamaca temachtianime ce yancuic tlaixnamiquiliz ica cuauhtlalpan ihuan altepetl.

The Recognition

About the Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl

Youhe Community Caltepacholiztli Tlachihualiztli ca in quicuic in Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl, hueyi tlamahuizoliztli tlen momaca in huel yectli, tlanextic ihuan mahuiztic tlachihualli. In quicuicah Iztacteocuitlatl ca cenca cualli ihuan cenca yancuic tlachihualli in quinextia in tlamatiliztli, toltecayotl ihuan ixtlamatiliztli intlachihuanime. Ca quinequi in Youhe Community Caltepacholiztli Tlachihualiztli ca cenca cualli, cenca motequiuhtia ihuan yancuic. Ni dizayno in quicuic Iztacteocuitlatl quihuelitia in toltecayotl, tlamatiliztli, dizayno ihuan teknolohia. Youhe Community Caltepacholiztli Tlachihualiztli quiyolchicahua in tlacah, quipaquiltia ihuan quitlamahuiztiltia.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: This vibrant agro-tourism space on Lotus Island, Suzhou, blends pastoral beauty with the rural cooperative concept. The design uses hand-drawn illustrations and simple lines, with orange and white contrasts for a fresh look. The architecture combines repurposed materials and natural scenery, while wood and rattan interiors create a simple, nature-connected atmosphere. The space offers dining with views, a reading nook, and multi-functional areas for gatherings and study.
Dimensions & Packaging: The project occupies a single floor with a thoughtful layout. The main space faces the bar counter, flanked by IP product exhibition areas, creating a central, functional design. To the right, an open dining and viewing area features terraces by the window and built-in bookshelves, offering a cozy reading spot. Behind a soundproof curtain on the left, a tiered seating area provides a flexible space for events like study tours or social gatherings.
Tags: Tourism Complex, Landscape Design, Argo-tourism Space, Travel Design, Tourism Design
Production Technology: The overall cost control of the project is relatively low, and the design and construction are closely integrated during the process. The material control often uses old wood for renovation and reuse, which is also part of sustainable design.
Design Challenge: A key challenge of the design was the owner's limited budget, requiring careful cost control and strategic material selection. To address this, the design reused old materials, reducing costs while adding unique character and sustainability. Focused design elements were prioritized to maintain impact without exceeding the budget. Close collaboration with the construction team ensured a balance between design vision and practical constraints, maintaining high craftsmanship while adhering to financial limitations for a successful outcome.
Research: The early-stage research focused on co-creation, involving in-depth collaboration with stakeholders. This included discussions with the owner to meet practical needs and with the head of Lotus Island to integrate local characteristics. University students, especially younger groups, were engaged for fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. This multi-layered collaboration enriched the design approach, providing both a solid theoretical foundation and practical basis for the final outcome.
Inspiration: The project is inspired by the pastoral beauty of Lotus Island in Suzhou, with its serene lakes and lush landscapes. It also draws from the collective spirit of rural cooperatives, emphasizing shared efforts and sustainable development. This blend of nature and collaboration creates a vibrant, interactive agro-tourism space.
Project Duration: Project Duration:October 2023- December 2023
Location: Lotus Island, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
Operation Flow: Youhe Community is a rural revitalization project developed in collaboration with the local town government, becoming a model for rural redevelopment in Suzhou. Since its opening, the project has provided a new leisure destination for both local residents of Lotus Island and visitors. During the crab season, the area experiences a significant influx of people, highlighting its commercial value and popularity.
Image Credits: DENG Chun