Zhi Lan Hotel by Jinxiang Zhao is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award in Brons in Horeca, Recreatie, Reis- en Toerisme Ontwerp Competition Category.

BronsHoreca· 2025

Zhi Lan Hotel

by Jinxiang Zhao

Client: Luxun Academy of Fine Arts

A' Design Award in Brons Winner in Horeca Category

36,618

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #168106

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Zhi Lan Hotel

Zhi Lan is een hotel dat is ontstaan door de omvorming van een voormalige fabriek tot een duurzame gastvrijheidsruimte. Het oorspronkelijke stalen frame is behouden en geïntegreerd in meubels en interieurelementen. Beplante zones, looppaden en een waterzuiveringssysteem vormen samen een zelfvoorzienend ecosysteem. Afvalwater uit de gastenkamers, restaurants en kantoren wordt, samen met regen- en smeltwater, opgevangen, gezuiverd en hergebruikt voor de landschappelijk aangelegde terrassen en plantenzones. Een transparante modulaire zuiveringsinstallatie maakt de waterkringloop zichtbaar. Slimme verlichting en klimaatregelingen dragen bij aan een efficiënt energiegebruik.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Brons

Zhi Lan Hotel is winnaar van de A' Design Award in Brons, een hoogst prestigieuze erkenning die wordt toegekend aan uitstekende ontwerpen die zich onderscheiden door creativiteit, vindingrijkheid en scherpzinnigheid. Winnaars in Brons zijn ruimschoots vaardige en opvallend creatieve artefacten die de grote ervaring, verbeelding en het vernuft van hun ontwerpers bevestigen. Zhi Lan Hotel wordt verwacht een hooggewaardeerd, bewonderd en gekoesterd object te zijn dat opmerkelijk professioneel en innovatief is. Dit ontwerp dat de A' Design Award in Brons heeft gewonnen, verwerkt de beste praktijken in kunst, wetenschap, ontwerp en technologie en is uitstekend door zijn aandacht voor detail. Zhi Lan Hotel bevredigt schitterend behoeften, raakt verlangens, charmeert gevoelens en spreekt de nieuwsgierigheid aan.

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