Zhi Lan Hotel by Jinxiang Zhao is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award de Bronze in Design de Hotelaria, Recreação, Viagem e Turismo Competition Category.

BronzeHotelaria· 2025

Zhi Lan Hotel

by Jinxiang Zhao

Client: Luxun Academy of Fine Arts

A' Design Award de Bronze Winner in Hotelaria Category

36,618

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #168106

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

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The Design

About Zhi Lan Hotel

Zhi Lan é um hotel criado a partir da conversão de uma antiga fábrica num espaço de hospitalidade sustentável. A estrutura metálica original foi preservada e integrada no mobiliário e nos elementos de interiores. Áreas plantadas, percursos pedonais e um sistema de purificação de água formam um ecossistema autossustentável. As águas residuais dos quartos, restaurantes e escritórios, juntamente com a água da chuva e da neve, são recolhidas, purificadas e reutilizadas nos terraços ajardinados e nas áreas de plantação. Um purificador modular transparente torna visível o ciclo da água. A iluminação inteligente e os controlos de climatização promovem uma utilização eficiente da energia.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Bronze

Zhi Lan Hotel conquistou o A' Design Award de Bronze, um reconhecimento altamente prestigiado atribuído a designs notáveis que se distinguem pela criatividade, engenho e perspicácia. Os vencedores do Bronze são artefactos amplamente habilidosos e surpreendentemente criativos que comprovam a vasta experiência, imaginação e capacidade de iniciativa dos seus designers. Espera-se que Zhi Lan Hotel seja um objeto muito considerado, admirado e estimado, notavelmente profissional e inovador. Este design vencedor do A' Design Award de Bronze incorpora as melhores práticas em arte, ciência, design e tecnologia e é excelente pela sua atenção ao detalhe. Zhi Lan Hotel satisfaz esplendidamente necessidades, toca desejos, encanta sentimentos e desperta curiosidade.

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