Architecture  ·  Buildings

Where Architecture Meets Nature

July 4, 2023

words by Joel Wong
images courtesy of Mono Photo Center, Zhuang Haolai, LEIDU, Li Rong

The Yun Lake Courtyard Resort is a walk into a spatial experience that is brimming with a stunning exploration of light, materials and textures while preserving an unmistakable connection with its natural surroundings.

Located in Yixing City, Jiangsu Province, sits the Yun Lake Courtyard Resort, surrounded by a tranquil hillside adjacent to the banks of the Yun Lake. Originally an enclosed office building, the team at Studio DOTCOF was brought in to reimagine and revitalise it into a boutique resort hotel due to its uniquely nature-inspired location and scenic surroundings. 

During the initial site visit, the location was earmarked by the design team at Studio DOTCOF as the natural and beautiful conditions surrounding the building, along with the serene lake scenery and rolling mountain views gave rise to a bevy of ideas. However, the space of the original building proved difficult to work or design with, as its relatively closed off interior was not in sync with the outdoor landscape.

The connection to nature was a key point in providing a holistic spatial experience for those visiting the resort. The Studio DOTCOF team wanted to allow guests to experience the landscape and nature, to further enhance the overall relaxed nature, both physically and mentally. 

With this in mind, a part of the corridor area is opened up into a semi-outdoor corridor, allowing people to freely enter the inner courtyard. Drawing from its natural landscape, the team showcased the full characteristics of the building through various openings of the external wall using a variety of forms. These openings; including long transverse windows, square windows and hollow holes allowed for the sunlight to enter the space in a multitude of ways, as well as allowed for guests to experience the landscape through different forms. 

Further, each of the rooms were designed to have a wide balcony, incorporating natural experiences like the lush trees and warm sunlight with the delights of staying at a resort.

Raw materials for the spaces were also carefully selected to be as natural and real as possible to maintain the sanctity of nature. From solid woods, sandstone, brick, rattan mats used in various areas, the team was able to offer a warm nature’s embrace to guests. The accents of wooden tones add a warm flourish to the design, while echoing the colours of the context. Textured walls with nuanced patterns craft a rustic flair in the space. Minimally furnished, the vast expanses bathe in nature’s glory, which is complemented by the stunning scapes surrounding the resort. 

Nestled within nature’s embrace, the Yun Lake Courtyard Resort is an impeccable destination for guests looking to unwind, supplemented by spaces that are designed with a preservation and appreciation of nature.

Studio DOTCOF was established by designer Chen Xi in 2015 in Shanghai. As an innovative design studio, they are committed to exploring the possibilities of the people-space relationship in every design project. For each project, Studio DOTCOF endeavours to fully understand, research, and to communicate regarding specific client needs, site conditions, construction technology, project budget, etc., while offering creative and unique responses through space, materials, and lighting.

For more information, please visit About Studio DOTCOF.