BOATYARD HOTEL || An Idyllic Getaway Paying Homage to Jiangnan's Culture, Tradition, and Nature Scenes
A river on a rainy day in Jiangnan is a dreamy scene - swaying and listening to the rain, waking up to catch the first rays of light, and walking along the tranquil shores.
The Boatyard Hotel designed by WJ STUDIO invites guests to escape to this dream. The hotel is located in the village of Shanwan in Wujiang District, Suzhou. The idyllic town and the quiet expanse of the river provide the ideal setting for guests looking for refuge from their busy lives.
When viewed from an aerial position, the hotel's rippling black-roofed buildings are like the crow-top boats gathered and docked on the shore, serene and moving. Through this symbolism, the design team ties the architectural design to a traditional scene in Suzhou.
An aerial view shows how the black rooftops resemble a cluster of boats moored on the water.
A visit to Boatyard Hotel designed by WJ STUDIO is to immerse yourself in the scenery and the interiors designed to integrate seamlessly with the idyllic surroundings.
At the entrance, a crow-top boat is moored to the side along an arched trestle bridge. Natural light pours down from the dome's skylight, and the space becomes an evolving record of time with an interplay of light and shadow as the light changes throughout the day. When it rains, the sound of the falling raindrops on the skylight and the moored boat on the water perfectly replicates a life scene in Jiangnan.
The sun from the skylight evolves as light shifts throughout the day.
After passing the bridge, large floor-to-ceiling windows open to a view of a small island and the vast expanse of water beyond. A bench with a recessed water pattern invites visitors to sit and watch the water, trees and clouds on the other side of the isolated island.
The dome-shaped window makes it seem like one is sitting in a boat and looking out. While relaxing on the bench, one can experience the tranquillity of the setting and a freeing feeling of zen without being on the water.
Dome-shaped window makes it seem like you’re peering out from a boat on the water.
The trees on the island stretch out their limbs in an artistic way to welcome guests, and the elegance of this nature scene is a further testament to the natural beauty exclusive to Jiangnan.
The promenade in the hotel is a place for relaxation and a coffee or time to indulge in a book. Large format windows line the length of the dining area to maximize the views and invite nature in. Guests feel fully immersed in the natural environment while waking to the morning light and winding down to the sunset each day. Those who wish to get just a little bit closer can head out to the viewing bridge, which extends over the water.
A glass viewing bridge extends over the water.
The dining room bathed in a warm orange hue as the sun sets.
A work desk placed by the floor to ceiling windows provide a serene backdrop.
The earthy and nature-driven theme extends into the guest bedrooms, where a sunken pool is awash in natural light by a skylight. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame picturesque views, and strategically placed work desks and reading benches offer guests every opportunity to enjoy the stunning vistas.
Boatyard Hotel effortlessly blends culture and tradition with modern design to provide refuge for city dwellers looking to escape to a simpler life where one can relax in nature's embrace.
PROJECT INFORMATION
Project: Boatyard Hotel
Location: Suzhou, Jiangsu
Completion Date: 2023.2
Type of Project: Boutique hotel
Project Area: 1200㎡
Client: Suzhou Blue City Cultural Tourism Co.
Interior Design: WJ STUDIO
Principle Designer: Hu Zhile
Design Team: Yang Xi, Yang Lilien, Zhou Shuyi, Ye Zi
Architectural Design: GOA
Lighting Design: Yi Ke Guang Lighting Design (Shanghai) Co.
Photographer: Zhu Hai, Zhang Xi
Project Video: Zhang Xi