Half of the Mountain: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Peng Zhang's Award-Winning Homestay Design Marries Local Culture and Modern Aesthetics

The project draws its inspiration from the local culture and history of its location in the scenic spot of Jintan Maoshan, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. Zhang's design philosophy is rooted in the concept of "traceless," a fusion of tradition and innovation. The design elements are refined from the local culture, history, and landscape, creating a space that is both familiar and novel.

What sets Half of the Mountain apart is its unique experience of diversified space. Guests can fully immerse themselves in the local landscape and Taoist culture that the design proudly showcases. The simple and natural style of Maoshan Mountain is reflected in the choice of traditional materials like rammed earth, green tiles, raw stone, logs, and bamboo. These materials, integrating with nature, make the building renovation and regional landscape perfect.

The realization of this design was achieved through the use of local materials. Bamboo was extensively used for interior decoration and accessories, while rammed earth, clay plaster, and gravel were used on the spot. The roof was adorned with traditional clay fired green tiles and black bricks, contributing to the interior and exterior decoration.

The design also incorporates interaction with the local environment. The homestay is not only located in the forest but also on a tea mountain. Visitors can participate in tea leaf picking, tea production, and packaging design. These activities drive local native residents' income and allow for a virtuous cycle of local tourism. Visitors can also participate in a series of non-material cultural arts and crafts during the holidays.

The design process was not without its challenges. The variable weather of the scenic spot, often rainy, made the early site survey and data acquisition difficult. Furthermore, the owner's desire to complete the construction quickly for business added to the intensity of the work. Despite these challenges, the design work covering nearly 5000 square meters of the building and interior space was completed in just over a month.

In conclusion, Half of the Mountain is a testament to the power of innovative design that respects and incorporates local culture and tradition. The project, which won the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020, is a shining example of the fusion of tradition and innovation. It stands as a beacon of sustainable and culturally sensitive design, setting a high bar for future projects in the field.