Stylus Studio's Award-Winning Design: The China Moganshan Joe Lalli Resort Hotel

Blending Nature and Architecture: A Sustainable and Innovative Approach

The resort hotel, spread over an area of 9060 square metres, houses a variety of facilities including a grand ballroom, a tea lounge, a Chinese restaurant, and 42 guest rooms. The design of the hotel takes an organic form, comprising four interlocking structures that house these facilities. The use of local materials such as bamboo and hardwood, along with green roofs and solar panels, contributes to the building’s sustainable character.

The design team found inspiration in the natural environment of Moganshan, incorporating elements of its mountains, forests, and water into the architectural design. The aim was to create a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for guests, while also surprising them with an unexpected design narrative. This narrative is reflected in the interior design of the resort, from the dramatic bamboo cloud staircase to the modernized versions of Chinese chandeliers.

The realization of this design was not without its challenges. One of the major hurdles was to connect floors within a large atrium in a way that was respectful to Joe Lalli’s design philosophy. The team overcame this by using Glass Reinforced Gypsum (GRG), a thin, lightweight, yet strong material. Local artists hand-painted bamboo patterns on the surface, creating a landmark within the resort.

The project, which spanned from November 2016 till January 2019, was located at NO.17 Yuxin North Street, Moganshan, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China. The design team included lead interior designers Simon Zeng and Vincent Zhang of Stylus Studio, along with architecture designers Martin Jochman and Kiona Qing W. of JadeQA Architects.

The resort hotel has been lauded for its innovative use of natural materials and its harmonious blend of nature and technology. It has also been recognized for its strong but highly considerate identity, which combines Asian subtleties with international design standards. The design was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2021, a testament to its outstanding expertise and innovation.