I O Hotel: Redefining Urban Hospitality with Innovative Design

Reception Space

The I O Hotel, designed by Chen Huacai and Xu Hezhan, takes inspiration from the enigmatic moon IO and brings a fresh perspective to urban hotels. Situated on the top floor of a commercial building in Zhanjiang, Guangdong, this hotel offers a panoramic view of the outdoor landscape and a tranquil environment. With its unique design elements and attention to detail, the I O Hotel redefines the concept of hospitality.

The designers of the I O Hotel drew inspiration from the moon IO, the innermost of Jupiter's four Galilean moons. Known for its geological activity and ever-changing nature, IO served as the perfect muse for the designers' vision. They refused to confine the interior design to a specific style, instead opting to combine contrasting yet diverse design elements to create a space that embodies endless possibilities.

One of the standout features of the hotel is its lobby, where the designers retained the original oblique interior roof structure. To enhance natural daylighting, they added a glass ceiling, which not only floods the space with light but also offers a stunning view of the sky. The designers also utilized perforated aluminum sheets to soften the light and create an interplay of light and shadows, adding depth and intrigue to the reception area.

The interior of the I O Hotel showcases a diverse material palette, including terrazzo, ultrathin stone materials, timber, and leather coverings. This fusion of softness and solidity creates a rich texture throughout the space, inviting guests to explore and experience the unknown. The hotel features 36 distinctive guest rooms, each designed as an independent unit while seamlessly integrating into the overall system, much like the rotating objects that make up the Solar System.

Overcoming the challenges posed by the sloped roof structure, the design team transformed the oblique angle between the interior roof and the wall into a 90-degree angle. They added a skylight to introduce natural daylight, creating a ceiling that is both simplistic in form and rich in detail. The staircases in the hotel further enhance the three-dimensional visual impression of the space, making the experience of going up and down more interesting.

Completed in October 2019, the I O Hotel stands as a testament to innovative design and thoughtful execution. It offers guests a unique and immersive experience, combining the beauty of the surrounding landscape with the comfort and tranquility of a modern hotel. By skillfully utilizing light, shadows, structures, and colors, the design team has created a space that sparks imagination and invites exploration.

The I O Hotel has been recognized for its exceptional design, receiving the Iron A' Design Award in 2021. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The I O Hotel's design integrates industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings to its guests and contributing to a better world.

Experience the allure of the I O Hotel and embark on a journey that combines art, architecture, and hospitality in a truly unique way.