Joel Alli Resort: A Harmonious Blend of Architecture and Nature

Hongfei Yan's Award-Winning Design Fuses Natural Elements with Modern Aesthetics

In the heart of China's Moganshan Scenic Area, a unique reception center stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of architecture and nature. Designed by Hongfei Yan, the Joel Alli Resort is a stunning example of how design can seamlessly integrate with its surroundings, creating a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere for visitors.

The Joel Alli Resort, a hotel reception center, is located at the foot of a mountain and is surrounded by six hilltops, a reservoir, and unique natural ecological resources. Yan's design inspiration came from the desire to preserve the natural environment and create a connection between the interior and exterior environments. To achieve this, Yan incorporated local elements such as water, cloud, bamboo, and mountain into the design.

What sets the Joel Alli Resort apart from other designs is its strong connection to nature. Yan used different spatial heights and widths based on the space functions to find a balance between the construction and nature. The use of natural elements like mountains, water, clouds, and bamboos in the design creates a sense of nature indoors.

The realization of this design was achieved through the use of natural materials, maintaining their original texture and primary colors to create new ideas. A notable example is the lobby's front desk, made from a century-old wood through a special cut. Visitors can see the original annual rings on the desk, fostering a sense of respect for nature.

The project, which covers a total of 580 square meters, started in March 2019 in Deqing and was completed in August 2019. The design process was not without challenges. Yan had to create a vacationing atmosphere and harmoniously blend the space with the natural environment. The result is a space where visitors can relax and enjoy different sceneries, whether they walk along the bar or sit in the relax area.

The Joel Alli Resort has been recognized for its innovative design, winning the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2021. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder. The Joel Alli Resort is indeed a remarkable design that showcases the harmonious symbiosis of architecture and nature.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Hongfei Yan
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Qiang Shen and Yujie Liu, Reception Hall, 2019. Image #2: Photographer Qiang Shen and Yujie Liu, Reception Desk, 2019. Image #3: Photographer Qiang Shen and Yujie Liu, Corridor, 2019. Image #4: Photographer Qiang Shen and Yujie Liu, Entrance, 2019. Image #5: Photographer Qiang Shen and Yujie Liu, Rest Area, 2019.
Project Team Members: Hongfei Yan Jie Zheng
Project Name: Joelalli Resort
Project Client: Hongfei Yan


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