Luxeh: A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Revitalizing an Old House into a Unique Hotel Experience

With nearly ten Buddhist temples within a three-kilometer radius, the area surrounding Luxeh is a major birthplace of Chinese Buddhism. However, the existing meditation abodes in the temples were not sufficient to meet the needs of the followers seeking a balance between modern living and spiritual fulfillment. Luxeh aims to bridge this gap by providing a harmonious environment that caters to both.

One of the biggest challenges faced during the design process was the strict requirement to protect the original architecture and building elevation. To overcome this, the interior and outdoor spaces were treated as separate systems. The main architectural style was preserved, while the interior space was transformed into a modern resort with commercial functions.

To restore the decaying wooden components of the building elevation, the designers employed a baking technique dating back to the Song dynasty. This technique carbonized the wooden surface, preserving its integrity and ensuring its longevity.

The design also took into consideration the narrow spaces formed by the interface between roofs and walls, which could not be abandoned. These spaces were repurposed as wash basins or storage areas, maximizing functionality. Additionally, the walls of the toilets were adorned with ceramic bricks, allowing the height of the toilets to be determined by the modularization multiple of the bricks, reducing material waste and maintaining the design's integrity.

Throughout the project, the preservation of traditional craft and the continuation of cultural context were paramount. By combining modern hotel and commercial patterns with historical and cultural relics, Luxeh seamlessly blends the old and the new, ensuring a unique and immersive experience for guests.

One of the key factors in the success of the project was the collaboration with builders and construction teams skilled in traditional techniques. This ensured a smooth progress and made a significant contribution to the preservation and continuation of traditional crafts.

The Luxeh project began in March 2019 and was completed in October 2019, both in Hangzhou. The duration of the project reflects the meticulous attention to detail and the extensive research undertaken to seamlessly integrate modern amenities with the historical context.

With its unique blend of traditional aesthetics and modern comforts, Luxeh offers a captivating experience for guests. The design embraces the concept of wabi-sabi, infusing everyday life with poetic beauty and creating a space that harmoniously coexists with the surrounding natural scenery. The landscaping philosophy behind Luxeh is to seamlessly integrate the lush forest into the overall space, creating a sense of unity between the built environment and nature.

Luxeh has been recognized for its exceptional design and innovation, receiving the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in 2021. This accolade is a testament to the project's ability to meet professional and industrial requirements while providing a fulfilling and positive experience for guests.

Images:

Image #1: Photographer Yi Chen, Luxeh Hotel, 2019.

Image #2: Photographer Yi Chen, Luxeh Hotel, 2019.

Image #3: Photographer Yi Chen, Luxeh Hotel, 2019.

Image #4: Photographer Yi Chen, Luxeh Hotel, 2019.

Image #5: Photographer Yi Chen, Luxeh Hotel, 2019.

Intellectual Property Notice: Copyrights belong to Yi Chen, 2019.