Shanan: An Architectural Ode to Nature

Eason Zhu's Award-Winning Hotel Design Inspired by Bamboo Sea Forest

The design of Shanan is inspired by the breathtaking bamboo sea and mountain scenery. It expresses a profound yearning and reverence for nature. The hotel, located deep in the bamboo sea forest on the Shenwang Line in Baofu Town, Anji, is like an ideal city, isolated from the world. With 17 guest rooms facing the bamboo sea and mountains, it offers a serene retreat from the bustling world.

Shanan's unique properties lie in its harmonious integration with nature. The hotel is designed with generous use of floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the interior, blending the hard structure with the warm and rustic beauty of the surroundings. The materials used, including art paint, wood floor, old wood, stone, rock, and metal hole, further enhance this connection with nature.

The hotel's design was realized through careful consideration of its location and the desire to offer unobstructed views of the bamboo sea forest. The design team, led by Eason Zhu, faced the challenge of presenting the mountain view in the space without loss of privacy. They also needed to design four independent buildings that reflected the local landscape characteristics.

The project, which began in December 2021 and was completed in December 2022, won the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2023. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation.

Shanan is more than just a hotel; it is a testament to the power of design to evoke emotions and inspire deep contemplation. It is a space where guests can escape from their daily lives and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. As Eason Zhu notes, "The meaning of a vacation is not to go to every scenic spot every day or to get lost in a good view. Shanan brings a beautiful, healthy and healing way of life."