Z Temple: A Modernized Extension of Centuries-Old Temple Architecture

Liwan Yang's Award-Winning Design Merges Culture and Modernity

The Z Temple is a project of grand scale, yet it maintains an intimate space. The interior uses existing beams as basic elements to guide the sequence of the public area, creating a penetrating sensation of open space while also providing individual zones. This balance between grandeur and intimacy is a key feature of the design.

Liwan Yang's design is both cultural and international, reflecting the ethos of Le Meridien, the hotel brand managing the property. The brand's keystone is to mix culture in a modern way and provide guests with new experiences and new ways to look at the world. The Z Temple certainly delivers on this promise.

The realization of the Z Temple required careful arrangement of the original structure and equipment. Major materials used in the space include dyed oak, fumed oak, reclaimed indigenous wood panel, chiseled stone paver flooring, and brass. These materials were chosen to create a texture that reflects nature and comfort.

The design areas of the Z Temple include the lobby, lobby lounge, Chinese restaurant, all-day dining buffet, banquet hall, meeting facilities, SPA, and all 323 guest rooms and suites. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by eight gigantic wooden doors on both sides of the lobby, creating a sense of ceremony. The lobby lounge opens from the entrance to the end of the glass façade, borrowing the scenery from the outside mountain and providing the best view of the entire space.

The design of the Z Temple was inspired by local architecture, geographical nature, and literature. Patterns found in indigenous civilian residences were modernized for the resort, and forms of lighting fixtures were inspired by animals and plants indigenous to Emei Mountain. The atmosphere of the hotel, which aims to create 'the loudest silence' to help detach visitors from the mundane world, was greatly inspired by Li Po of the Tang dynasty.

The biggest challenge of the design was to transform traditional religious and architectural symbols and features, giving them a new form and life, while keeping the essence and connection with the original. Creating a relaxing resort while maintaining a strong sense of calmness and zen was not an easy task. The balance of yin and yang was essential in all aspects from space planning to material selection. Despite these challenges, the Z Temple stands as a testament to Liwan Yang's design prowess and creativity.