Shiwu Resort Hotel: A Harmonious Blend of History and Modernity

ben yeung & associates ltd. Transforms Ancient Hakka Village into a Unique Resort Hotel

The Hakka walled village, originally built in the Qing Dynasty, is a historical relic that includes a tower for war defense, an ancestral temple for religious worship, and houses for daily living. The village, located in Deng Village about 80 kilometers from Guangzhou City, is surrounded by a bamboo forest and natural pond. The resort hotel, after extensive historical restoration, now offers guests a one-of-a-kind experience, with 41 bedrooms, a reading house, a cafe, a children's playroom, and an exhibition hall.

What sets Shiwu Resort Hotel apart is its commitment to sustainable development. The client requested that the original architectural features be retained and reconstructed as a rural boutique hotel. The designers, therefore, combined new and old elements, mixing modern fashion with the traditional architectural style of the Hakka. The result is a refreshing blend of ancient and modernized architecture.

The resort hotel is not just a unique space in the resort hotels of Guangzhou, but it is also having a significant and positive effect on the city. Other developers and government officials are re-evaluating the potential and value that exists in heritage building. Shiwu Resort Hotel is leading the way in demonstrating how historical restoration can create a sustainable environment.

The design of the resort hotel is also noteworthy for its use of space. The houses are adorned with ponds and gentle landscaping, showcasing the architectural concepts of the Hakka. The interconnecting structures create a layered effect, providing guests with a natural experience and unveiling new spaces, levels, and ambiances at every turn.

The project, which started in January 2015 and was completed in December 2017, faced several challenges. The designers had to outline the characteristics of traditional architecture with modern design language, while also arranging countryside objects in a way that evoked a feeling of living in the countryside. The living room and bedroom are separated by a modern Chinese partition, forming an area that is interconnected but relatively private. The original grey brick walls, protected by holistic wooden furniture, provide an ancient ambiance.

In recognition of its outstanding design, Shiwu Resort Hotel was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2019. The award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. Shiwu Resort Hotel is a testament to the extraordinary vision and skill of ben yeung & associates ltd.