Yoshimasa Tsutsumi's Tsingpu Baisha Retreat: A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Winner of the Silver A' Design Award in Architecture, Building and Structure Design

The Tsingpu Baisha Retreat, nestled in the serene rural village of Baisha, stands as a testament to the creative genius of Yoshimasa Tsutsumi. Drawing inspiration from the contrast between the beautiful wuhua-stone and traditional roofs, Tsutsumi has crafted a design that emphasizes this juxtaposition of lightness and heaviness.

What sets this resort hotel apart is its strategic use of local materials and architectural techniques. The walls of the old houses in Baisha are made from local Wuhua-stones, and Tsutsumi has incorporated this element into his design. The result is a series of randomly stacked stone volumes that create platforms for viewing the nearby Snow Mountain and the village.

The roofs, on the other hand, are regularly arranged to harmonize with the village's traditional architecture. This sharp contrast between the lightness of timber and the heaviness of stone forms a striking feature of the Tsingpu Baisha Retreat. Furthermore, Tsutsumi has innovatively used local handmade paper for the light wall, adding another layer of local authenticity to the design.

The Tsingpu Baisha Retreat is not just a resort hotel; it is a celebration of the Naxi culture and the beauty of Baisha. It is a space where new and old times overlap, where memories are created, and where the beauty of tradition meets the innovation of modern design.

Yoshimasa Tsutsumi's design prowess has not gone unnoticed. The Tsingpu Baisha Retreat was awarded the Silver in the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2019. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, strong technical characteristics, and splendid artistic skill. It is a recognition of excellence that introduces positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.

In conclusion, the Tsingpu Baisha Retreat is a shining example of how traditional elements can be seamlessly integrated with innovative design to create a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also culturally significant. It is a testament to Yoshimasa Tsutsumi's architectural genius and a worthy recipient of the Silver A' Design Award.