Yu Zuo: A Historic and Contemporary Hotel at the Heart of Daimiao Temple

Preserving History and Embracing Modernity

The Daimiao Temple, built over 2000 years ago, was a sacred place where Chinese emperors would worship the God of Mount Tai before embarking on their ascent. Inspired by this royal history, the designers named the hotel after Emperor Qianlong's dormitory, Yu Zuo, within the temple. The goal was to transform the rooms and restaurants into spaces that reflect the temple's quiet elegance and historical significance.

What sets Yu Zuo Hotel apart is its emphasis on historic and royal culture. The designers drew inspiration from the temple itself, incorporating elements from the Han Dynasty, such as furniture designs and murals. The guest room furniture reflects the style of the Han Dynasty, while the paintings on the walls are inspired by the temple's murals. Even the textiles used in the furniture draw from the patterns found on Qing Dynasty emperors' robes. The marble patterns on the bathroom walls resemble the ink paintings of mountains, further enhancing the connection to the natural surroundings.

The renovation project faced challenges due to the limitations of the existing brick-concrete structure. However, the designers skillfully worked within these constraints, transforming the windows of the guest rooms into bay windows to maximize natural light and views. The restaurant, located in a separate building, features floor-to-ceiling windows that seamlessly merge the interior and exterior spaces. The main materials used in the renovation include oak wood, carpets, marble, and mirrors, creating a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary aesthetics.

Yu Zuo Hotel comprises five large villas, each with a small foyer designed as a waiting area without a traditional concierge desk. The concierge staff is discreetly located in a hidden service room adjacent to the foyer, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted guest experience. The restaurant, situated on the ground floor of a separate building, offers a versatile dining experience with mobile buffet tables and varying table sizes to accommodate different dining needs.

The design process for Yu Zuo Hotel began in November 2015 and was completed in July 2016, with construction finishing in January 2018. Throughout the project, the design team conducted extensive research on the history, architecture, murals, and calligraphy stone carvings of Mount Tai and the Daimiao Temple. This research informed the selection of design elements, such as the paintings on the walls and the textiles used in the furniture, which were inspired by the temple's rich artistic heritage.

By overcoming the challenges posed by the building's dated structure and layout, Feng Guoqiang and Chen Yan successfully created a space that exudes both history and contemporary elegance. The use of simple materials, light tones, soft lighting, and carefully selected artwork contribute to the overall ambiance, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the unique history and culture of Tai'an City.

Yu Zuo Hotel is a testament to the designers' commitment to preserving cultural heritage while embracing modern design principles. This exceptional project has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Hospitality, Recreation, Travel, and Tourism Design category in 2019. The award acknowledges the hotel's outstanding design, which seamlessly integrates history, art, and technology to create a truly remarkable experience for guests.