GOA 大象設計

Qushui Shanwan Boatyard Hotel

Qushui Shanwan Boatyard Hotel
© In Between

Qushui Shanwan Boatyard Hotel

Goa

OPERATION CONSULTANT
Suzhou Bluetown Cultural Tourism Co., Ltd.

CATEGORY
Hotels

PHOTOGRAPHS
In Between, Xi Zhang

INTERIOR DESIGN
Wj Studio

LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Zhejiang Leon Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd.

ARCHITECTS
Goa

AREA
700 m²

YEAR
2022

LOCATION
Suzhou, China

CLIENT
Suzhou Fenhu Investment Group Co., Ltd.

The Boatyard Hotel is situated in Shanwan Village, a swamp region of Zhongjiadang, within the Wujiang District of Suzhou City.

Qushui Shanwan Boatyard Hotel
Courtesy of goa
Qushui Shanwan Boatyard Hotel
© In Between

This area has been designated as a leading pilot area for Green and Integrated Ecological Development in the Yangtze River Delta Proposal. Since 2020, the region has launched a series of rural revitalization plans to promote the agricultural, cultural, and tourism industries.

As a result, the Boatyard Hotel and the Restaurant of Metasequoia Grove now constitute the rural revitalization demonstration zone in Qushui Shanwan.

Located at the entrance of Shanwan Village, The Boatyard Hotel is GOA's second project in the area, designed to meet vacationers’ dining and lodging needs.

Qushui Shanwan Boatyard Hotel
© In Between
Qushui Shanwan Boatyard Hotel
© In Between

Along with the Restaurant of Metasequoia Grove, this architectural cluster serves as the first stop for tourists and a future community parlor for locals.

A CLUSTER OF AWNINGS

To the south of the site lies a natural wharf that ignites the architect's imagination of the bustling Jiangnan water towns. The idyllic beauty of "blue waters gently lapping against verdant shores, while small boats glide by" conjures childhood memories for every riverside generation.

Qushui Shanwan Boatyard Hotel
© In Between
Qushui Shanwan Boatyard Hotel
© Xi Zhang

With the image in mind, the architect translated the local awning boat with an arched canopy into an undulating roof to compose a folk rhyme of Jiangnan. Beyond adding a new dimension to the gentle rural skyline, the arched roof immerses visitors in a poetic viewing experience.

The image of clustered awnings evokes a vibrant water town atmosphere, arousing the fancy for thriving beauty. As boats gather, stories of reunion unfold.

Qushui Shanwan Boatyard Hotel
© In Between
Qushui Shanwan Boatyard Hotel
© In Between

ANCHOING AND DWELLING

Just as a boat drops anchor, guests check in to the Boatyard Hotel. Embraced by a soft yellow glow, the hotel becomes a temporary destination that provides travelers with a cozy retreat from their journey.

Situated on the first floor by the water's edge, the Boatyard Hotel's dining area boasts an unparalleled view of the lake. It sinks 0.3 meters below the water surface as if people were seated in a boat cabin sharing water town residents’ memories.

Qushui Shanwan Boatyard Hotel
© In Between
Qushui Shanwan Boatyard Hotel
© In Between

FADING INTO THE LANDSCAPE

The Boatyard Hotel comprises three distinctareas: the entrance reception, a café and bar, and guest rooms.

Upon entering the reception, visitors are greeted with the grandest archway, which leads them toward the water and serves as the overture to the spatial sequence. The remaining two multi-arched roof areas are located on either side.

Qushui Shanwan Boatyard Hotel
© In Between

They are separated by courtyards into front and back sections, creating the main functional spaces for dining and resting.

The ascending arches of the roof and the path leading to the second floor create a crescendo, serving as a prelude to encountering the expansive wetland scroll.

The alignment of each arch on the roof with a guest room below creates a harmonious unity. Blending a living village with natural scenery, the Boatyard Hotel offers visitors a serene escape from urban chaos, while immersing them in nature's embrace as they approach.


Qushui Shanwan Boatyard Hotel
South Elevation and Section


Qushui Shanwan Boatyard Hotel
1F and 2F Plan


Qushui Shanwan Boatyard Hotel
2F Plan
Qushui Shanwan Boatyard Hotel
Site Plan


Qushui Shanwan Boatyard Hotel
Section
Qushui Shanwan Boatyard Hotel
Courtesy of goa

GOA 大象設計
T +86 10 56825176 F +86 10 56825055
GOA 大象設計
12D Foreign Language Cultural and Creative Park , No. 20 Zizhuyuan S Rd, Haidian, Beijing 100048 北京市海淀区紫竹院南路20号外文文化创意园12D楼