Bushe Boutique Hotel by MAT Office

A Tranquil Retreat on Yangma Island

Nestled in the serene landscape of Yangma Island, Yantai, the Bushe Boutique Hotel by MAT Office is a harmonious blend of modern design and local tradition. Yangma Island, backed by Kunyu Mountain and facing the North Yellow Sea, has a rich history dating back over 2000 years. It was once used by the First Emperor of Qin for horse breeding and is also known as Elephant Island due to its distinct landform. Since its development in the 1980s, the island has been a popular coastal retreat, offering attractions like bathing beaches and racecourses. With the growing trend of seaside tourism, Yangma Island has transformed into a top travel destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Site & Architectural Approach

Located in Mabuya Village, the site of the Bushe Boutique Hotel was originally a square courtyard enclosed by tiled and board houses. Positioned at a high point in the village, the site offers breathtaking views of Kunyu Mountain and Muping District, surrounded by lush forests that act as natural windbreaks.

Rather than following the common whitewashed villa style, MAT Office opted for a natural and tranquil aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the rugged beauty of the island. Using locally sourced materials such as gray tiles, stone walls, and stone floors, they crafted a minimalist courtyard retreat that seamlessly integrates with its surroundings.

Renovation & Structural Enhancements

The renovation process began with replacing the existing board houses. While the northern tiled houses were preserved and restored, the western and southern buildings were rebuilt using single-slope steel structures, designed to slope inward, creating elevated eaves for the courtyard.

A key feature of the redesign is the continuous outer corridor, which serves as a buffer zone between guest rooms and public spaces. This anti-arc corridor not only enhances the architectural depth but also frames stunning courtyard views, reinforcing the connection between interior and exterior.

Interior Design & Spatial Experience

The living room and reception area are defined by a double-eave roof, creating a spacious and airy environment. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels connect the west forest with the courtyard, allowing for seamless visual flow. Glass bricks embedded in ceiling beams diffuse natural light, casting a soft glow across the interiors, while high windows provide glimpses of treetops, enhancing the biophilic experience.

A distinctive cone-shaped fireplace and arc-shaped ceiling in the main hall evoke the raw, organic essence of mountain architecture. Adjacent to the reception hall, the cafe—formerly a tiled house—retains its traditional sloped roof and wooden trusses, preserving the historical character while offering a contemporary boutique hospitality experience.

Facade & Material Palette

The east and west facades present contrasting architectural expressions. On the east side, the structure is elevated on a high platform, featuring a ceremonial entrance arch that frames the distant mountains. The west side, lower than the surrounding forest, is designed with elongated single-slope roofs that blend into the natural landscape. The cafe and reception area, with their triangular gables and double-eave arc tops, serve as the defining visual elements of the hotel.

To harmonize with the island’s coastal environment, the designers selected granite slabs and textured paint inspired by the hues of island reefs. The dark gray corridor flooring and ceilings minimize glare, create a smooth visual flow, and enhance the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Structural System & Architectural Detailing

The hotel employs a steel framework with varying cross-sections to achieve structural harmony. The main structure consists of square steel beams, while cantilevered eaves are supported by exposed beams, emphasizing architectural fluidity. The outer corridor, constructed with round columns and side beams, forms a spacious walkway, seamlessly integrated into the overall design. The arc-shaped eaves, crafted with steel plate ribs spaced at 600mm intervals, highlight precision detailing and enhance the sculptural quality of the structure.

A Retreat Amidst Mountains & Sea

The Bushe Boutique Hotel is a modern interpretation of northern China’s island architecture, departing from conventional seaside resort aesthetics to create a serene retreat rooted in local culture. Guests can relax in forest-facing rooms, enjoying the soft, oil-painting-like light, or gather in the public lounge for tea, gazing at the majestic Kunyu Mountain. Whether strolling through the courtyard, unwinding in the cafe, or embracing the peaceful rhythms of island life, the Bushe Boutique Hotel offers a truly immersive experience in nature.

All Photographs are works of Qingshan Wu