Village Hotel Architecture: The Design of Cipo Laoling Residence by Jumping House Lab

Cipo Laoling Residence, designed by Jumping House Lab, is a village hotel located in Huzhou, China. This remarkable project blends architecture with nature, creating a unique environment where visitors can experience a peaceful retreat while immersed in the rural landscape. The hotel consists of 16 interconnected houses, designed with a focus on functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. In this article, we will delve into the architectural aspects of the Cipo Laoling Residence and explore its design principles that make it a perfect example of modern village hotel architecture.

The Concept Behind Cipo Laoling Residence

Embracing Nature and Rural Architecture

The Cipo Laoling Residence is built within a rural setting surrounded by lush green fields, a pond, a creek, and small mountains. The architecture respects the natural environment while incorporating modern design elements. The settlement's 16 houses are strategically arranged to face south, offering various orientations, height differences, and openings that provide unique views of the surrounding landscape. The design mimics the organic growth patterns of the nearby village, using a decentralized structure that promotes flexibility and a sense of community.

Inspired by Modernist Architecture

The architects of Jumping House Lab drew inspiration from iconic works of modern architecture, including Louis Kahn's Dominican Monastery, Tadao Ando's Moriyama House, and Sou Fujimoto's Children’s Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centre. These structures emphasize decentralized spaces and the blending of public and private areas. The Cipo Laoling Residence adopts similar principles, resulting in a design that not only integrates with the local context but also offers a series of unexpected spatial experiences for visitors.

Architectural Features of Cipo Laoling Residence

A Cluster of White Abstract Houses

The village hotel is composed of multiple white houses arranged in a cluster, resembling the natural growth of a village. The exterior of the buildings is coated in a coarsely textured white paint, which changes in tone as sunlight shifts, creating a dynamic play of shadows. This abstract form stands out while blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings, reflecting the colors of the local wildlife and landscape, such as cows and egrets.

Functional Layout and Public Spaces

The design divides the settlement into two distinct areas: the west and east wings. The west wing houses the guest rooms, while the east wing is dedicated to public spaces. The public areas are organized in a radial structure, with a central atrium and various functional spaces, including a restaurant, café, handcraft workshop, and bakery. On the first floor, family-friendly spaces like parent-child suites are integrated into the public areas, promoting a sense of community and interaction.

Materiality and Interior Design

While the exterior of the Cipo Laoling Residence is minimalist and abstract, the interior spaces are designed to evoke warmth and tactile comfort. The materials used include solid wood, textured plaster paint, and warm-toned terrazzo, which create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. The guest rooms, restaurants, and common spaces are furnished with materials that engage the senses and promote relaxation. Additionally, small wooden cabins within the interiors provide cozy, intimate spaces for visitors to unwind.

Guest Rooms: Variety and Comfort

Diverse Room Configurations

The Cipo Laoling Residence offers 23 guest rooms, each with unique orientations and layouts. The guest rooms vary in size, location, and features, ensuring that no two rooms are the same. Some rooms offer balconies, terraces with spa tubs, or floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the fields, lake, or mountains. The hotel also includes special suites, such as the rooftop suite with access to rooftop gardens, perfect for relaxation or hosting rooftop events.

A Family-Friendly Approach

The family-oriented design of the village hotel includes five parent-child suites, each featuring a loft that resembles a small wooden house. These suites provide a cozy, private space for children, allowing families to enjoy quality time together while having the option of solitude when needed. The layout encourages interaction between different generations while offering everyone their own space to retreat.

Public Spaces and Connectivity

A Zigzag Pathway

One of the most unique features of the Cipo Laoling Residence is the zigzag pathway that connects the two wings of the settlement. Unlike traditional straight hotel corridors, this winding path offers visitors a dynamic experience, with scenic vistas and a variety of spaces to explore. The pathway twists through the building, providing views of both the outdoor landscape and the interior areas. It leads visitors to the roof garden, fields, and other communal spaces, offering a sense of discovery at every turn.

Integration with Nature

The public spaces are designed to blur the boundaries between the interior and the natural environment. The multipurpose hall, located at the core of the east wing, features large, retractable openings that allow the building to merge with nature during events. Whether for a natural music concert or an outdoor wedding ceremony, the hall’s design enhances the connection between the hotel and the surrounding landscape.

Sustainability and Adaptability

Adapting to Local Conditions

The design of the Cipo Laoling Residence is not only functional but also responsive to the changing needs of the client and the local environment. The architects went through multiple iterations to adjust the functionality of the spaces, ensuring that the final design met both the practical needs of the hotel and the evolving conditions brought on by the global pandemic and other challenges.

Long-Term Vision for Village Hotel Architecture

The Cipo Laoling Residence serves as a model for sustainable and adaptable village hotel architecture. It demonstrates how architecture can respect and enhance the natural environment while offering modern amenities and comfort. This project highlights the importance of designing spaces that foster both community interaction and private retreat, allowing visitors to connect with nature and one another in a meaningful way.

Cipo Laoling Residence is a shining example of how modern architecture can blend with rural contexts to create a unique and functional village hotel. With its innovative design, thoughtful material choices, and focus on creating a sense of community, it stands as a benchmark for future village hotel architecture. By embracing both the natural landscape and modern design principles, this project offers a space for visitors to escape, relax, and connect with nature in a truly transformative way.

All photographs are work of Zhi Xia,Nancy Studio,Tiantian Wang