Samantha Resort by UNFOLDESIGN in Hubei, China

Project: Samantha Resort Architects: UNFOLDESIGN Location: Danyang, Hubei, China Area: 37,673 sq ft Year: 2023 Photography by: ZHANYING Studio

Samantha Resort by UNFOLDESIGN

Nestled on Mount Yuchuan, a famous mountain about 12 kilometers southwest of Danyang in Hubei Province, China, lies the ancient Yuchuan Temple. As one of the Tiantai sects, the first Buddhist school in China, Yuchuan Temple was closely associated with imperial families across all dynasties, especially during the Song Dynasty. Samantha Resort, designed by UNFOLDESIGN, is located in the tea fields owned by Yuchuan Temple, which once were described by poet Li Bai.

Time changes, and the beautiful scenery of Yuchuan Temple today attracts locals for visits. Thus, Samantha Resort aims to provide guests with a special space through regional culture and integration of modern design language, allowing guests to experience beautiful feelings during exploration.

The resort features 10 buildings including a lobby, tea room,多功能 hall, restaurant and guest rooms. At the entrance of the lobby are three distinct landscape installations representing abstract natural scenery, reflecting the three worlds of Zen. Guests are drawn to these interesting installations and linger, evoking inner imagination and returning to simplicity. These natural elements blur the boundary between inside and outside; thus, when people enter, their breathing slows down.

The check-in counter on the left side of the lobby differs from typical ones. The design team uses natural stone to create a bar combining rusticity and modernity, integrating more service functions. Through bamboo curtains opposite the bar, guests can enjoy views while experiencing natural relaxation. On the right side of the exhibition area are customized cabinets of various sizes, to be used for displaying books and poetic era creative products after the official opening. The multi-functional hall, located on the first floor of the lobby, is also simplified into a modern form with traditional taste, reflecting mixed design.

Through the lobby, a daytime dining restaurant on one side adopts a lighter approach. The walls are covered with two-tone bricks, creating a vibrant atmosphere with contrasting styles. Looking up involuntarily, mountains and flowing streams make people suddenly enlightened. Additionally, the team has specially installed two independent tea halls with views of green tea fields for meetings or quiet rest. Sitting inside, it seems like you are in a scroll painting landscape.

Another standout feature is the glass tea room located on a slope with a transparent pool, offering spectacular views. Like a clean glass box, the transparent design allows one to immerse themselves in it, caring for the heart. The top of the tea room is decorated with a wooden frame and Chinese paper. On one side, it can reduce daylight intensity during the day; on the other hand, it adds a soft glow for night lighting.

This resort features 8 types of guest rooms. UNFOLDESIGN draws inspiration from Song Dynasty tea artifacts known as 'The 12 Masterpieces', collecting colors and textures to apply them in material selection, color coordination, lighting and landscape design. Granite, stone, wooden floors and cloth paint together with a large area of clay landscape make the entire space more serene. At the same time, each room has a view of the landscape such as a small courtyard or water terrace to express artistic concepts and literary interests of the Song Dynasty.

In the design process, UNFOLDESIGN seeks to abandon ornate styles and avoid guests looking for scenery in the space. Instead, it aims to bring tea fields and landscapes into interiors and their eyes so people can live among nature. Yuchuan Temple stands for a thousand years. Now, the completion of Samantha Resort provides the best opportunities for those who love this place to view and experience it.

-Project description and images provided by Sideview