Guest House Dungulin by FON Studio in Beijing, China

Project: Guest House Dungulin Architects: FON Studio Location: Village Dungulin, Mentougou District, Beijing, China Area: 2,475 sq ft (building), 1,829 sq ft (plot) Photography: Provided by FON Studio

Guest House Dungulin by FON Studio

On the western outskirts of Beijing lies a number of ancient villages scattered among hills. Although most historical landmarks have not been preserved, the lifestyle of local residents on the hills remains unchanged as it has for centuries.

Collaboration between Village Dungulin and the enterprise opened an opportunity to build a small local house on the mountain. Although many inspiring ideas were proposed at the beginning of the project, concrete actions were required to implement them. Even a small house on a mountain slope went through many difficulties before it was fully completed more than half a year later.

Our first visit to Village Dungulin was in autumn. Surrounded by forest, the village extends from south to north like typical suburban buildings of Beijing. The building is located on a mountain slope with a view down to the village below. Before restoration, it was an ordinary local house that was almost not suitable for living due to its condition. New owners' instructions, along with legal regulations, ultimately defined that the traditional architectural style must be preserved.

The building design concept is simple and clear. We responded to the height difference of the site with sloped roofs, creating a comfortable living space that perfectly fits into the mountain landscape. Although this is a guest house, the functional layout limits the number of rooms but expands public activity spaces to provide operators with maximum flexibility.

To maintain harmony between the building and its natural environment, we used a dark gray color. Three sloped roofs of varying heights divide the functional space, and the resulting gaps rhythmically respond to the natural landscape. Since the building is at a certain elevation, views from any direction are interesting—from close-up to distant.

Entering the building through the southern entrance, the height difference creates a stepped division between different functional zones, forming specific circulation. At the same time, lighting through the roof and windows on the walls changes over time, creating an immersive experience.

The majority of the open active zone in the center is not spatially divided. This space extends on both sides. At the intersection with the lowered meeting zone, flexible and movable bookshelves are installed, activating the possibility of changing space. When this flexibility is fully utilized for demonstration purposes, visitors feel a sense of integration between the space and nature. We use the softest textured material to match and imitate the texture of the mountain, so volumes in the house create an interesting form and establish a unique spatial design language.

Ascending wooden stairs on the eastern side to the second floor, you will find a calm and cozy space with clear visibility. The processed wood continues from the first floor to here. Under the sloped roof, this independent space also has more boundaries, and the free layout allows people to relax and feel comfortable on the mountain slope.

Returning to the construction process, we realize this is an unusual architecture project for a guest house. When people pass through the village and finally find here, they can consider it as a nature-friendly place that offers a relaxing stop on their journey. We hope various groups of people will come and go, leaving their unique interpretations of this place.

-Project description and images provided by FON Studio

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