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'innhouse hotel' by oval partnership, yunnan, china
image © kerun ip
all images courtesy of oval partnership
the 'innhouse hotel' designed by the oval partnership in the natural habitat of kunming in the yunnan province of china implements a sensitive
use of materials and densities to bring the guests closer to their surrounding environment in a responsible eco-boutique model. the composition consists
of separate low-volume masses connected through sky bridges. this strategy not only allows groups of guests to reside in more individual quarters
from other visitors, but also affords a great deal of resources in maintenance. seventeen suites are spread amongst four volumes of no more than four
stories high, integrating seamlessly into the landscape, with an additional building housing all the services and reception area. five exterior courtyards
connect the edifices and provide outdoor gathering spaces leading to nature trails along with the availability of ventilation and light to each unit.
the surfaces of the construction are bereft of ornamentation, focusing instead on the simplicity, quality and purity of local wood and bamboo planks
applied in various fashions that pay respect to the spirit of its context. all low-E double glazed windows are oriented to extend views and reduce heat
gain, using slender regularly-spaced square timber dowels as a sun screen while the rest is rendered as a solid surface on a cavity wall with a high
insulative value. rainwater collection and reuse as grey water along with a minimal site impact contribute to the international award-winning project.

nature walkways lead to each building
image © kerun ip

bridges and courtyards connect the structures
image © kerun ip

various forms of wood are used to create transparencies and screens in a natural way
image © kerun ip

overhangs and cantilevers create a sense of individuality and bring the guest closer to the environment
image © kerun ip

all wood interiors and exteriors around a concrete base
image © kerun ip

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bird's eye view