the architectural practice, pleasanthouse design, has completed the extension of the nanxianglou art hotel in one of the most scenic spots in the historic gankeng village in shenzhen, china. the existing architecture features a large-scale solid timber structure, celebrating the culture of southern fujian and the hakka people, who’s influence is deep-rooted in the region’s vernacular buildings. the intervention by the architect sees two glass volumes inserted within the traditional construction, forging a direct dialogue between old and new. 

pleasanthouse inserts two glass volumes into nanxianglou art hotel in shenzhen

all images courtesy of pleasanthouse design

 

 

pleasanthouse has designed a pyramid-inspired steel-framed glass extension, which contrasts with the character of the old buildings. the glass structure protrudes into the overall complex between two existing forms, creating an open and light-filled space, while widening the views above the guestrooms on the second floor. the smaller sized glass volume is created to provide an extension to the existing interior space. complemented by the lighting effect at night, the minor glass house is inserted to respond and complement the main one.

pleasanthouse inserts two glass volumes into nanxianglou art hotel in shenzhen designboom

 

 

in total, the hotel comprises of 52 guestrooms with three different types of residences. due to the restriction of the existing walls in terms of dimension and flexibility, the partitions were extended on the second and third floors and redesigned to meet the minimum corridor width requirement of 1.6m. guestrooms are decorated stylishly, and in an effort to reduce the oppressiveness of the enclosed space, the bathroom partitions have been replaced by glass walls. the multi-functional conference hall and restaurants are planned at the back of the layout. to infuse the landscape with the interior, all windows were changed to floor-to-ceiling revolving curtains, resulting in a flexible space that can be used for various occasions.pleasanthouse inserts two glass volumes into nanxianglou art hotel in shenzhen designboom

pleasanthouse inserts two glass volumes into nanxianglou art hotel in shenzhen designboom

pleasanthouse inserts two glass volumes into nanxianglou art hotel in shenzhen designboom

pleasanthouse inserts two glass volumes into nanxianglou art hotel in shenzhen designboom

pleasanthouse inserts two glass volumes into nanxianglou art hotel in shenzhen designboom

pleasanthouse inserts two glass volumes into nanxianglou art hotel in shenzhen designboom

pleasanthouse inserts two glass volumes into nanxianglou art hotel in shenzhen designboom

pleasanthouse inserts two glass volumes into nanxianglou art hotel in shenzhen designboom

 

 

project info:

 

project name: ‘nanxianglou art hotel’

location: nanxianglou, gankeng village, shenzhen, china

architect: pleasanthouse design

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lynne myers | designboom