Murka Hotel by Thinking Design
Murka Hotel is a newly designed hotel completed by Thinking Design in Wenzhou, China. Part of a rural revitalization initiative, the project aims to entice urban citizens to the countryside and encourage young locals to return home.
The design incorporates staggered blocks, local rocks, and trees penetrating through the roof to create a visually cohesive extension that blends with the mountains and honors traditional culture.
The building complex is nestled on a south-facing slope, designed with staggered blocks to blend with the mountains. The buildings and the retaining walls are crafted from the identical materials, which offers a visually cohesive extension and integration into the natural environment while harmonizing with the village context. The main structures are constructed with local rocks featuring a natural texture and color palette, to pay homage to traditional culture.
Designed with a special setback space and themed with trees, the restaurant features preserved trees that penetrate through the roof, creating the sensation of dining in a forest.
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Two buildings were constructed around two large rocks, housing a shared restaurant and a bar. These rocks serve as captivating visual focus and sturdy supports for the structures. The array of old-timber beams adds a sense of poetry and nostalgia to the space, while the roof, adorned with wild grass, blends with the surrounding valley.
Built alongside a tranquil stream, each guest room features a private courtyard and an overpass for entry. The lush vegetation surrounding the courtyard establishes a connection to the changing seasons and natural temperature variations.
The existing fair-faced concrete finishes of interior walls are maintained. Variously sized courtyards flood the space with daylight, creating a serene and organic atmosphere. The interplay of light induces nuance changes in the tone, texture, finishes, and overall perception of space. Locally sourced rocks and reclaimed old timber enhances the interior, complemented by linen bedding and medieval furniture, creating a high-quality ambiance along with light. Expansive French windows introduce the valley landscape, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
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Photography courtesy of Thinking Design
- by Matt Watts