ANADU is a luxury rural resort located atthe northern foot of the Mogan Mountain in Huzhou (Zhejiang province), with atotal extension of 30000m2. The mountain is part of the Moganshan NationalPark, which is just 60km distance from Hangzhou, and 200km from Shanghai.
Moganshan’s characteristic vegetation isformed by lush bamboo forest and tea fields: one can findthat country lifestyle is still well kept there. Its architecture is a mix oflocal inns and old villas dated from the beginning of the 20th century, and avariety of scenic and historical spots add anthropological value to the location.All these factors turn Moganshan into an attractive destination for bothChinese and foreign travellers seeking a more relaxed and nature orientated holiday.
Studio8 was commissioned for the visualidentity, interior design and architecture of Anadu. Anadu wishes to provide toits guests with a peaceful holiday experience in nature. Keeping the local andenvironmental character of the location is one of the main concerns during theproject’s development. From construction materials to design elements, and evenfood ingredients, Studio8 tried to take full advantage of local resources. Interms of architecture and space design, Anadu is integrated into thesurrounding landscape. The studio’s initial approach to the design concept “Getalong with nature, talk to yourself” gradually evolved into the core of thebrand’s motto “Find yourself in nature”.
The surrounding landscape of the projectsite is rich and unique; however, after first contact with the site, the studioteam felt something was missing: a lack of water presence. Water itself, andespecially a very calm water surface, immediately generates a sense of relaxation.
The studio decided that this element would be the core of the hotel, aconnection between the rooms that articulates the structure of the entirebuilding. For that purpose, the roof of each floor was turned into an infinitywater feature. By bringing natural elements into the architectural spaces, thedesign fosters a connection between the building and the outside.
“Find myselfin nature” becomes, then, a reality when experiencing the different rooms.Fournarratives unfold in Studio8’s design, and become the themes of the rooms. Eachroom has been designed as an individual space, with its own story focused onelements that one can find within the surroundings. Each of these elementsawakes a different sense, or provokes a sensorial phenomenon.
Mountain - The room faces the mountain onthe south, and the materials are natural stone and the color palette is darkgrey. The water feature is designed to reflect the distant mountains.
Bamboo - The room faces the bamboo forestin the east, and its interior has a rice pink color palette and several objects made of bamboo wood.Bamboo - The room faces the bamboo forestin the east, and its interior has a rice pink color palette and several objects made of bamboo wood.
The branding image of the hotel combinesits slogan “Find yourself in nature”, together with how people experience each corner of the space. Those four experiences are generated when a person walksthrough the space, which is simply created by an L shape that forms a perfectangle. The L shape becomes a symbol for ANADU visual identity.
Material Used:
1. lighting- Tom Dixon
2. lighting-Bentu
