The purpose of this project is to help revitalize the historic Gaoqian Village for future generations via the preservation and adaptive reuse of two historic structures.  The Gaoqian Guesthouses will repurpose two aging derelict residential structures into contemporary bed and breakfast retreats for domestic tourists.  

The history and culture of Gaoqian should not only be preserved but also utilized and cherished.  It is recommended to frame history in the context of daily life so that it remains relevant into the future.

There is a significant social aspect to our work.  This international cross-cultural project involved numerous site visits, oral histories, and coordination with local government officials in the heart of China’s mountainous Zhejiang province.  The Wu Family has lived in this region for centuries, and it was an honor to collaborate with their local representatives.  Our project is one part of their larger efforts to beautify and revitalize the area.  A central question to the project was, how to renew public interest in this very special place?

The project is a historic adaptation of two derelict buildings from the early 1800s.  Both architectural and interior design services were provided.  The interior includes an intricate heavy timber structure which will be restored and strengthened to accommodate future use.  Our team met with local craftsmen specializing in the preservation of traditional Chinese structures.  The wooden and stone carvings of this region are renowned for their craftsmanship.  A mix of both standard and deluxe room suites are included in the building’s redesign with a total of 28 rooms, a lucky number in Chinese culture.  Within the rooms, the restored heavy timber structure is exposed and featured in the interior design.  

The project blends old & new to create a sophisticated high-end vacation retreat.  Timeless elements were interwoven with traditional and modern features.  

The five elements of Feng Shui, Water, Earth, Wood, Fire, and Metal, are featured in the design.  The original urban planning of the village included 7 earthen mounds and 7 ponds because of local Feng Shui considerations.  Many of these are now missing, lost over time.  Traditionally the clean streams from the mountaintop were used for bathing and washing, while swimming remains a popular local hobby for villagers in a nearby stream during the summer months.  The design includes a modern swimming pool with an organic shape, hidden behind an earthen landscaped berm which helps to restore the balance lost to the village.  The location of the swimming pool was in consultation with the local team.   The design also enclosed a courtyard with a laminated glass roof and an aerated fish-pond atop.  Sunlight shimmers through the water to create a magical effect below.  

Another important focus of the design was the idea of memory.  Our project focused not only on preserving memories of the past but also on building memories for the future.  Memories cross through time and form the basis of every journey.  The hotel gift shop is dedicated to the traditional Four Arts of a Chinese Scholar.  Music, Chess, Books, and Calligraphy (Qin, Qi, Shu, Hua) were once considered the foundation of a balanced education. The room also serves as a cultural museum for visitors to the guesthouses.  It includes an extensive collection of local books, maps, memorabilia, lanterns, paintings, incense, and tea.  An extra effort was made to include a carefully curated treasure trove of items related to the heritage and memory of Gaoqian.