Perched delicately amidst nature’s splendor, a mere seven kilometers from Beijing’s Yanqi Lake, is the Wander Hotel, a testimony to how architecture can gracefully intertwine with its surroundings. Originally a three-story farmhouse, the structure posed both a challenge and an opportunity to Fon Studio. The outcome? A serene refuge where the ancient resonates with the contemporary.
Wander Hotel Technical Information
- Architects1-4: Fon Studio
- Location: Shentangyu, Huairou District, Beijing, China
- Client: Wander Hotel
- Area: 850 m2
- Project Year: 2021 – 2023
- Photographs: © Qin Wei
After establishing with the owner the intention of creating an experience detached from daily routines and fostering moments of introspection, the team embarked on a three-year transformation journey, ultimately realizing the completion of the hotel nestled in the serene valley.
– Fon Studio Architects
Wander Hotel Photographs
Riverside Renewal: Wander Hotel’s Transformation
Upon the studio’s first visit during the summer of 2021, it was evident that while the farmhouse blended seamlessly with the panoramic vistas of verdant mountains and the meandering silhouette of the Great Wall, its interiors painted a stark contrast. The initial goal was clear: to transform the dim and confined space into a sanctuary of introspection while preserving its innate charm and organic symmetry.
While the hotel’s elongated design is a nod to the adjacent river and road, the renovation breathed life into this layout by introducing elements of diversion. The reconfiguration was themed around family-friendliness. Traditional small house shapes found new, unique placements within the hotel. This touch added whimsy, dismantling the rigid uniformity that once was, and painting a picture of relaxation, even from afar.
Fon Studio’s conscious choice to decrease room count in favor of expansive, well-lit public areas underscores their dedication to guest experience. From the original 24 compact zones, they metamorphosed the space into 9 luxurious guest rooms, ensuring a blend of comfort, privacy, and elegance.
A standout feature introduced by Fon Studio was the “negative box” on the hotel’s western facade. Stripping away walls and floors, this structure connected the reception to the corridors, allowing uninterrupted vistas of nature’s daily play with shadows and light. Children and adults alike find delight in this luminous expanse, where tree shadows dance gracefully on walls.
With guest rooms repositioned to encapsulate the best nature views, the façade underwent a significant transformation. Some areas now boldly jut out, while others modestly recede, ensuring that every twilight hour paints a picture of shimmering luminance echoing the nearby mountains’ glow.
In the heart of nature, intersected by highways yet surrounded by sparse settlements, Wander Hotel emerges as a beacon for those yearning for a break from urban clamor. Fon Studio’s masterful renovation not only enhances the site’s inherent beauty but also offers a heartfelt invitation for introspection and rejuvenation.
Wander Hotel Plans
Wander Hotel Image Gallery
About Fon Studio
Established in 2016 by Jin Bo’an, Li Hongzhen, and Luo Shuanghua, FON STUDIO embodies a unified passion for design aesthetics. The trio, drawing from their individual experiences, collaborates across various domains, from spatial design to product vision. Rooted in the principles of open experimentation and analytical thinking, the firm emphasizes curiosity and a keen understanding of urban and cultural contexts. For them, design is not just an art, but a solution-driven endeavor that is reflected in their diverse projects.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Design Team: Li Hongzhen, Jin Boan, Luo Shuanghua, Li Yeying
- Main Materials: Birch multilayer board, Cement paint, Terazzo, Stainless Steel
- Main Brands: Xiaozuo Wood, Art Master painting, Lingsheng Stone Lt,d
