Architects: BUZZ/ Büro Ziyu Zhuang
Area: 4000 m²
Year: 2023
Photography: Schran Image, Heguang Image
Lead Architects: Ziyu Zhuang, Zhengdong Qi, Na Li
Architectural and Interior Design: BUZZ/ Büro Ziyu Zhuang
Planning: JICHENG PLANNING & DESIGN STUDIO
Construction: Xiamen Central United Invariable Construction Group Co., Ltd.
Interior Design Construction Drawing Team: Gao Man Interior Design Consulting (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
Interior Construction: Xiamen Central United Invariable Construction Group Co., Ltd.
Landscape Design: TRIONES Landscape Design Engineering Co., Ltd.
Structure Consultant: Arup
Lighting Consultant: Lumia Lighting Design Co. Ltd.
FF&E Consultant: Shanghai Lestyle Design, Shanghai Nature + Construction Engineering Co., Ltd.
Architectural Design Team: Lin Liu, Pengji Zhu, Peicheng Pan, Yiping Zhang, Tianyuan Zuo
Interior Design Team: Chen Liang, Weiyu Wang, Zhujing Ding, Zheng Gao, Chen Liu, Wei Cai, Zhendong Chen, Yue Liu, Chengqian Cao
Drawings And Diagrams: Ya Wen, Chuanni Peng
Client: Zhangzhou Yaoyang Zhonglian Real Estate Co., Ltd.
Construction Drawings: Xiamen Hordor Architecture & Engineering Design Group Co., Ltd.
Facade Consultant: Cayenne Architecture Consultant
Operation: Shanghai Anpo Cultural Development Co., Ltd.
City: Zhangzhou
Country: China
THALLO Boutique Hotel Cluster is a boutique hotel designed by BUZZ/ Büro Ziyu Zhuang in Zhangzhou, Fujian, China. Completed in 2023, the project blends architecture with the natural mountainous landscape of the Mayang River area. Inspired by Eastern imagery, the design creates a unique experience by merging high density, fluidity, and the terrain’s natural contours.
BUZZ Architects consistently explore the “mountain” within Eastern imagery, viewing mountains as fluid entities rather than solid ones. This concept is central to their practice and is reflected in artistic experiences.
Nestled among the Mayang River mountains, the THALLO Boutique Hotel Cluster diverges from low-density projects by integrating closely with the mountain, forming a vertical, multi-layered structure. The challenge was to blend high density, fluidity, changes over time, solidity, and softness. The architecture meanders with the mountain’s contours, creating a fluid form that links interior spaces and produces a shifting scenery effect. Elevating experiential spaces minimizes the impact on the natural landscape and fosters a sense of floatation.
The building clings to the mountain, overlooking the valley and distant mountains, while also presenting a forward-plunging posture. Layering and misalignment techniques dissolve the architectural volume, creating terraces and courtyards that form interesting vistas. Soft, ribbon-like eaves lessen the sense of bulk, linking buildings to enhance landscape and commercial nodes. This fluid design approach positions the THALLO Boutique Hotel Cluster as a leader within the Minnan Accommodation Collection Culture and Tourism Complex.
The method transcends terrain mimicry, closely associating with terrain architecture theory. Interior space continuity and stratification coexist, with terrain curves defining functional areas and circulation. The design guides visitor movement, providing an open vector field to stimulate exploration. The undulating roof creates rich visual and tactile experiences, while observation decks and inverted curves offer diverse views.
Externally, the building appears as a massive ship cutting through waves; internally, the eaves merge with the mountain, showcasing an interweaving of nature and artifice. This experience upgrades traditional scroll viewing. Space processing and narrative relationships align with spatial imagination: morning sunlight on the architecture, mist rising among mountains, as if aboard a floating vessel. The art center’s continuous curved display and the atrium’s open space offer a continuous visual experience. The bookstore’s salon space becomes an excellent vantage point for panoramic views. The building’s interior unity and facade relationship create a unique visual conflict, imparting gentleness and strength. Large windows in the accommodation area bring in natural scenery, allowing for serene moments amidst nature.
A cultural and creative district linked with the art center and bookstore has the potential to host cultural activities and gatherings, enriching the architectural space with a dynamic, ever-changing scenery experience.
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Project Location
Address: Zhangzhou, Fujian, China
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
