- Interior
- Architecture & development
Ru Yun Hotel is a renovation project situated in the village of Sida’an, in the region surrounding Mount Siguniang in western Sichuan, China. The project covers an area of 1,220 square metres and is set within a breathtaking mountain landscape. The existing structure has been transformed into a space that harmonises closely with the surrounding natural environment.
The project was realised by ONE SOUL DESIGN, led by designer Yu Shan. Their approach is based on direct observation of the surroundings, with every intervention being weighed against the mountain landscape that surrounds the project. The designer explores how architecture can respond to variations in elevation, light and mist, without overpowering the existing context. This results in a restrained yet layered design, in which every choice stems from a dialogue with the site. 
The architecture draws inspiration from the local building traditions of the Jiarong Tibetan community, with a focus on forms and structures. The combination of a stone base and a wooden superstructure is reinterpreted in a contemporary architectural expression, causing an interplay between heaviness and lightness, in which materials retain their natural character whilst simultaneously forming a new cohesion within the whole.
The architecture draws inspiration from the local building traditions of the Jiarong Tibetan community, with a focus on forms and structures
The project comprises four buildings, each with its own distinct character. The first two buildings evoke a more contemplative atmosphere, conducive to tranquillity and reflection. In the other volumes, the wooden framework of local dwellings is integrated into lobby areas and guest rooms. The memory of the building’s history remains present, partly through subtle references to the transport of materials by horse in the early stages of the site. This layer of memory reinforces the connection between the project and its origins. 
At the edge of the cliff lies a water feature that has been transformed into a reflective element facing the mountain landscape. This spot offers a view of the sunrise over Balang Snow Mountain and is constantly changing with the weather and the light. On clear days, the outdoor space also takes on a culinary function as an open bar, with the surroundings forming the most important backdrop for every experience. Here, the silence of the mountains finds its own architectural echo.
Photography by Liu Wen
Text by Melissa Helsen