Makeover of the Sunriver Resort & Spa in Huangshan by CCD

Huang Shan, literally yellow mountain is situated in the Anhui province in eastern China. This mountain range covers an area of 154 km² and boasts 72 peaks, the highest of which - the Liánhuāfēng (Lotus Flower Peak) - reaches up to 1,864 m. Huang Shan is one of the most famous and beautiful mountainous areas in China and has been known since ancient times for its gnarled and asymmetrically branched pines, strangely-shaped rocks, fogs, and mystical cloud formations. This makes it a desirable tourist destination, for Chinese visitors in particular, and in 1990 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. 
Situated at an altitude of 800 metres in one of the valleys of Huang Shan, not far from the Yungu temple, is what was formerly the Yungu Hotel. It is a complex consisting of five buildings designed in the traditional local Hui style by Wang Guoyu, one of the second-generation Chinese architects after the cultural revolution. Scattered across the slope, these buildings are positioned to form numerous courtyards and blend in perfectly with their natural surroundings, thereby embodying the traditional Chinese philosophy of “unity of man and nature” and being a cultural icon in the area di Huangshan. 
It was in constant use for thirty years and was in dire need of an overhaul. The owners commissioned CCD, a Hong Kong-based firm, to refurbish the interiors and rebrand the image as Sunriver Resort & Spa Huangshan. Of course, the brief was to preserve the original buildings that represent the ideal of oriental life, characterised by the relaxed enjoyment of peace and quiet with friends.
In their makeover, the creatives from CCD preserved as many of the typical architectural elements as possible, including the corbiesteps - a series of stepped masonry projections rising above roof level along the sides of the gable wall - the grey roofing tiles, open-air atriums and verandas. At the same time, they have instilled it all with an elegant combination of modern design and the local Hui culture. They made some subtle alterations to best meet the accommodation demands of contemporary guests. Locally-sourced furniture and soft furnishings feature sleek, modern lines, which fit in perfectly with the classic, elegant atmosphere of the old hotel and give it a brand new image. 
The buildings, interiors and gardens all complement each other. Outdoor atriums, passageways and courtyards connect the guest rooms and make them feels as if they staying in an ancient village. Every room has great views of the courtyards and the mountains, their windows framing the continually changing, fascinating landscape. Small gardens provide different visual experiences at each step.
The Sunriver Resort & Spa Huangshan by CCD is a virtuous example of a respectful and responsible renovation. Modernity and privacy are perfectly integrated into the old architectural spaces, sparking a connection between the old and the new, the past and the present, time and space.

Christiane Bürklein

Interior design: CCD / Cheng Chung Design (HK) (www.ccd.com.hk)
Location: Huangshan, China
Area: 8,776 m²
Year of completion: 2019
Images: CCD