PROJECT: O2 Hotel Refurbishment

Dali China 2014

Due to this project location, we carefully consider the local construction technics and
expertise. The main materials of natural stone and wood were decided according to the
local supply in order to take the maximum advantage from workers capabilities to work with.

The overall design for common areas, terraces and rooms were developed in favor of the
stunning views of the Erhai Lake, as consequence comfortable and elegant spaces were
generated providing a sense of continuity of the interiors into the landscape.

For the two inner yards a similar concept was used but in an opposite way, the water as
the main element of the yards is an extension of the lake into the hotel, marking a strong
presence in all common and circulation areas at different floors.

Considering that most of the guests of the hotel will come from different provinces
and cities across China, we believe that the general atmosphere should provide guests
quietude and a unique experience a sort of spiritual and reflection environment. In order
to achieve such characteristics we analyzed several aspects and architectural elements of
the west, Chinese as well as Bai minority, as a result a circular shape is introduced in the project.

In the facade the openings which are the central elements of views from the interior are
circular as well as from the exterior define a strong character on the wood louvers cuts.
The ground floor ceiling elements are also defined by a circular shape solving at the same
time technical issues as ventilation and lighting, the orthogonal and rational at a lower
level and the more organic ceiling shapes create an interesting and refined balance in the space.

The general image of the hotel from the exterior was one of our main concerns, in which
we needed to consolidate 3 different buildings, constructions and styles represented a huge challenge. Following a research of Dali and Yunnan old construction technics and order, we decided to implement the same principles used in traditional architecture, which the base is more
solid and use stronger materials as stone, in some cases plastered and painted white, and
the upper floors in a light material mainly wood. Correspondingly our facade in the base is more solid, including stone, white plastered walls and glass, and the upper floors have a protective and shading screen of wood louvers.