reused timber rebuilds Micro-Village along Mt
Located on a ridge at an altitude of 3,000 meters in Jiuzhaigou, ChinaThe Songtsm Travel Hotel Jiuzhai project transforms an existing micro-village of eight wooden cabins in a small scale resort. The site, defined by its proximity to clouds, dense fir forests and rocky terrain, is approached through a design strategy that prioritizes continuity with the existing landscape and built fabric. Instead of conventional renovationthe intervention focuses on reuse aged timber, preserving the structural traces and strengthening the relationship between the architecture and its environment.
The project consists of 12 independent accommodation units, each occupying a plot of 150–180 m2, with a built-up area of more than 80 m2. The units are organized into four groups, where functions such as living rooms, bedrooms, swimming pools and tea pavilions are distributed in separate volumes. This fragmented arrangement reduces the scale of any intervention and creates a dispersed spatial system throughout the terrain.
Material selection focuses on timber construction. The existing wooden elements are preserved and restored, while the new constructions follow a similar construction logic. The architectural language refers to traditional Tibetan dwellings through the use of wooden shingles and tiled roofs, ensuring visual and material continuity with the area. Emphasis on untreated or minimally treated materials allows surface texture, aging and environmental exposure to remain visible.
aerial view of Songtsm Travel Hotel Jiuzhai in Jiuzhaigou, China | all images by You Pu
Multi-layered spatial sequences Connect interior living with the landscape
Each accommodation unit is considered as a sequence of spaces and not as a single closed volume. Transitional zones, including special living spaces, act as intermediate spaces between indoor and outdoor conditions. These areas support a gradual transition from closed, sheltered environments to more open, landscape-oriented spaces. Spatial organization prioritizes privacy while maintaining visual connections with the environment.
Openings and transparent surfaces are positioned to frame views of the surrounding landscape, incorporating natural elements into the interior environment. Large glazed sections allow daylight to penetrate deep into the spaces, while allowing constant observation of changing weather conditions, from cloud movement to night skies. Outdoor spaces are oriented to support activities such as stargazing and direct engagement with seasonal variations. The incorporation of water elements is addressed through wood-lined pools, placed as part of the spatial sequence of each unit. These elements enhance the relationship between material, atmosphere and use, extending the tactile properties of wood into areas of direct contact.
The central lobby is designed as a collective interior space defined by material continuity and reuse. aged wood panels line the ceiling, while textured plaster walls create a contrasting surface condition. The furniture consists of recycled or aged elements, contributing to a solid palette of materials and enhancing the overall spatial identity. The construction approach minimizes site intervention. Existing cabins are preserved where possible, and new structures are introduced taking into account the topography and vegetation. The Songtsm Travel Hotel Jiuzhai project by Hangzhou Thinking Design Studio avoids large-scale terrain modifications, allowing the built environment to remain integrated into the existing landscape.
a resort located on a ridge at an altitude of 3,000 meters
conversion of an existing small village of log cabins
reusing aged timber preserves material memory
existing structures retained and extended throughout the site
the wooden shingles and tile roofs refer to local typologies
twelve independent guest units divided into groups
