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Jinxiang Zhao's Sustainable Hotel presents a soaring multi-story atrium interior where architecture dissolves into atmospheric luminosity through a sophisticated orchestration of vertical space…
Jinxiang Zhao's Zhi Lan Sustainable Hotel presents a monumental central atrium dominated by a commanding sculptural installation comprising cylindrical metallic elements arranged in a vertical…
Captured from a dramatic worm's-eye vantage point that positions the viewer at the threshold of vertical ascent, Jinxiang Zhao's Zhi Lan Sustainable Hotel reveals a soaring atrium composition where…
Sweeping horizontal bands of cool neutral grays and warm creams establish the primary chromatic foundation across this sophisticated interior environment, punctuated by vivid organic greens that…
Warm timber louvers define the volumetric composition of Jinxiang Zhao's Zhi Lan Sustainable Hotel, establishing rhythmic vertical cadence across the expansive upper dining and hospitality space…

Bronze Hospitality · 2025

Zhi Lan Sustainable Hotel

by Jinxiang Zhao

  • Bronze A' Design Award 2025 in Hospitality
  • CLIENT: Luxun Academy of Fine Arts
  • Estimated Number of Design Views: 36,615
  • Verification code 0BB72D104E · Verify this award
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About Zhi Lan Sustainable Hotel

Zhi Lan is a hotel created by converting a former factory into a sustainable hospitality space. The original steel frame is retained and integrated into furniture and interior elements. Planted areas, walkways and a water purification system form a self-sustaining ecosystem. Wastewater from guestrooms, restaurants and offices, together with rain and snow, is collected, purified and used for landscaped terraces and plant areas. A transparent modular purifier makes the water cycle visible. Smart lighting and climate controls support efficient use of energy.

About the Bronze A' Design Award

Zhi Lan Sustainable Hotel is a Bronze A' Design Award winner, a highly prestigious recognition granted to outstanding designs distinguished by creativity, ingenuity, and astuteness. Bronze winners are amply skillful and strikingly creative artifacts that authenticate the vast experience, imagination, and resourcefulness of their designers. Zhi Lan Sustainable Hotel is expected to be a highly regarded, admired, and cherished object that is notably professional and innovative. This Bronze A' Design Award-winning design incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology, and is excellent for its attention to detail. Zhi Lan Sustainable Hotel splendidly satisfies needs, touches desires, charms feelings, and appeals to curiosity.

Press Kit

Unique Properties
The Zhilan sustainable hotel design transforms an old factory into an eco-friendly space, merging industrial aesthetics with green ecology. The steel frame retains its industrial charm, while integrated greenery and a sewage purification system create a self-sustaining ecosystem. Intelligent systems and water recycling optimize energy efficiency, fostering a sustainable and harmonious connection between humans and nature.
Tags
Sustainable, Device, Hotel, Green
Production Technology
Our design employs an interdisciplinary approach, integrating advanced numerical simulation and intelligent monitoring to achieve a seamless union of ecology, structure, and energy efficiency. The hotel’s southern water purification system collects and purifies wastewater from guestrooms, restaurants, offices, and natural rain and snow, supplying landscaped terraces and plant areas to form an indoor-outdoor ecological connection. The transparent, modular purifier visually demonstrates the water cycle. The regenerative facade uses energy-saving materials with excellent mechanical and thermal properties, providing both protection and efficiency, embodying the harmony between humans and nature.
Design Challenge
The hardest aspect was harmonizing the historic industrial character with modern sustainability demands. We faced the challenge of preserving heritage while integrating cutting-edge eco-technologies, navigating regulatory constraints, and reconciling conflicting production capabilities. Balancing historical context, social expectations, and available technology required extensive research and innovative problem-solving.
Research
Type of Research: Mixed-method exploratory study. Research Objectives: Blend industrial heritage with sustainable design. Methodology: Field studies, interviews, and simulations. Data Collection and Research Tools Used: Surveys, sensors, and digital modeling. Participants or Experiments: Designers, engineers, and local community. Results: A design harmonizing history with eco-tech. Insights and Impacts: Enhanced user experience and business viability. Effect: Boosted social cohesion and innovation in design.
Inspiration
The Zhilan hotel design is inspired by the idea of merging industrial heritage with green ecology. A large-scale water purification system collects wastewater and natural water sources, supporting the hotel's ecological systems. By seamlessly linking indoor and outdoor spaces, the design fosters a sustainable relationship between humans and nature, embodying the vision of harmonious coexistence with the environment.
Project Duration
Located at No. 1 Yingpan North Street, Hunnan District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, the project occupies a prime position adjacent to the Shenyang Olympic Sports Center, Shengjing D’Outlet, and Liaoning Gymnasium. The site benefits from comprehensive facilities and excellent connectivity—Youth Street and Metro Line 2 (within 500 meters)—establishing it as a major urban node. While the exact project duration has not been disclosed, its strategic location underscores its significance.
Operation Flow
An old factory is reborn as a sustainable cultural and hospitality space where industrial charm meets green nature. The original steel frame is integrated into furniture and art, blending strength with renewed vitality. Lush greenery, walkways, and a water purification system create a self-sustaining ecosystem that enhances comfort and sustainability. Smart lighting and climate controls adjust naturally, while water recycling optimizes resource use, fostering a harmonious connection between people and nature.

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