Project: Guilin Lebei Homestay Hotel
Architecture: aoe
Lead Architect: Wen Qun
Design Team: Jiahan Liang, Liuqing Liu, Jianxin Li, Ruixue Fan
Location: Guilin, China
Area: 608 m2
Year: 2021
Photo Credits: Runzi Zhu
Guilin Lebei Homestay Hotel by AOE offers a unique accommodation experience in the heart of Guilin, Guangxi—a city famous for its stunning landscapes and mild, pleasant climate. Nestled beside a small, winding river and surrounded by lush trees, this hotel draws inspiration from ancient shelter concepts to create a modern treehouse that brings guests closer to nature.
Elevated Living in Harmony with Nature
To maximize the natural views, the building is raised 5 meters above the ground. This elevated design creates a light and interesting structure that aligns with the tree canopy. As a result, guests enjoy unobstructed views of the verdant jungle and flowing river below. In addition, the elevated design minimizes the building’s impact on the landscape, offering a panoramic garden and a cool, comfortable space in summer.
The homestay features 13 unique units, each with different forms, sizes, and layouts. For instance, many units measure approximately 27 square meters and concentrate the main activity area on the first floor. The second floor, often in a triangular space, is dedicated to playful crawling areas for children. In larger units of around 45 square meters, the first floor serves as the public area and adult bedroom, while the children’s bedroom is on the second floor. To enhance connectivity between floors, climbing ladders and outdoor slides are integrated into the design, creating fun, child-friendly pathways.
Playful and Functional Design Features
The design incorporates several playful elements that encourage exploration. For example, Type B and Type C units use an outdoor slide to connect the second floor with the first floor, providing a fun route for children. In addition, Type D features an artificial thatched roof with gentle curves that evoke a natural feel. Unit E stands out with a façade of wooden slats arranged in an ellipse, offering a unique, whimsical style.
Moreover, winding, floating plank roads link the various units together. These paths not only guide guests to different areas of the homestay but also serve as entertainment spaces. Along these plank roads, slides, slings, and other play facilities are installed. They connect vertically to the ground garden, allowing children to move freely and safely. At the same time, these pathways offer quiet leisure spaces where guests can sit back, gaze out, and relax among the treetops.
In summary, Guilin Lebei Homestay Hotel redefines the concept of a retreat by blending functionality with a child-friendly, immersive experience. By preserving the natural surroundings and integrating playful design features, AOE has created a haven where guests can reconnect with nature and enjoy a panoramic view of Guilin’s lush environment.
