Juxtaposed Maze - Xirang Hotel | Vector Architects

Nestled within a network of interconnected fishponds, the Xirang Hotel occupies a site framed by contrasting contexts with the mist shrouded Taihu Lake to the east, the Shatanggang Canal to the north, Zhushan Mountain to the south, and a bustling community market to the west. Confronting such diversified contextual fabric, we attempt to establish a mechanism that externally responds to all four orientations, while internally evoking the sensibilities of vernacular spatial experiences.

The courtyard serves as the elementary unit regarding the layout organization. It is tailored to a specific function, which embodies a distinct natural theme and atmosphere. Through the horizontal and vertical arrangements, these courtyards aggregate into a cohesive cluster with fragmented and context-sensitive volumes, forming a sequence of nodes with varied identities.

A covered verandah system threads through nine courtyards at the ground level, stretching from the western edge to the eastern periphery. The ground elevation delineates the contours of the original terrain, sloping down eastward to merge with a pond at the foot of the hillside, creating a subtle half-level microtopography. Horizontal eaves crowning the brick-clad volumes cascade stepwise from Zhushan Mountain toward the canal, culminating in a glass-brick light tower at the river’s edge. These understated profiles, combined with vertical circulation paths and volumetric interplay, compose a three-dimensional promenade system. 

Each courtyard is conceived as a microcosm defined by unique qualities of light, airflow, scale, scenery, and ambiance. Shifting space interfaces and chiaroscuro effects orchestrate the body movement through changing perspectives, framing intricate relationships and montage-like transitions between these miniature worlds. Daylight permeates the western courtyard, animating a series of intimate gardens. The Raindrop Atrium is anchored by a 16-meter-high circular bronze funnel that channels rainwater through its eaves. It serves as the pivotal nexus in the complex, connecting courtyards on all four sides. To the east, the expansive Camphor Courtyard opens toward Taihu Lake, edged by guest room corridors screened with double-level height copper mesh. Along the canal, a 24-meter-high glass-brick light tower mirrors the shifting hues of the sky.

Distant vistas of lake, river, mountain, and market are selectively framed through strategic apertures, while layered natural elements and perspectival spaces overlapped. Nearby slender columns, planar walls, and overhanging eaves act as viewfinders, capturing glimpses of shimmering water, swaying foliage, and drifting boats. Every now and then, visitors navigate a choreography of shifting scenes where reality and imagination oscillate, immersed within an ever-unfolding spatial narrative.

Project Information

Location: Wuxi Yixing Zhoutie County Dayouqiu, Jiangsu, China

Architecture/Interior (public area)/ Landscape Design: Vector Architects

Principal Architect: Dong Gong

Project Architect: Guan Shipeng

Site Architect: Jiang Ming

Design Management: Zhao Liangliang, Feng Chaoying

Construction Management: Zhao Liangliang, Li Jinteng

Design Team: Li Shuyang, Yan Xu, Jiang Ming, Ma Xiaokai, Huang Tianzhi, Wang Ying, Weng Qicheng, Mao Bo, Li Mofei, Huang Xiongshen

LDI: Wuxi Nianhuawan Cultural Tourism Development Co.,Ltd

LDI Project Architect: Wei Xing

LDI Architect: Wang Wei

Structural Design: Luo Zhengqi

MEP Design: Zhang Lin, Wang Huixiang

Interior Design: Vector Architects, Shanghai Hyee Interior Design Co., Ltd

Landscape Design: Zhejiang Lansong Landscape Design Group Co., Ltd.

MEP Consultant: W+Z Partner Architect Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd 

Facade Consultant: Beijing Times Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd.

Lighting Consultant: ATL Lighting Design

Signage Design：Enon Design Consultancy Shanghai Co., Ltd

Acoustic Consultant: Jiangsu Zhaochuang Construction Technology Co., Ltd.

Green Building Design: Jiangsu Zhaochuang Construction Technology Co., Ltd

Client: Yixing Danianhuawan Cultural Tourism Industry Development Co., Ltd.

Construction Contractor: China Construction Eighth Engineering Division Co., Ltd, Shanghai Building Decoration Engineering Group Co., Ltd, Shanghai Fair Face Concrete Technology & Development Co., Ltd

Structure System: Frame Structure, Steel Structure

Materials: Colored Fair-faced Concrete, Terra Cotta Brick, Glass Brick, Bronze, Copper-plated Stainless Metal Mesh, Himalayan Salt Brick, Terrazzo, Stone

Building Area: 16674.87㎡（Ground Area:11881.94㎡、Underground Area: 4792.93㎡）

Footprint Area: 5027.00㎡

Site Area: 9140.04 ㎡

Design Period: 2021.09-2022.12

Construction Period: 2022.04-2024.08