Banyan Tree Anji | Yang Bangsheng & Associates Group

Don’t listen if a rain does the leaves sway; You’d better walk lightly singing a lay. Sandals outdo saddles, cane as aid, fearful I am not. A cape against mist and rain, come what may.

“Stretching fifty li at length, a half of Chuanyuan is covered with bamboos.” As a county of Huzhou in Zhejiang province, Anji is known as “the Largest Bamboo Town in China”. Choosing Anji as its site has well interpreted Banyan Tree Hotel’s “Close to Nature & Blend in Culture” branding philosophy. As one of the soft furnishing teams, YANG draws inspirations from local bamboo and tea culture, creating peculiar temperament and spirit for Banyan Tree Anji that sets in line with the brand’s characteristics and the reticent space.

Setting in the verdant landscape, the white walls, black tiles, looming flying eaves of the hotel resembles a harmonious ink painting of Jiangnan.

YANG take the brand’s inclination towards simplified Chinese furniture into consideration while selecting furniture. Chunky look pieces conveys the sense of strength and leisure, while the rustic and fresh bamboo woven furniture showcases the local characteristics. Through the coarse textures of light gray linen fabric, one can have a genuine interaction with nature, which align with the the style of a resort. And the whole space is enlivened by accent cushions in dark red, gold and black.

As an old Chinese saying goes, “one can eat without meat but not live without bamboos”. Bamboo stems are straight and of great height, and its green leaves are full of vitality. Through various design techniques, YANG directly or metaphorically introduce introduce bamboo into the space, making it an ocean of this beautiful plant. Geometric patterns extracted from abstract paintings are distributed in blocks on the carpet resembling the sun light shed into the bamboo ocean. The dappled light and shade they formed stretching from the corridor all the way to the ballroom.

Stand on one side of the ballroom corridor, decorative cabinets are derived from traditional Chinese large wardrobes. With the huge scale, an aesthetics of steady volume are brought into the space, while the symmetric and repeated structure conveys the classic beauty and order of traditional Chinese architecture. Natural textures of the coarse linen shade and the culm-like round shape pedestal below soften the entire space, while the glass pendant lamps in shapes of bamboo tubes, with their various heights and gradient colors, enriches the layer of the space and makes it more of a three-dimensional venue. The orange tone creates a welcoming and cheerful atmosphere of the ballroom.

Talking about Anji, one can never not mention the premium white tea that is unique in China. Glass pieces resembling brewed tea leaves float above the all-day dining restaurant, interpreting the humble and peaceful cultural essence. And the square-shape lamp with obscure bamboo patterns congruously connect the outside natural environment with the interior space. Imaging how detached and carefree one can be when setting leisurely under bamboos and tasting white tea with nothing really on his/her mind. Bamboo-woven chairs add an easy pastoral touch into the space, making it possible for one to let go of other stuffs and to simply indulge in this delicate moment.

Guests heading the SPA will be welcomed by the viridity of bamboo-shape glass pendant lamp. It resembles a bamboo-made wind chime that brings freshness and ethereality along the breeze. Engraved with obscure ripple patterns, a chunky trunk sculpture made of copper carries the water flow concept of the SPA area. Under the skylight of the treatment pool zone, there stands ground glass lamps in bamboo shapes, which seems to fiercely grow in the daylight and to continuously thrive at night with their own warm lights, representing the persistent spirit of the plant while enlivening the space as the water flow does.

The interior of the villa guestroom is simple and unaffected. Area rug with delicate bamboo chip patterns contains various colors like dark yellow, light yellow and light gray, adding poetic aesthetics into the space. Bedside metal pendant lamps with fabric shade are of the same series with the ones at the living room, both of which are inspired by traditional Chinese window lattice and paper lantern. Not only are they durable, but also further complete the Chinese aura of the space. Sofas in the living room area is of the same color tone with the hard furnishing. With the curvy shape and light tone fabrics, they look simple and elegant. Taking the outlining skill from traditional Chinese painting, black silk cushions are gilded with gold binding, lighting up the space and reflecting the low-key luxury style of Banyan Tree Hotel. Bamboo leaf patterns on the lumbar pillow echo the scenery outside the window, creating a idyllic atmosphere to stay.

To recreate outdoor scenery indoor, and to blend feelings with views. With a thorough understanding of traditional Chinese cultures, YANG inputs the essence of oriental aesthetics into every corner of Banyan Tree Anji, interpreting the masculine yet feminine beauty of classic architectures.

Project Name: Banyan Tree Anji
Project Location: Baimu Nong, Baishuiwan Village, Tianhuangping Town, Anji County, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
Area: 54,000㎡
Opening Date: 25th June, 2018
Category: Resort
Management Company: Banyan Tree Holdings Limited
Architecture Design: gad
Interior Concept: Interior Design Team of Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts
Soft Furnishing Design: YANG & Associates Group
Design Scope: Ballroom, meeting room, all-day dining restaurant, spa treatment room, spa area & changing room, indoor pool, villa guestroom area, rooftop tea room, kids
Soft Furnishing Team: Zhang Fan & Wang Huiqing
Photographer: Xiao En