Shuiguo Hotel | DJX Design

The trends in all sectors keep changing along with the times. Following existing rules is a safe choice, but only when breaking the shackles of rules can we pioneer a new path towards future. This is in line with what Pritzker winner Renzo Piano advocates: ignoring and breaking rules.  

Based in Beijing, DJX Design conceives space by combining concept with functional demands. In recent two years, the practice has been mainly working on two major project series, Qushui Lanting Resort Hotel and Shuiguo Tangquan, with completed and under-construction projects in multiple Chinese cities including Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, etc.

Shuiguo Tangquan is a lifestyle brand dedicated to offering spa destinations in cities through integrating diversified services, including hot spring spa, catering, bar, karaoke, game and other various entertainment activities.

Located in Xintiandi, Hangzhou, this project occupies a floor area of nearly 20,000 square meters. With profound insights and creative design, DJX Design created a flexible, distinctive spa destination which features free spatial order and a cozy atmosphere, as an attempt to explore the future trend of commercial space.

1. Micro City 

How to present a spatial state different from daily life? The answer is to create novel scenes, rather than following common approaches. 

Linearity defines the temperament of the space. The combination of simple elements creates a sense of order and extension. Simplistic designs and large areas of blank surfaces leave room for imagination, and immerse people in the pure space.

The interpenetrating irregular walls create a unique visual effect, which evokes infinite imagination and invites people to stop and contemplate.

The space surprisingly reveals a scene of city and large-scale buildings. The suspending interior structures and new order result in a unique spatial state, to differentiate this spa destination from ordinary commercial space and create a fresh atmosphere.

The visual effect featuring rich grain, the composition highlighting a sense of depth, and the bold utilization of interior finishes that simulate architectural textures, all serve the core attribute of this commercial space. The miniature built landscape of urban buildings is incorporated in the space, which generates a sense of weight and detachment.

2. Immersive Tranquility

Gentle, dim concealed lighting produces a subtle ambience in the dark-toned space. The expansiveness and calming atmosphere evoke emotions, and open a journey of healing both physically and mentally.   

The dark and light hues create a harmoniously contrasting visual effect. Stone materials and coatings offer a strong contrast as well, forming a unique transition space. Light and blocks are combined to produce a sense of depth, and a tranquil, mysterious interior. The simplistic design languages create an intriguing atmosphere.

The full-height space and progressive design break through monotonous composition, and create a magnificent, striking visual effect. Getting away from the routine of daily life and strolling in this space, people will enjoy fun and surprising sensory experiences.  

The project is intended to drive the transformation of commercial space through design approaches. Based on the observations and reflection on the industry, the design team conceived this commercial space centered on people’s internal needs.

The design broke the shackles of rules, and made innovations in core aspects. The space offers cozy experience to customers as if they’re roaming in an “indoor city”. The silent play of light and shadows combined with the calming ambience result in an immersive spiritual realm.

The project also incorporates the concept of “urban living room”. In the limited space, a sense of order and extension is emphasized. With deep insights and creative ideas, DJX Design team created a micro city-like space, which leads a new exploration of space design and trends of the industry.