Every week we highlight the FRAME Awards submissions which have been frequented by our readers and jury. Below are the five most-viewed projects between 14 and 21 June 2024, shared with feedback left by the jury.

CHENHUI

Tenondesign studio

Bright QI Hotels and Resort is located 800 m above sea level, on Tanxi Mountain in China (Hotel, 7.75). The design was conceived as an organic extension of the cliff’s rock face, with a metallic structure and glass façade. The circular lighthouse-inspired building serves as a metaphor for the modern lifestyle integrating with the ancient mountain civilization. ‘A dream project; the landscape translates into the interior in the project's use of natural-looking sustainable and tactile finishes,’ says Viktorija Valiulyte, senior designer for EMEA Flagship stores at Nike.

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URA STORE TOKYO

Insideout

Located next to the vibrant Harajuku area in Tokyo, this partially underground concept store focuses on products with an environmental mindset (Single-Brand Store, 7.82). The Ura store was approached by design studio Insideout as an outdoor landscape, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior. To address the space's low ceiling and narrow interior footprint, mirrored surfaces and full-length LED monitors were used to give the space depth. 'Powerful execution of blocks on glass creating visual impact,' says Christopher Lye, principal at Woods Bagot. 'The reverse concept is interesting and with successful outcome. A very "architectural" interior project.'

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PALAU FUGIT HOTEL

El Equipo Creativo

Palau Fugit Hotel is located in an 18th-century Baroque palace in Girona, Spain (Hotel, 8.08). The palace was preserved and infused with vibrant colours and eclectic furniture. Its two main buildings contain a total of 25 rooms and offer two distinct interior styles. The collaboration with Girona-based artists and the use of vernacular material and techniques promote a site-specific approach to design and supports the local community. 'Beautiful integration of old and new elements,' says Heather Dubbeldam, principal at Dubbeldam Architecture + Design. 'Creative use of materials and lighting- natural and artificial.'

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% ARABICA MANILA MITSUKOSHI BGC

no.10, NOMURA Co., Ltd.

Global coffee brand %Arabica launched its first location in the Philippines, featuring a futuristic interior design, a nod to the city’s continuous development (Single-Brand Store, 5.46). Due to the narrow, corridor-like space plan, a long counter and high seats extend to the rear side of the store, drawing guests deeper into the space. A glass room at the shop’s entrance houses a roastery, showcasing the brand's coffee approach to those passing by. The café's counter is created with a combination of CAD technology and traditional local craftsmanship. 'The approach to futuristic design in this project is commendable and effectively symbolizes the future,' says Elnaz Taghaddos, cofounder at E Plus A Atelier.

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ARANYA HIDDEN PLACE HOTEL

Plat Asia

Located on the serene Golden Coast at Qinhuangdao, China, the Aranya Hidden Place Hotel offers a respite from urban life (Hotel, 6.66). With a spa, meditation space in the common areas and bathing pools in each room, guests are immersed in a relaxing experience. The lobby serves as much a check-in point as a place to unwind. The hotel’s eastern-inspired aesthetic is complemented by natural materials and outdoor views that promote tranquillity and comfort. 'Good play on lines, light and proportions,' says Esin Karliova, founder and principal at Studio Karliova. 'The spaces are defined well, the private rooms offer a cozy sanctuary and public spaces are well-executed.'

Read more here.