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Younch Hotel

MUDA-Architects

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Silver
Silver
Lobby - HereSpace
Curved ceiling and soft lighting scheme in Lobby - HereSpace
Entrance View of Lobby - HereSpace
Lobby - HereSpace

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Comments
Innovation
Functionality
Creativity
Eco-Social Impact
Total
JURY VOTES
Hotel
7.82
8.10
7.95
7.32
7.8
Nathan Watts
Nathan Watts Creative Director at Interstore
4
5
6
5
5
Ting Yu
Ting Yu Chief Architect at Wutopia Lab
5
5
5
4
4.75
Simon Goff
Simon Goff Founder and Director at Floor_Story
5
6
5
5
5.25
Tobias Geisler
Tobias Geisler Cofounder at VAVE Studio
missing the comfort...
3
5
4
4
4
Janne van Berlo
Janne van Berlo Founder at Atelier van Berlo
6
6
7
5
6
Julio Kowalenko
Julio Kowalenko Cofounder at Atelier Caracas
6
5
6
5
5.5
Jeff Yrazabal
Jeff Yrazabal President at SRG Partnership
5
5
5
5
5
Akanksha Deo Sharma
Akanksha Deo Sharma Designer at Ikea
4
5
4
4
4.25
Comments
Innovation
Functionality
Creativity
Eco-Social Impact
Total
GRAND JURY VOTES
Shortlisted - Hotel of the Year
7.82
8.13
7.96
7.32
7.81
Nathan Watts
Nathan Watts Creative Director at Interstore
4
5
6
5
5
Ting Yu
Ting Yu Chief Architect at Wutopia Lab
5
5
5
4
4.75
Simon Goff
Simon Goff Founder and Director at Floor_Story
5
6
5
5
5.25
Tobias Geisler
Tobias Geisler Cofounder at VAVE Studio
missing the comfort...
3
5
4
4
4
Janne van Berlo
Janne van Berlo Founder at Atelier van Berlo
6
6
7
5
6
Julio Kowalenko
Julio Kowalenko Cofounder at Atelier Caracas
6
5
6
5
5.5
Jeff Yrazabal
Jeff Yrazabal President at SRG Partnership
5
5
5
5
5
Akanksha Deo Sharma
Akanksha Deo Sharma Designer at Ikea
4
5
4
4
4.25
Client
Younch Hotel
Floor area
3000 ㎡
Completion
2023
Finishes
Finishes

MUDA-Architects hold a deep reverence for the genius loci and the inherent context of each project, and this design philosophy is exemplified profoundly in Younch Hotel. The design encapsulates functionality coupled with oriental aesthetics, all comprehensively bounded within the historical fabric and spiritual symbolism of Xi'an, previously known as Chang'an. As the capital city of 13 historical dynasties, most notably the Tang Dynasty, Chang'an carries a significant historical heritage.

In the realization of Younch Hotel, MUDA has woven together materials traditional to the region like reclaimed wood, natural stone, and local dyeing textile art. The blend of these time-honored elements with modern technology enables the creation of a hospitable space that bridges the connection between nature and history, innovation and tradition.

The public spaces are characterized by the harmonious interplay of function and comfort. The design highlights nature and tranquility through its sunken courtyard garden and adjoining tearoom area. As a refuge for weary souls, the garden brings forth a sense of tranquility with its seasonal flowers, water features, and lotus flowers. It promptly establishes an environment that encourages relaxation by detaching occupants from the usual urban stressors. On a functional level, elements like the wooden-framed glass partition offer flexibility. It can be freely adjusted to connect interior and exterior spaces when desired.

One of the key design attributes of the hotel is the careful employment of rectangular windows. They vary in size and proportion to ensure the optimal introduction of natural light. Also, a beautiful and patterned drama of light and shadow unfolds within the circumference of the sunken courtyard garden. The upper floor hosts a spectacle of the city through large windows that offer robust views of the ancient city wall. A bronze-hued spiral staircase leads to the basement, uncovering spaces allocated for dining, socializing, and dessert indulgence.

Accommodation has been tailored for the needs of leisure and business travelers, focusing primarily on detail and texture. The rooms incorporate warm wood wall and flooring finishes and terra-color textured paint to instill a welcoming atmosphere. The curvature of the sloping ceiling continues from the lobby to the interior of king bed suites. Natural light filters in, softly glancing off the curve and subtly illuminating the room. Each room is decorated with exquisitely curated Chang'an art pieces, including dyed silk paintings, landscape or architectural illustrations, and artisan ceramic works, paring with carefully selected antique furniture.

Material selection prioritizes sustainability, like reclaimed wood and locally-sourced stone. Coupled with energy-saving lighting systems and wastewater recycling practices, the hotel's commitment to environmental protection is accomplished to its maximum without interfering basic functions.