Urban Micro-Retreat in Xi’an

A Journey on History’s Path: A Turning Point in Xi’an

The city of Xi’an carries a history spanning over three thousand years. This necessitates a delicate balance: preserving its roots while meeting the demands of contemporary urban development. Against this backdrop, the National Aerospace Base witnessed the completion of a new project . The goal was not to add a conventional luxury structure. Instead, it created a space for respite and energy renewal. This facility aims to fulfill a market need for a comprehensive aquatic wellness destination in Northwest China. It presents the concept of the Urban Micro-Retreat in Xi’an as an alternative to traditional accommodation centers.

Gray façade blends with Xi’an’s skyline, softly lit at dusk for calm arrival. — Vertical stone and metal cladding glows warmly at twilight, echoing ancient Xi’an textures while guiding guests toward a grounded, serene entrance.

Vertical Architecture: How Does the Façade Respond to the City?

The visitor’s experience begins externally. The façade’s design adheres to the site boundaries and the existing heights of surrounding buildings. The architectural composition strategically links volumes and functional masses. This creates an entrance that conveys stability and deep rootedness to the city’s earth. This design intends for the structure to appear organically integrated with its environment.

The façades utilize a deliberate arrangement. They feature touches of gray walls inspired by the local Xi’an style. This vertical configuration offers more than just visual aesthetics. It works to orient the guest’s sense of depth. Simultaneously, it opens a visual path towards ascension.

Shaded entrance with warm wood panels, softly lit among twilight foliage. — Lush greenery frames the covered entry where warm light filters through wood slats and stone, crafting a seamless transition from urban motion to tranquil interior calm.

Paths of Light and Wandering: Transition from Shadow to Clarity

Upon entering the main lobby, the visitor embarks on a comprehensive sensory journey. Light is treated as a structural element. Natural and artificial illumination flows from darkened volumes, sculpting the space and highlighting pathways. This meticulous use of light is not for spectacle. It guides the movement of the eye and foot.

The visitor perceives time slowing down here. The utilized materials reflect light in various ways. They blend to form a cohesive environment whose close up details differ from its broader impression. The deliberate spatial arrangement cultivates a sense of calm detachment. This stimulates the wanderer’s imagination without distraction. The senses touch, hearing (via the quality of silence), and smell are activated sequentially. This action cements the experience of the Urban Micro-Retreat in Xi’an.

Grand lobby with polished black marble, bathed in serene light from soaring windows. — Polished marble floors mirror the glow from tall windows, while layered stone walls and sculptural metalwork evoke spaciousness and quiet grandeur for the arriving guest.

Structural and Material Details: Grand from Afar, Refined Up Close

The core design philosophy, Grand from Afar, Refined Up Close, crystallizes within the expansive internal spaces. Materials were deployed to reflect a resilient and sophisticated rhythm. Significant space was allocated for the facilities, including:

14,000 m² for the Spa and entertainment areas.
86 suites for accommodation.
3 restaurants and lounges for dining and beverages.

In the dining areas, the city’s ancient history is integrated into the textures and color patterns. This creates a notable contrast with the communal leisure areas.

The following are the key materials and techniques shaping this structure:

Structural and Cladding Materials:
- Metal and Natural Stone: Used to form the foundational structure, conveying rootedness.
- Wood Veneer and Textiles: Employed for interior design to warm the spaces and enhance tactile perception (100% functional ratio).
Light and Illumination Techniques:
- Light Calculation: Deliberate integration of natural light (100% natural where possible) to function as a spatial ‘volume’.
- Artificial Lighting: Focused lighting design highlights architectural details and sculpts shadows.
Functional Elements:
- Elevator Structure: Designed to be robust, resembling urban infrastructure (100% functional ratio).
- Gray Façades: Use of the local Xi’an style gray wall pattern.

This project represents an important urban addition. It offers an integrated living experience centered on tranquility and renewal. This confirms its status as the Urban Micro-Retreat in Xi’an.

Gleaming metal columns in shadow, softly lit wooden walls create calm depth. — Layered metallic columns and warm wood-paneled walls balance strength with serenity, while the mirrored floor multiplies light reflections, deepening the guest’s sense of quiet movement and immersion.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The Xinghe Yungu Hotel in Xi’an presents a visual experience based on calculated contrasts. The vertical gray façade conveys a strong sense of rootedness in history, while internally, light dominates the spaces, transforming into penetrating volumes. The interior design reflects the principle of Grand from Afar, Refined Up Close, using a blend of stone, metal, and wood to create a sensory environment that transcends simple accommodation. Critically, the project’s attempt to link ultra-luxury with the city’s profound historical narrative raises questions regarding the transparency of its contextual approach. Nevertheless, the project is commendable for successfully treating light as a fundamental structural element, significantly enhancing the occupant’s sensory perception and adding enriching value to the internal spaces.