Five Yards Guesthouse
Type: Hospitality
Location: Luoshan Village, Nanjing, China
Site Area: 787m2
Building Area: 1,443m2
Luoshan Village extends along Shijiuhu Lake and is characterized by its rich fishing culture and ancestral hall traditions. Some of its original buildings—constructed with brick walls, tiled roofs, and traditional courtyard layouts—still remain, preserving the village’s historical essence.
The proposed ‘Five Yard Guesthouse’ seeks to enhance and reinterpret this heritage. The design comprises four similarly scaled volumes integrated within the new urban layout. Each structure respects the historic character of the site through the continued use of traditional construction methods—brickwork, sloping roofs, and courtyards—while maintaining balanced proportions. Together, they strengthen the social fabric of Luoshan Village and elevate the value of its cultural legacy.
Guided by the desire to create a guesthouse that connects as closely as possible with the outdoors, the four building volumes form a sequence of courtyards of varying sizes. Across the site, five outdoor spaces are defined: three primary courtyards at the center serve the lounge, restaurant, and reception areas, while two secondary ones form the front and rear yards.
Overall, the architectural expression is defined by a near-monumental brick construction articulated with subtle perforations. In contrast, the upper level features finely brushed wall finishes, timber window frames, and aluminum screens in warm tones, offering a refined and tactile complement to the solid brick base.
The proposal presents a graceful choreography of courtyards and interior spaces, thoughtfully distributed across the narrow site of Luoshan Village—blending the rhythm of traditional architecture with the comfort and openness of contemporary living.
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