Frame 05-06

YANGZHOU – Conceptually powerful and

aesthetically beautiful: that’s how the jury

saw Tsingpu Yangzhou Retreat, for which

Neri&Hu enclosed 20 boutique guest rooms

within the brick walls of several established

buildings. In addition to repurposing the

existing structures, the team integrated

new elements to ensure the hotel contained

all desired amenities, including reception,

library and restaurant.

The jury was impressed by the

project’s counteraction to current trends.

Tsingpu Yangzhou Retreat is not a high-tech,

fast-paced environment but a luxurious

encounter with relaxation and comfort. ‘Life

is stressful in China,’ said Peter Ippolito of

Ippolito Fleitz Group. ‘Between working,

commuting, sustaining a family... there’s

constant pressure. This explains the need

for such spaces, where there is nothing.

It’s a peaceful contrast. It empties your mind.’

Most of all, the judges enjoyed the

retreat’s conscious simplicity and its integra-

tion into the physical and cultural context.

‘It reflects the zeitgeist of China’s rural

developments, reconnecting them to the

natural landscape in a new way,’ said Tina

Norden of Conran and Partners. ‘My heart

chose this project right away.’ Constructed

from reclaimed grey brick, the perforated

courtyard walls create privileged vantage

points that look out across the surrounding

landscape and lakes. The jury’s conclusion?

‘The scheme’s storytelling qualities beauti-

fully and powerfully reenact the typology

of the historical courtyard house.’ – LT

neriandhu.com

PEOPLE'S VOTE

Hotel Norge by Scandic, by Concrete

The jury applauded the Tsingpu
Yangzhou Retreat’s conscious
simplicity and its integration into
the physical and cultural context.

Pe

dr

o

Pe

ge

na

ut

e

103