Shanwan Village is situated in the Zhongjiadang region, a prominent pilot area for Eco-green Integrated Development of Yangtze Delta. Since 2020, the region has implemented rural revitalization initiatives to promote the agricultural, cultural, and tourism sectors. Nestled along the expansive Taihu Lake, this small village depicts a romantic epitome of the Jiangnan landscape. The Restaurant of Metasequoia Grove and the Boatyard Hotel are small structures at the village entrance, catering to enjoyable vacation experiences.

A small metasequoia grove by the site inspires the restaurant’s design. They are translated into a minimalist architectural expression, a frustum geometry. Each frustum edge is proportioned in a 2:3:4 ratio to create a continuous canopy resembling an artificial forest silhouette. The skylight atop the roof unit allows soft natural light to permeate the interior spaces. The canopy system comprises three layers: the outer layer features custom perforated aluminum panels resembling a branch texture, the middle layer consists of glass, and the inner layer showcases a wooden lattice pattern.

The inspiration for the hotel comes from a natural wharf to the south of the site. The design translates the awning boat’s arched canopy into an undulating roof to compose a folk rhyme. Beyond adding a new dimension to the gentle rural skyline, the image of clustered awnings evokes the fancy for thriving beauty. As boats gather, stories of reunion unfold. The hotel’s dining area sinks 0.3m below the water as if people were sitting in a boat cabin containing the memories of water town residents.

Within the idyllic setting of water, sky, and the village intertwining in a tranquil panorama, the new restaurant and hotel emerge as a romantic touch to the landscape.