Tales from the Loop by WAY studio
Location: Huizhou, P.R.China
Status: 2021 (Conceived)

WAY Studio was honored to participate and placed TOP 30 in the Ancient Tree Civilization and Residence Future International Architectural Design Competition, initiated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). WAY Studio’s design uses the universal Circle or Loop shape, symbolizing our relationship with embracing and respecting nature as well as the reality that our existence together is fundamentally interconnected. Retreating into the woods is reflective of a human need to connect with nature, the origin of life and all its wonders, especially in these times of distance and isolation. We created a meandering experience through these ancient woods, as nature towers over and surrounds us, and both our past and panoramic future unravel before us. Away from the city, embraced by nature, we can slow down, listen, touch, feel and connect with the Earth.

Vacation Residences
Loop Hotel is the first building to greet our guests. In order to maintain an open landscape view with minimal structural obstruction, the hotel is designed as a loop with half of it buried underground so it merely appears to be an extension of the surrounding land. The sunken portion faces approaching guests, allowing for a gradual reveal that feels as if they are entering into the hollows of nature itself. The Hotel Villa mimics trees within the forest and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Treehouse Hotel wraps around trees similar to traditional treehouses, situated above ground, and below its tree canopy, reminiscent of all the creatures that inhabit these trees of life, and now us among them.

Private Villa Residence
Hillside Villas: mountain-shaped canopies perfectly camouflaged within the woods like giant tents are the only signs of residences, designed to withstand the whimsical and perpetually shifting weather of the forests. Hilltop Villas: the cylindrical form minimizes material and visual massing, while its lifted underbelly forms a naturally ventilated and shaded living room.

more. www.way-studio.com