Averntree hotel located in the south west of West Lake, which is the most famous landmark in Hangzhou, at the top of Wengjiashan mountain. As the development of the Hangzhou city and tea business on Wengjiashan mountain, more and more people come to visit Wengjiashan. 

The design of Aventree hotel is quite natural with few decorations. The original building of Aventree got 5 floors, was built by the villagers on the mountain and had been through renovations several times. Before designers re-designed the hotel, the building was basically brick and concrete structure mixed with steel structure. Plenty of illogical decoration surbase on the facade, mixed with Chinese roof top makes the building looks pretty strange.

Hidden in the WengJiashan mountain keeps Averntree hotel from the noisy of city. Only ten minutes you can complete the space conversion. "This is a very unique experience." said the co-founder of the hotel, but also as an architect Tengbo. He hoped that the Averntree is not only a temporary place on the way in travel for people, but also a "gift of nature."

The designers didn’t renovate the whole building, but focus on the roof top and the fence: wrap up the complicated decoration surbase on the roof top, and re-design the fence, which separates the hotel and the external environment. They used the same material to build the new roof top and fence, which makes the new hotel into a complete system. Finally, they created a unique hotel in such natural environment. 

The corten steel pipes start from the beginning of the ramp, as I walked alone the ramp, the steel pipes keep increasing height while the top of the pipes remains the same height. Such form of the entrance strengthens the process of “entering” the hotel. 

Normally, solid walls are built to keep absolute privacy for the hotel. But in such natural environment, they hope to divide space in a gentler way.

To keep the unique image, the designers try to hide all the decoration elements of the original building to reach to the goal of modern architecture. In connect with corten steel pipes, they use corten steel boards as the material of new roof top.

There are 4 different outdoor courtyards in the hotel. 

The public rooftop terrace and the private balcony on 4f can easily overlook into West Lake and the great view of the mountain. The new roof top re-shape the top guestroom and create a new private balcony for it. The biggest public space located on 1f, surrounded by a large number of tall trees. 

3 original trees were kept in the courtyard of the entrance floor. They simply divide the floor using concrete rather than complicated design. The biggest public space located on 1f, surrounded by a large number of tall trees. They design 15 mirror glasses as the emphases of west elevation, which can be the background of the 1f courtyard.

15 mirror glasses reflect surrounding natural scene. Different changes can be seen from different angle. Mirror glasses reduce the volume of west elevation and let natural scene project on the building, creating a communication between nature and architecture.

When I stepped into the reception hall, I was surprised by its delicate design - much better than other gaudy hotel lobbies. Lobby use black walnut to darken the space and there is one-to-one match between the gap of ceiling and wall. Public staircase was covered by linen. Doors and handrails are made by bronze texture steel. Multiple materials make the tiny staircase more detailed.

The only private courtyard located in my room, a suite room. A long glass folding door can be opened entirely, which makes the courtyard and guestroom inosculate as a whole space. Due to the existing bearing wall, a mini bar was designed in the middle of the room, rotated 45 degrees, that changes the angle of view of bedroom and living room. And what is my favorite? The open bathroom! It was designed by the window, with a fantastic view of Wengjiashan mountain.

Overall Feel

Staying in the mountains was a fantastic experience. With clouds rolling in the distance and fog rising up to the sky, I was able to let my mind wander and relax. Here and there I could make out tiny glittering raindrops that hung on the branches of the roof. And the elegant birds come to my window to sing and fly away. With each breath, I felt refreshed and rejuvenated.

Life itself exudes from all the wonderful things at Aventree: the trees, birds, fresh air, delicious cuisine, delightful room…I could go on and on. This trip to Aventree had a sort of magical power to help me recover. This stay at Aventree has left me better rested and excited to tackle the coming challenges in the city.

Thanks to the architectural designer who retain the beauty of nature so as to make Aventree an indispensable part of the picturesque scenery. And this is how in this wonderful and romantic mountain forest, I came across Aventree and got amazed.