SlowStudio’s Courtyard 11 serves as a striking prototype for countryside regeneration in China, showcasing how bold colours and forms can embrace the changing seasons while preserving the essence of a tranquil rural landscape. Located behind a preserved historical temple in Chicheng County, Hebei, this B&B offers a harmonious blend of modern comfort and nature-inspired design.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location: Chicheng County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
Design: SlowStudio
Client: Unico
Photography: Boris Shiu
SlowStudio, known for its poetic and thoughtful design approach, aimed to connect Courtyard 11 with the surrounding beauty of Chicheng Valley. The architecture and interior details reflect the ever-changing seasons, utilizing vibrant colours, natural materials, and dynamic lighting to capture the essence of the valley. The space is rooted in nature’s cycles, where every corner draws inspiration from the environment.
At the heart of this B&B lies an intimate connection between the indoors and the landscape. The design speaks directly to the site’s character, ensuring a seamless flow between natural and built elements. The use of green hues on the staircase symbolizes spring’s vitality, with each step representing young grasses breaking through the earth. The timber floors and exposed brick walls infuse the interior with a grounded, earthy feel that reflects the strength of the surrounding countryside.
Every season is celebrated through SlowStudio’s clever use of colour and materials. In the kitchen, violet tones mirror autumn’s quiet charm, while vivid orange lanterns and ginger-yellow sofas add a touch of warmth, evoking a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Summertime joy is expressed through a playful palette of lake-blue tiles, sky-blue walls, and contrasting pink window frames, bringing a sense of vibrancy and freshness to the space. The incorporation of natural wood and stone throughout enhances the B&B’s connection to its rustic setting, adding texture and authenticity.
One of the most notable features of Courtyard 11 is the carefully positioned semi-circular skylight, which not only floods the space with natural light during the day but also offers mesmerizing views of the stars at night. The interplay of light and shadow brings life to the interior, creating a dynamic, ever-changing environment that mirrors the natural rhythms outside.
Courtyard 11’s design goes beyond aesthetics, offering guests a peaceful escape where modern luxury meets rural serenity. The innovative use of a rotating platform within the courtyard allows for flexible, interactive spaces, enabling visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings. Whether it’s a quiet moment gazing at the stars through the skylight or soaking up the sun in the courtyard, the design ensures a deep connection to nature.
The project is part of a broader countryside regeneration initiative, which aims to breathe new life into rural areas while respecting the cultural and historical context. SlowStudio’s work on Courtyard 11 highlights the importance of integrating architecture with the environment, making the B&B a serene, welcoming haven that captures the timeless beauty of Chicheng Valley.
SlowStudio’s thoughtful approach to Courtyard 11 showcases their talent for creating spaces that feel both grounded and ethereal. By using natural materials like wood and stone alongside bold colours and dynamic lighting, they’ve crafted a space that celebrates the changing seasons while remaining deeply connected to the landscape. The result is a tranquil, inviting retreat that exemplifies the potential of countryside regeneration through design.
This project not only revitalizes the local area but also demonstrates SlowStudio’s ability to create poetic, inviting spaces that harmonize with nature. Courtyard 11 stands as a testament to the beauty that can be achieved when architecture, colour, and the natural world come together in perfect balance.
