Interior design of the Banyan Tree Nanjing Garden Expo / CCD

Break the “cocoon” of rebirth and rebuild a mysterious wonderland in Quarry Valley. With a long-abandoned quarry as the site of the hotel, ecological restoration was the project’s first priority. CCD deconstructed and reshaped different elements such as light, stones, forest and rain on the abandoned limestone quarry. This is how a new, mysterious world of wonders is being created in the former quarry valley. Cocoon symbolizes the end of the old form, but also the beginning of a new life. From the outside in, the cocoon is about accumulation; from the inside out it’s about rupture, rebirth and sublimation. Interior design is the process of breaking the cocoon and rebirth to let imagination transform into art of living. Life comes from nature. For this project, the spiritual aspiration and artistic imagination of space are inspired by the life cycle “conception – cocoon breaking – rebirth”. CCD compared the entire architecture and space to a “cocoon” that nurtures new life, presenting the vitality and excitement of “Cocoon Break and Rebirth” with a minimalist, modern design language. The form of the “cocoon” is deconstructed and developed to respond to nature.

“Cocoon” is the main form in the uniform spatial context. With simple lines and layered woven bamboo elements, the space seems to return to human origins and nurture a new life in maternal dreamland. The curved shape makes the room soft and rounded. The remodeled space reveals a visual sense of metamorphosis and wonder. It resembles a pair of open arms and conveys a homely sense of belonging. This is a place where the imagination begins and expands. The natural space brings forth infinite vitality that leads into a far-reaching future. A walk in space is a reboot of the consciousness of man and nature, from art to reality, from body to mind.

Art that returns to earth. After a long period of mining, little green was left on the mountain, leaving only bare earth and rocks exposed. The CCD team considered how to ensure the functionality of the design while adapting to the environment to contribute to ecological rehabilitation. In order to merge the architecture with nature, the designers resorted to natural materials. The team believes that design is not just about form, but above all about becoming part of the natural environment. The choice of materials emphasizes sustainability and respect for the ecosystem. Taking nature as the medium of creation, the natural materials create a holistic, artistic scenery.

valley of light Based on the local conditions and the creative intention, the designers created a “valley of light” in the lobby bar. Exploiting the depth and variations of the valley, the space is curved and cut to present a natural scale and inclusivity, making guests feel as if they are surrounded by a natural canyon. The designers conceived this room as an adventurous tour. Walking down the mountain trail to explore further and further, guests feel as if they are standing on a cliff with the sunset in the background. Natural color tones determine the overall spatial impression. The entire space is light and elegant, containing natural forms. It is enriched by varied structures that create more opportunities for spatial exploration. Art integrates into space in various forms and through creativity and rich imagination stimulates reflection on the relationship between people, space and nature.

time forest. Sun, forest and water landscape create an enchanting picture. Open for all day dining, the restaurant uses flowing daylight and shadows to direct circulation, amplifying the emotional experience with details and constructing a poetic, modern space where light and darkness play together. This space is simple, natural and inseparable from nature. As guests walk through the green, a whole fascinating world comes into view. Here time is slowed down, every detail is worked out without artifice and here and there a surprise waits to be discovered. The large floor-to-ceiling windows bring plenty of natural light into the room. The sunlight and the light colors underline the warmth of the wood materials and paint a picture of comfortable living. The space is full of poetry and represents a coexisting relationship with the outside environment.

Valley of the Fireflies. On the way from the “Forest” to the “Valley of the Glowworms” guests enter a secret world. The Chinese restaurant’s gate reflects the lobby’s concept of “breaking the cocoon to rebirth”, opening another journey behind the door. It not only ensures the unity of the design, but also enhances the immersive experience of the guests. As guests wander the circuit, subtle and intricate details wait to be discovered. The room is flooded with an unobtrusive but enchanting rhythm. The design extracts the mysterious forest elements of Tangshan Mountain and transforms them into the patterns of screens that separate yet connect different areas. Black and white, hardness and softness, implicit charm and tangible strength, delicate grain and rough textures are harmoniously balanced.

rainforest. The quarry’s limestone cliff appears bare and broken, but its grand scale is astounding. Over the years, plants have quietly grown between the layers of rock, forming a beautiful texture on the stone cliff in the quarry. The entire quarry cliff looks like a natural landscape painting, which inspired the design team. The vitality of the space is based on sustainable ecology and is relevant to the continuation of the site context. The designers brought the natural rocks of Tangshan Mountain inside. The rocks eroded by wind and rain show the traces of nature and allow the interior to completely merge with nature. Meanwhile, the rocks also reflect the spirit of the place and carry the memories of nature. Poetic scenes, rustic textures and contemporary art blend in a sophisticated but moderate way. The artwork “Eye of Tangshan Mountain” evokes the memory of the place and combines the design with art and cultural context.

stone track. Each guest room is equipped with a hot spring bath overlooking the valley and cliffs. The architectural structure and interior design create a natural ambience that subtly reflects the mysterious atmosphere of the Quarry Valley. Presenting shapes with scenes and expressing emotions through shapes is a core idea the designers wanted to convey. To achieve this, the team has completely thought through the connection between inside and outside. Retro green spreads throughout the space, representing the vitality of “new life” while giving the impression of merging with nature. The shade of green creates poetry in interaction without being too intrusive. From the walls to the table, the warm texture brings a soothing ambience to the entire space. The still stones on the wall reflect the surroundings of the place and mix with dynamic light and shadow, creating a harmonious scene.