07 Jan 2020
Atelier Tao+C create stunning capsule hotel and library in old Chinese building
BY Stu Robarts
Atelier Tao+C have renovated an old building in the Chinese town of Tonglu to create a capsule hotel and library with floating floors, bamboo bookshelves and a fully glazed gable end that provides views of the surrounding forest.
The original floors and partition walls were removed from the 232sq m (2,500sq ft) structure and three staggered floating levels installed and linked with zigzagging metal staircases.
On two of the levels – one for men and one for women – there are 10 capsules each in which guests can stay, with an accompanying bathroom on both floors.
The capsule spaces have been designed with a uniform size and the areas are shielded by bookshelves to provide privacy.
Discussing the pod accommodation sections, Atelier Tao+C said: "The idea of 'buildings inside the building' blurs the boundaries of various spaces and formed a balance between the privacy of the 'floating' accommodation area and the openness of the public space on the ground floor."
Elsewhere, bamboo bookshelves rise up the building's interior walls and are interspersed with windows to provide natural light.
One of the building's full gable ends was removed and replaced with a transparent structure of wooden frames and corrugated polycarbonate panels.
In addition to taking advantage of the views, this allows much more natural light into the building.
Tiering built into the brickwork floor allows guests to take advantage of this impressive feature, while there are a wealth of other spaces inside and outside the building where people can sit and read.
Atelier Tao+C said: "Together with the fragrance of bamboos and books, the building has a power of cohesion that brings together the villagers. It becomes part of their feelings and memories, and will further inspire a new future of life to the village."
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