Lost Villa Ginkgo Valley Design Hotel, among the treetops

Nestled in the rural landscape of Guangjia Chong, in the village of Jiukouyan, Luoyang City, Suizhou, China, stands Lost Villa - Ginkgo Valley Design Hotel. Designed by Moguang Studio, the structure extends over six plots scattered throughout the village, where the mountains are formed by folds and fault blocks of the earth's crust, with undulating and gradual terrain.

 A hotel in harmony with the landscape

The architectural approach aims to develop a context-sensitive structure, beginning with an analysis of elevation differences and wall heights—considering the rhythm of walking, views, roofs, and vegetation. With over 200 ancient metasequoia and ginkgo trees, the region has long cultivated ginkgo as an agricultural crop, which over time has become a major attraction in autumn.

Stretching along the mountain range connecting Mount Dahong and Mount Baizhao, the six plots rise progressively southward, linked by a pathway over one kilometer long leading to an artificial basin at the southern end. Each plot has clearly defined yet interconnected boundaries, fostering an emotional bond with the place and allowing guests to quickly develop a sense of belonging during their stay.

The geometric organization of spaces responds to visual perception, ensuring efficiency and practicality. Traditional plots with small guest rooms use masonry or concrete frame structures with wooden roofs and white frames, while irregular plots with roots to preserve or wider spans use steel or lightweight steel structures. This flexible approach to structure and materials is both economical and practical, while enabling richer, more diverse spatial experiences.

Area A: framed views of the mountains

The reception hall is located in Area A, on a terrace surrounded by mountains on three sides, with terraced fields and a ginkgo forest to the southeast. The two-tiered roofs guide the gaze toward a central reflecting pool, while the gentle slopes accentuate a sense of enclosure within the courtyard. The courtyard configuration follows the footprint of ancient village dwellings, overlapping dense roofs, solid walls, slender columns, sturdy seating, and an interplay of opacity and transparency in a textured dialogue. The infinity pool visually connects the mountain behind with the valley in front, while the restaurant and open corridors create a versatile space.

The treehouse: a spaceship hidden in the forest

At the intersection of paths leading to the valley stands the treehouse, composed of two standard rooms and a service area. 
The tree canopy, acting as a natural screen, ensures privacy for the rooms while becoming part of the framed landscape. The space beneath has been transformed into a semi-open outdoor area, blending with the shade of the trees. The roof and walls are clad in charred cedar shingles, echoing the texture of the tea pavilion.

Inside, the southwest room is divided by a curved staircase separating the entrance, bathroom, and tea area. The spatial layout is dynamic and fluid: a square window frames the changing seasons, while a triangular window emphasizes the contrast between the outer slope and the inner staircase. At night, when the interior lights come on, the entire treehouse resembles a spaceship hidden in the forest, ready for takeoff.

Area D: rooms beneath the canopy

The two guesthouses in Area D are arranged around four century-old ginkgo trees on site. The staggered layout of the rooms creates unique framed views, offering each room its own “slice of sky.” On the southeast side, the ground-floor rooms feature an inner courtyard defined by the tea pavilion’s slope and the intertwined roots of the ancient ginkgo trees.
The second-floor suite extends its view through framed openings and a terrace overlooking the wooded valley. On the southwest side, the duplex suite uses low curved walls and tree cover to create a private, secluded courtyard.

Guest rooms in Area E: overlooking the pond

The guest rooms in Area E are located at the highest and southernmost point of the valley. Guests reach the structure via a winding path leading to a two-story elevated platform. Inside, the spa, living area, and two hot spring pools are positioned on the southern side of the ground floor, providing both easy access and a private view of the pond.
All guest rooms are situated on the northern side, designed to capture sunlight and offer panoramic views, while the second-floor suite is separated from the northern rooms by an outdoor lounge terrace.

>>> Discover Housestead, a residence immersed in Suffolk’s woodland landscape, designed by Sanei + Hopkins