While the last decades of wild planning have affected a good part of China’s historical heritage, a new sensitivity towards the country’s vernacular architecture, especially in rural areas, has been emerging for some years now.

More and more architectural projects try to capture the essence of places and respect their tradition, rather than imposing a modernisation that has been forced and ungraceful for too long.

This is the case with the Wuyuan Skywells project, a hotel that preserves a historic building and enhances the architectural culture of Huizhou, a city located in the south-eastern part of the People’s Republic of China.

AnySCALE Architecture Design has restored the original elements and maintained its ancient character in the common parts. Instead, the private rooms of the new hotel have been equipped with contemporary comforts, with furnishings that still dialogue with the nature of the building.

The work done on the existing wooden structure is remarkable. In many public spaces it had precious ornaments, which were partially destroyed by carelessness and time. The architects wanted to recreate the decorations that they were unable to restore, inserting new motives inspired by the history and tradition of the customer’s family.

They are in all new parts expertly integrated into the original building, ensuring efficient energy performance without affecting the historical appearance of the structure.