Imagine a guesthouse that whispers secrets of the land it inhabits. Team BLDG, a Chinese architecture studio, has masterfully transformed two rural homes into The Catcher, a 11-bedroom sanctuary nestled near Shanghai's ancient town of Xinchang. But it's not just any renovation; it's a bold statement on connecting with nature.
The studio's vision was clear: create a guesthouse that seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings while standing out with its unique character. And they achieved this through a series of thoughtful interventions.
First, they simplified the facade, using a muted color palette and natural materials like wood, stone, and bamboo. This was a deliberate choice, as Lei, Team BLDG's lead architect, explains, "We wanted to reflect the purity and simplicity of the natural environment." But here's where it gets controversial: they had to work with a tight budget, which meant getting creative with material choices.
The team opted for local materials, giving the guesthouse a sense of place. The exterior walls, for instance, are finished with a textured, water-borne sand paint, a common technique in rural areas. They also crafted bamboo fences and gates using traditional methods, adding a layer of authenticity. And the stone cladding on utility shafts? A local technique typically reserved for landscape walls.
The interior design philosophy is equally intriguing. Team BLDG wanted to create a stark contrast to the sophistication of urban hotels. And this is the part most people miss: they left many interior surfaces unfinished, a nod to local rural construction practices. This raw aesthetic invites guests to connect with the essence of the place.
The layout is a masterpiece of circulation. Gaps between the courtyard and buildings form pathways, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. The entrance lobby, with its sunken seating area and expansive glass windows, offers a welcoming embrace of natural light. And the new volume at the back houses shared social spaces, encouraging interaction and community.
deliberately positioned guest rooms on the south side to bathe in natural light, while the north side is dedicated to circulation and ancillary spaces. Each room has its private outdoor sanctuary, be it a courtyard, balcony, or rooftop terrace, offering guests a personalized connection with nature.
Team BLDG's other projects, such as the woven lattice-clad gallery in Songzhuang and the visitor facilities at Pazhou's sports park, showcase their commitment to innovative design. What do you think about their approach? Is this a respectful way to blend modern architecture with traditional, rural aesthetics?
