Architectural Cases

CN House: A Serene Retreat for Retirement Living by IDIN Architects

The CN House is an architectural marvel designed by IDIN Architects, crafted specifically for a couple transitioning into their golden years. Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Khao Yai, Thailand, this residence is a testament to harmonious living, blending seamlessly with its breathtaking natural surroundings.

Embrace Serenity: Your Sanctuary Amidst Nature's Grandeur

Conceptualizing a Home for Tranquil Retirement amidst Khao Yai's Natural Splendor

The CN House project was envisioned as a tranquil haven for a couple embarking on their retirement journey. The site, characterized by its elongated and narrow form, extends gracefully from a public thoroughfare towards the majestic foothills of Khao Yai. This unique geographical setting, enveloped by verdant landscapes and offering sweeping mountain vistas, laid the foundation for designing a home that champions enduring living in profound communion with the natural world.

Architectural Integration with the Landscape: Maximizing Views and Natural Elements

IDIN Architects meticulously crafted the CN House to leverage its spectacular location. Every design decision was made with the intention of framing and celebrating the panoramic views of the mountains and integrating the lush surroundings into the daily lives of its residents. The architectural language speaks of openness and fluidity, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing light, air, and the beauty of nature to permeate the home's interiors. Materials were chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their ability to harmonize with the environment, creating a sense of understated elegance and sustainable living. This thoughtful integration ensures that the house is not just a dwelling but a living extension of the landscape itself.

Thoughtful Design for Long-Term Comfort and Connection

The internal layout and functional zones of the CN House were carefully considered to support comfortable, long-term living. Spaces are designed to be adaptable, accommodating the evolving needs of the inhabitants while maintaining an intimate connection to the exterior. Expansive windows and strategically placed outdoor living areas, such as terraces and courtyards, invite residents to engage with the natural beauty at every turn. The design promotes a lifestyle of peaceful contemplation and engagement with the environment, making the CN House an exemplary model of a retirement residence that prioritizes wellbeing, connection to nature, and timeless architectural beauty in the heart of Khao Yai.

Peking University's School of Mathematical Sciences by FEI Architects

FEI Architects embarked on an extensive eight-year mission to revitalize the Educational Technology Building located along Wusi Road within Peking University's Yanyuan Campus. This initiative commenced in 2015 when the structure faced potential demolition as part of a new campus development strategy.

Investigations revealed the Educational Technology Building, inaugurated in 1988, was once a cutting-edge educational facility within Yanyuan. It housed the university's largest auditorium and served as a central hub for teaching, academic discourse, and various public campus events. The building stands as a testament to Peking University's growth following China's period of Reform and Opening-up, embodying the shared experiences of countless students and faculty. Notably, it is the sole remaining teaching edifice from the nearly four-decade span between the 1960s and 1990s to be preserved in the campus's core area.

This architectural preservation project highlights the critical importance of safeguarding historical structures that embody a community's shared heritage and educational progress. By transforming and maintaining such buildings, universities can honor their past while adapting to future needs, ensuring that foundational elements of their identity continue to inspire new generations.

See More

Esh Hotel & Spa: A Secluded Oasis in Nosara, Costa Rica

Esh Hotel & Spa, nestled in the scenic region of Nosara, Costa Rica, represents a masterful blend of architectural ingenuity and natural harmony. Conceived by FAMM Arquitectura and Sulkin Askenazi, this 29-key development reimagines the traditional luxury hotel experience. Instead of relying on vast, distant panoramas, the design artfully cultivates an introspective sanctuary, seamlessly integrating with its immediate environment. The project emphasizes a deep connection to nature, transforming the site's inherent features—such as ancient trees, a meandering creek, and vibrant planted courtyards—into focal points of relaxation and immersion. Completed in 2024, the hotel spans 3700 square meters, offering guests a tranquil retreat where architectural elements and natural beauty coalesce to create a unique, enriching stay.

A Symphony of Nature and Design: Esh Hotel & Spa

Embracing the Local Landscape: A Design Philosophy Beyond Distant Views

The vision for Esh Hotel & Spa was born from a distinctive site challenge: a sloped terrain in Nosara, Costa Rica, which offered limited opportunities for expansive, long-distance vistas. Rather than attempting to force a panoramic experience, the design philosophy pivoted to embrace the immediate surroundings. This led to the creation of an "internal landscape"—a self-contained world where the hotel's charm derives from its intimate connection to the existing natural elements, fostering a sense of secluded tranquility.

The Art of Integration: Preserved Trees and Natural Waterways as Core Elements

At the heart of Esh Hotel & Spa's design is the meticulous preservation and integration of the site's natural features. Mature trees were retained, forming natural canopies and offering organic shade, while a serene natural creek was incorporated into the landscape, its gentle flow contributing to the ambient tranquility. These natural elements are not merely decorative but serve as fundamental components of the guest experience, guiding pathways and defining spaces.

Crafting Serenity: Lush Courtyards and Inviting Outdoor Sanctuaries

Central to the hotel's appeal are its beautifully crafted planted courtyards. These green spaces provide intimate settings for relaxation and reflection, enveloped by Costa Rica's vibrant flora. Complementing the courtyards are carefully designed water features, which introduce soothing sounds and visual calmness. Extensive shaded outdoor areas ensure comfort throughout the day, inviting guests to linger and immerse themselves in the peaceful ambiance.

Navigating the Oasis: Orientation Through Natural Elements

The architectural layout ingeniously uses these natural focal points for orientation. Instead of relying on conventional signage or distant landmarks, guests navigate the property by connecting with the preserved trees, the winding creek, the verdant courtyards, and the shimmering water bodies. This intuitive wayfinding deepens the sense of immersion, encouraging a harmonious exploration of the hotel's secluded landscape.

A Sanctuary of Comfort: Luxurious Accommodations Within a Natural Embrace

Esh Hotel & Spa offers 29 elegantly appointed keys, each designed to provide utmost comfort while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding nature. The interiors reflect the outside environment, utilizing natural materials and thoughtful layouts that enhance the sense of peace and privacy. The design ensures that every guest space feels like a private retreat, a harmonious extension of the natural world just beyond its walls.

See More