Wilson Associates' New York studio recently completed Canopy by Hilton, located on the shores of Jinsha Lake and overlooking the largest man-made park in Hangzhou, China. The city's evolution from marshlands to farmlands to its present state as a modern urban oasis in the Zhejiang Province of East China served as the inspiration for the premier new hotel. The design encompasses 196 guest rooms, six suites, reception, lobby bar, public bathrooms, meeting rooms, pre-function area, game room, and fitness center.
Upon entering the lobby, guests are greeted by design elements inspired by classic Chinese gardens, which once engulfed the shores of Jinsha Lake in the Xiasha District. The design team took cues from garden planning to create open spaces in the lobby that offer guests intimate enclaves for social interaction or moments of solitude. The lobby also features a lush green wall that serves as the backdrop for bleacher-style seating, while a wood-slat pitched ceiling above the lounge area pays homage to traditional Chinese farmhouse architecture.
As guests ascend, Canopy by Hilton Hangzhou Jinshan Lake provides 196 'Just Right' guest rooms and six suites that offer a contemporary interpretation of traditional Chinese design elements and surrounding natural environment. The focal point of these accommodations is the Canopy bed, which draws inspiration from the traditional wood-screen panels in China. The color palette references the shores of the Qiantang River with a combination of soft cream tones and warm sand shades. Contemporary furniture pieces with light and dark wood finishes and a hardwood floor with a light grey area provide a residential-inspired ambiance.
The suites, which range from 893 to 1,237 square feet, provide encompassing views of Jinsha Lake and luxurious settings such as a spa-like bathroom and spacious living area. Further providing a sense of escape and journey, the guest corridors create a sense of transition that evokes the serenity of Chinese-inspired garden galleries. A series of archways line the corridors creating a sense of procession for guests to reflect before entering the guest rooms.
Drawing a connection to the cultural roots of Hangzhou, locally curated artwork in the guest rooms and public spaces celebrate the connection between community and nature. Consisting of holograms, paintings and drawings, these eclectic art pieces also showcase inspirations of plant life, local fauna and tide patterns of the river.
Considering each of the design elements together, Canopy by Hilton Hangzhou Jinshan Lake celebrates a deep connection between human and nature, blurring the lines between the indoors and outdoors and providing a relaxing destination for travelers. Infused with playful, modern style and local charm, this hotel connects leisure and business travelers with nature in the heart of Xiasha.
Photography: Courtesy of Wilson Associates