Jieshi Architectural Planning and Design (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.: Winner of World Design Awards 2024. The Hefei Weimei Motan CUTE BIRD Camp hotel Project is located in the southeast suburbs of Hefei, within the Daxu Ecological Agricultural Tourism Area, which spans a total of 214 acres. The campground is situated in the southwestern section of the site, known as the “Riverside Leisure Zone,” which emphasizes natural wilderness and is one of the first officially operational projects within the Weimei Motan Resort.

While the majority of campsites in the current tourism market tend to rely on exceptional natural landscapes, the CUTE BIRD Camp hotel, although surrounded by expansive wetland areas, is more aligned with an urban-suburban setting. The campground is tasked with generating initial buzz for its opening phase and attracting visitors to the broader scenic area,  posing significant challenges for the design.

Identifying the core of the project was crucial. Our concept centered around creating a strong IP— Cute Bird, Although a seemingly small theme, it is clear, focused, and highly memorable. This IP is thoroughly integrated into every design aspect of the project, including architecture, landscape, interior design, signage, activity installations, and lighting,etc.

The project covers a total area of 32,000 square meters and includes nine high-end Cute Bird guest rooms, six custom owl tent rooms, 15 fixed tents, 32 self-pitch tent sites, and a series of supporting public spaces including a lobby, restrooms, and a café, all housed within four Cute Bird -themed structures. Each “bird” structure is distinct in design and technology, reflecting its specific function.

The public areas feature a dual-layered façade: the external membrane structure provides shading and shape, while the internal glass box ensures clear visibility and maintains the building’s thermal performance, ensuring comfort. The two restroom units within the public area are particularly bold, incorporating a playful red “birdcage” theme into the interior, making them a high-aesthetic highlight of the campground.

The Cute Bird guest rooms also feature a double-skin design. The exterior is a single-layer membrane structure, resembling birds gracefully fluttering their wings as they gently descend by the water’s edge. Inside, a GRG shell structure is employed. GRG’s excellent thermal performance and design flexibility allow it to closely adhere to the membrane framework, perfectly recreating the spatial experience of being inside the “bird’s belly,” offering a whimsical sense of “small but full of surprises.” The guest rooms are equipped with a full set of hotel-standard bathroom facilities and air conditioning, setting a new benchmark for campground accommodations.

To cater to a wider range of visitors, a second phase will introduce a group of whimsical “OWL” tent rooms. These single-layer membrane structures are more economically built than the Cute Bird guest rooms, offering a minimalist interior that enhances the camping experience. In the future, these rooms can be paired with portable air conditioning units to accommodate seasonal lodging needs.

In addition to innovative architecture, the CUTE BIRD Camp hotel’s landscape design and recreational installations also heavily feature bird-related themes. The entrance to the campground is marked by a wing-shaped membrane structure, maximizing its visibility. Throughout the campground, children’s play areas, outdoor seating, paving details, and signage are all designed around the bird theme, featuring elements such as “bird eggs,” “birdcages,” and “bird claws,” effectively blending artistic expression with playful elements. These unique landscape designs will be further showcased in the second phase of the project.

The expansive and picturesque wetland area within the resort district provides an ideal setting for nighttime activities. To enhance the nocturnal appeal, we have designed a series of artistic bridges over the wetland waters, which, together with CUTE BIRD Camp hotel, serve as visual highlights for the first phase of the park.

The first bridge, known as “Double Bridge,” is the largest of the four. Its substantial size allows for a dual-track sightseeing train to pass underneath. The bridge itself features an artistic membrane structure, resembling a white egret poised to take flight, gracefully suspended over the water.

The second bridge, “Caterpillar Bridge,” is an abstract interpretation of a caterpillar, presented through the lens of membrane structure architecture, appealing to a wide audience.

The third bridge, “Willow Leaf Bridge,” features a minimalist leaf shape crafted from mirror-finish stainless steel, embodying sleek, flowing lines.

The fourth bridge, “Red Bridge,” stands out with its S-shaped design and vibrant red steel structure, making it a striking feature against the backdrop of the wetland’s green waters and blue sky.

These four picturesque scenic bridges have become must-visit attractions for night tours, which adding a vibrant touch to the Weimei Motan Resort alongside the CUTE BIRD Camp hotel.

As early as 2017, J STUDIO designed the highly acclaimed “Mengbala Kazuo Tent Art Hotel” in Xishuangbanna, transforming tensile membrane technology into architectural art pieces. These small artistic units became highlights and key attractions within large tourism projects. In the 2024 “Hefei Weimei Motan CUTE BIRD Camp hotel and Scenic Bridge Project,” we not only continued to explore the artistic expression of membrane structures but also infused elements of whimsy and humor. By closely aligning with the wetland, countryside, and family-friendly themes of the Weimei Motan Resort , we significantly enhanced the site’s appeal and thematic identity, successfully achieving our initial goal of drawing visitors to the area. Innovation is the core competitive advantage of J STUDIO. To find a unique IP for each cultural and tourism project, craft an aesthetically pleasing appearance, and create immersive experiences—this is the ultimate design key to mastering traffic for cultural and tourism projects.

Project Details:-
Firm
Jieshi Architectural Planning and Design (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Architect
CAIJIE

Project Name
CUTE BIRD Camp hotel and Scenic Bridge Project

Project Category
Small Building Built

Team
CAIJIE

Project Location
hefei

Country
China

Photography ©Credit
Fangzhu Image

Mr. Cai Jie, the founder of J Studio, possesses exceptional design and creative abilities, along with a keen aesthetic sense and a forward-thinking design philosophy, always striving for perfection.

Under his leadership, J Studio has created numerous renowned cultural tourism and commercial cultural projects. He insists on integrating innovation with experience, injecting vitality into architecture.

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