10³ Boutique Hotel

10³ Boutique Hotel got its name from the size of common rural homestead in China, which is usually a volume of 10*10*10m, 10³. For this project, the design team intended to break the stereotype of common homesteads by adopting a geometric shape, and thus promoting diversity of house design.

The project is located in Maoyang Town on the coast of Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province. The plot is a typical homestead with its three sides surrounded by mountains and one side faced with the sea. The site is very close to a scenic spot, so the client wished to build it into a hotel and expected to receive high profits. With modern design methods, the design team made this white cubic building stand out

uniquely among its surroundings. It has become a landmark in that area and has gain popularity among young people.

The design team creatively turned an originally dull sunken semi-underground space into a swimming pool with the use of plexiglass, making it a highlight of the project. The rooftop platform is fully utilized to increase the space for the hotel. The facades feature strong three-dimensional cut and sculptured effects, which enhance the identity of the building.

The plot of the project is about one hundred square meters (10*10m). One challenge was how to improve the utilization rate of the plot and design more comfortable living spaces within a limited site area. Other challenges lay in the limited budget, and how to realize a minimalistic architectural style and the tilted structures on one facade.

To enhance the utilization rate of the land, the design team excavated the plot to a depth of 0.9 meters, which increased the ceiling height to 3.1 meters, and created a semi-underground space to accommodate the living room and the dining room. Meanwhile, a plexiglass swimming pool was set at the courtyard, which brings a visual focus to the living room.