2025 | Professional

MUSE Design Awards Platinum Winner

Shanxi Shuozhou Yiheng Narada International Hotel

Entrant Company

Suzhou Yifengtang Design Affairs Co., Ltd.

Category

Interior Design - Hotels & Resorts

Client's Name

Shanxi Xiyi Energy Group Co., Ltd.

Country / Region

China

Located in Pinglu District, Shuozhou City and rooted in a region renowned for its profound cultural heritage and as a frontier stronghold, the project aims to achieve a balance between tradition and modernity, industry and culture, history and future.
The design concept emphasizes restraint, precision, and cultural storytelling. Rather than relying on exaggerated visual impact, the interior transforms local cultural symbols into modern design language. Elements of nature, history, and intangible heritage infuse the space, narrating Shuozhou’s legacy in a subtle and refined way.
The hotel draws inspiration from multiple sources. The “Xiyi Spirit”—prosperity, openness, green development, and wisdom—informs the spatial tone, while coal as “black gold” inspires the primary palette of black and gold. Shuozhou’s equestrian culture is reflected in galloping horse reliefs, while Yingxian’s wooden pagoda is reinterpreted through abstracted “dougong” details. Suozi patterns, once used in armor, symbolize resilience and continuity, while motifs from ancient architecture, folk legends, and local crafts enrich the design narrative.
Each functional area reflects a distinct cultural identity. The lobby showcases galloping horse reliefs and a dome inspired by ancient wooden architecture, evoking Shuozhou’s vigor and legacy. The banquet hall incorporates standing-collar and double-breasted clothing elements from traditional Jin merchant attire, symbolizing elegance and refinement. Dining and reception areas feature soft color palettes and delicate furnishings, creating an atmosphere of understated sophistication, while the spa adopts white stone and greenery to deliver a natural oasis of relaxation.
Material selection further strengthens the dialogue between tradition and modernity. Textured stone and wood veneers emphasize historical gravitas, complemented by copper-toned metals, glass, and embroidered fabrics that add vibrancy and cultural resonance. Sustainability is integral: eco-friendly materials, natural lighting, energy-efficient systems, and optimized spatial planning ensure a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility.
The result is a hotel that embodies Shuozhou’s cultural essence while meeting contemporary hospitality standards. It serves not only as a place of accommodation but also as a cultural landmark, where history, art, and modern living converge into a timeless architectural expression.

Credits

Project Location
Shuozhou, Shanxi, China
Project Area
43,900㎡
Design Cycle
November 2024 - August 2025
Completion Time
Under Construction
Chief Designer
Liu Changdong
Assistant Designers
Qiao Lei, Dai Hongjuan, Shi Guangyao, Ling Chuan, Zhou Yi, Yu Shufan
Main Materials
Wood Finish, Stone, GRG, Metal
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