Sheraton Moon Hotel is located next to Nan Tai Lake in Huzhou, a city situated west of Shanghai and north of Hangzhou, overlooking Suzhou and Wuxi across the lake. Since ancient times, Huzhou has been known as “the house of silk” and “the land of plenty” and is the only ancient city of culture in the surrounding area named after the lake.
© Xia Zhi
© McLennan
The favorable cultural and geographical environment brings both traditional and modern atmospheres to the hotel, distinguished by its unique design which integrates the building into the waterscape of Tai Lake, subsequently creating a poetic yet artificial echo of the natural landscape.
Site plan
Level 18 Plan
Northeast Elevation
Sheraton Moon Hotel is located next to Nan Tai Lake in Huzhou, a city situated west of Shanghai and north of Hangzhou, overlooking Suzhou and Wuxi across the lake. Since ancient times, Huzhou has been known as “the house of silk” and “the land of plenty” and is the only ancient city of culture in the surrounding area named after the lake. The favorable cultural and geographical environment brings both traditional and modern atmospheres to the hotel, distinguished by its unique design which integrates the building into the waterscape of Tai Lake, subsequently creating a poetic yet artificial echo of the natural landscape.
© Xia Zhi
The clear ring-shape posed a great challenge to the structural design and eventually, a “reinforced concrete core-tube” featuring high capacity, light weight and excellent earthquake resistance, was implemented while simultaneously reducing environmental pollution during construction. The mesh curved surface structure makes the building more solid and it is this solidity that is further enhanced by the bridge-like bracing steel structure that connects with the double cone structure at the top floor. The hotel façade is covered with layers of fine-textured white aluminum rings and glass, bringing about illusion and drama of the building scale.
© McLennan
The annular shape of the hotel allows for all rooms to accommodate good views while increasing the natural light in all directions. The arc-like public space at the top has great open views and can act as a “site in the air” for large-scale activities. The experience of being there is extraordinary and unforgettable as it feels like floating on the lake. The Moon Hotel puts emphasis on the harmony of man and nature and enhances visitors’ sensual and spiritual experiences, undoubtedly becoming Huzhou’s new symbol of humanity and nature.
Project Details
Architects: MAD Architects
Location: Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
Category: Hotels
Architects in Charge: Ma Yansong, Dang Qun, Yosuke Hayano
Design Team: Xue Yan, Tony Yam, Zhao Wei, Yu Kui, Eric Baldosser, Qui Gao, Xiang Ming, Fu Changrui, Zheng Tao, Zhang Yihang, David William, ItzhakSamun, RuiXiaolon, Wang Wei, Wang Xiaopeng, XieXinyu, Ye Jingyun, Zhang Fan, Liu Jinbao, Ma Rui
Area: 59686.0 m2
Project Year: 2012
Photographs: Xia Zhi, McLennan
Manufacturers: Hafele
Engineering: Shanghai SianDai Architecture Design
Structural Engineer: China Majesty Steel Structural Design
Facade/Cladding Consultants: Zhejiang Zhongnan Curtain Wall, Shanghai Timalco Curtain Wall Engineering
Landscape: EDSA – Landscape Design
Building Height: 120 m
Project description courtesy of architects