Since China won the Winter Olympic bid in 2016, Chinese ski resorts have significantly raised in popularity and are now coveted winter destinations. While the slopes remain the biggest attraction of these sites, the complementary facilities make an important difference when customers choose a destination. It is with the desire to stand out and offer better experiences to its visitors, that the Fulong Ski Resort invests in a 2,000 m2 Library and Café at the heart of their compound.
General Description
The project is located in Chongli district, a mountainous area of Zhangjiakou in Hebei province (about 200 km from Beijing) where most of the 2022 Winter Olympics skiing events took place. The task consists of the interior fitting of an existing building. The building in question has three floors composed of two curved interlocking volumes that revolve around a central sunken patio. A small but manicured green area surrounds most of the building, except for the south façade where guest entrances are located. The various accesses to the building are designed within a playground and outdoor coffee shop seating, taking the best possible advantage of the beautiful views.
The Interior Design proposal aimed for the Chongli Fulong’s Mountain Library to be a place to stop, relax, and take a break from all the winter sports action. The interior space unifies the partitioned preexistent architecture to maximize the available space and enhance the experience.
By preferring partial separators over fully enclosed rooms, areas transition into each other, allowing for visual connections that arouse curiosity. The many areas of the building then conform to a continuous flowing space, even though each has particular uses and styles. The landscape design complements the interior with its soft shapes and undulating paths while a selection of colorful and blooming species emphasizes the experience of seasons.
The building is separated into two functional systems. The library per se occupies most of the building, extending from the ground level entrance to a monumental staircase down to the full underground level, where public and private reading rooms, a children’s area, and an interactive space are the main attractions. A multifunctional room on the second floor complements the library’s functions. The second system is located on the red wing, where the Coffee Shop and Hotel Lobby merge into a continuous space from where guests can relax and admire the ski slopes and mountain scenery.
The Mountain Library
The Library entrance is a discreet reception hall with an information counter and services right by the circulation core, this layout favors the independence of functions, especially regarding the second level. The Multifunction room on the second level is a flexible open space that can be adjusted to any particular requirements, with fully equipped service areas that facilitate the celebration of a wide range of activities.
The reading rooms and main collection are located past the circulation core. The first impression is a space that opens up to the beginning of a seemingly infinite bookcase that flows down with the focal point of the building; the staircase. A wide livable staircase connects the ground floor and underground levels, serving both as an enormous bookshelf and informal seating area with ample views of the interior spaces and sunken courtyard.
The snowy cave-like white walls and ceiling are especially evident here, where the soft curves and finish span the full width of the building. The elegant outlines of lighting, flooring, and furniture are always working in unison with the envelope to construct a fluid spatial intention.
In the Underground, reading rooms and study spaces surround a well-manicured patio that brings natural light and scenery into this basement level. Opposite, rows and rows of books pile on high and undulating bookshelves that become the highlight of the level. The seemingly infinite bookshelf works as well as a partition, defining private meeting rooms and the interactive space.
The Children’s area occupies a sheltered section of the lower floor with direct access to the patio for outdoor play. The place is designed for a kid’s scale, with a richer palette, softer textures, and playful elements. Suspended artwork and lighting fixtures reduce the perceived height of the ceiling while adding a whimsical but elegant touch.
The Main reading room opens up on the darkest section of the building. Consequently, artificial lighting takes a protagonist role and is present in multiple forms to both illuminate and ornate the area. The ever-present light “ribbon” takes center stage around a column that seems to spawn the whole room. Auxiliary ceiling cans and floor lights complement the general lighting, while suspended fixtures artistically float in special locations. Bookshelf light strips and table lamps facilitate the library’s functions in a graceful manner.
The distinct areas offer a great variety of seating arrangements and light quality to create atmospheres agreeable to different target groups. From thoroughly lighted zones with traditional study desks to satisfy serious endeavors, to sofa areas with more atmospheric lighting ideal for quiet socialization, and soft areas with playful and adaptable sitting options for the more relaxed visitors, the building offers a perfect place for everyone.
Hotel Lobby and Coffee Shop
The second system, or the “red wing” composed of the Hotel and Coffee areas, is characterized by floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for the contemplation of the ski slopes. A warmer palette and lighting hues were chosen, emphasizing the feeling of shelter from the cold snowy landscape in front, being the area with the closest connection to the exterior.
The Hotel Lobby occupies the highest interior space at the Northeast end of the building, conveniently close to the parking lot. The area artfully exhibits the resort’s architectural model in the center of a relaxed and comfy atmosphere engulfed with books and art pieces. The design frees itself from the formality of a traditional Hotel Lobby, having freely positioned counters for customer check-in and connecting directly with the coffee shop, both benefitting from each area's services and spaces.
From the Hotel entrance towards the library’s end, the ceiling lowers down and builds a more intimate environment throughout the long south-facing space of the Coffee shop. The transition starts with the bar area, where an informal but elegant serving counter and shop attract customers with a friendly design. New textures, color hues, and accent lighting are introduced in the coffee shop, adding a more homely feeling of comfort.
The Coffee Shop seating is concentrated in the long corridor connecting Bar and Library entrance, a location favored by its connection to the exterior seating, playground, and building access. Seating is always soft and relaxed, lighting dim, and the design element sinuous, a perfect setting for the contemplation of the beautiful landscape.
The Interior Design of Chongli Fulong’s Mountain Library uses soft finishes, a simple material palette, and ethereal management of light to build a calming but dynamic atmosphere for introspection. The continuity of shape and fluidity of spaces invites the visitor to explore all areas of the building with ease, while the striking presence of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves creates an artistic and attractive contrast.
The proposal ultimately seeks to enrich the resort experience with a striking sculptural space that, unlike the mostly activity-oriented exteriors, gives way to an ambiance of peaceful enjoyment and relaxation. A warm oasis in a winter playground.
