This project is one of the key works of KO-OO Architects and marks an important starting point for the studio. It has become a foundational axis for the practice, and we hope to continue cherishing and developing projects that embody this depth of intention and commitment in the future.

Located within a so-called “empty-nest village” in rural China — a settlement hollowed out by population decline — the project attempts to regenerate the community by demolishing six deteriorated houses and constructing new lodging facilities in their place.

A mountain village landscape deep in the countryside, where traditional earthen walls remain alongside an abundance of untouched natural surroundings

As the new accommodations are dispersed within the existing village fabric, visual harmony with the surrounding houses was essential. The locally made earthen walls possess a quiet beauty rooted in the soil of the land. However, spaces enclosed by heavy earth walls can feel closed and prevent guests from fully appreciating the surrounding natural scenery. At the same time, if the architecture were to blend in too completely with the village, becoming indistinguishable from everyday life, it might lose its appeal as a destination for travelers.

The core challenge therefore lay in reconciling two seemingly opposing conditions: to open the architecture in order to fully embrace the rich natural environment, while also closing it with earthen walls to maintain harmony with the existing village context.

In a region facing continuous depopulation, we believed it was necessary to reconsider the very role of architecture — ensuring that the new lodging facilities would not appear as foreign objects, but instead coexist sustainably as part of the community. At the operational level, we also sought to introduce systems that allow economic circulation within the region, aiming to build a relationship between architecture and local life where design and management function as one.

In the overall site planning, the buildings open generously toward the path villagers use to walk to their fields. By placing the restaurant and lounge along this edge, the design naturally encourages interaction between residents and guests without forcing engagement.

reception rounge

restaurant

Walls are used to dissolve the boundary between architecture and its surroundings. By intertwining the walls with the buildings, the perceived territory of the architecture expands, creating continuous interior–exterior spaces where rural nature and built form merge into a distinctive spatial experience.

At the deepest and highest part of the site, we enclosed an elevated area with bamboo to create a pool and bar, ensuring privacy while also providing a social gathering place.

The guestroom buildings incorporate the surrounding landscape and include shared living-like spaces accessible to everyone. Rather than functioning as isolated objects, the architecture invites nature into the gaps between the dispersed volumes. These in-between spaces create a comfortable distance where villagers and guests can greet one another, encouraging organic interaction.

Public space of the guestroom building

instagram: @origin_villa

Inside the guestrooms, soft diatomaceous earth walls envelop the space, eliminating sharp corners and allowing natural and artificial light to diffuse gently throughout, creating a calm and comfortable atmosphere.

Windows are carefully designed to frame the surrounding scenery, so that each guestroom offers a unique view.

instagram: @origin_villa

By continuing materials from exterior to interior surfaces, guests can feel connected to nature even while indoors.

Lighting fixtures integrated with the bamboo fences were designed specifically for the project, as were pendant lights made by attaching the site’s volcanic-like soil onto metal mesh — allowing local materials to express the character of the land.

Through the warmth of craftsmanship and the presence of natural materials, we aimed to create a place where guests feel comfortable simply by being there, without the need for excessive decoration or spectacle.

During construction, we maintained close communication with local residents. Vacant houses were repurposed as meeting spaces so villagers could participate in discussions, ensuring that local materials and characteristics were reflected not only in the design but also in operations.

Young people who had left the village, along with relatives, were invited to participate in construction. The skills and experience they gained may contribute to future employment and help sustain traditional craftsmanship.

Tiles, stones, and timber from dismantled houses were reused, while valuable reclaimed materials were sold to stimulate the village’s local economy.

After opening, the lodging facility continues to collaborate with villagers — jointly managing fields and livestock (chickens and goats), and sourcing eggs and milk locally to promote farm-to-table consumption. Through these ongoing interactions, long-term relationships are being cultivated.