Concrete, Bamboo & Light: A Modern Forest Sanctuary in Rural China

#foresthouse #homedesign #architecture
Concrete, Bamboo & Light: A Modern Forest Sanctuary in Rural China

Tucked away in a quiet valley just two hours from Shanghai, Anadu Pine Villa is a boutique retreat surrounded by pine forests, bamboo-covered mountains, and untouched serenity. Designed with the philosophy “Find yourself in nature,” this architectural haven features just three exclusive guest suites, each offering sweeping panoramic views of the valley.

The journey begins at an “L”-shaped gate crafted from bamboo-textured concrete and charred wood—a subtle transition from the outside world into a place where nature takes center stage.

The wine house, built on the site of an abandoned old residence, honors its predecessor through a reinterpretation of a traditional gabled roof into a tranquil four-sloped form. Inside, warm wood ceilings, custom carpentry, and full-height glass walls merge landscape and interior into a seamless experience. The space opens toward a sheltered plaza overlooking the pine forest, allowing guests to blend indoor comfort with outdoor calm.

A winding bamboo-textured wall leads visitors deeper into the valley, where the hard ground softens to gravel paths, inviting a slower rhythm. Beyond this threshold lie the three standalone guest villas—minimal concrete forms that appear to float above the terrain. Each suite offers 270-degree views, unobstructed sightlines, and complete immersion in the surrounding forest.

The architecture is stripped to its essence: exposed concrete with integrated beams, hidden lighting, embedded systems, and floating slabs that preserve the natural topography. Sliding glass doors open onto private backyards, shaded eaves, and floating decks suspended over the valley.

Much of the woodwork was hand-crafted by local artisans from reclaimed timber, continuing the tradition of regional craftsmanship while reducing environmental impact.

Anadu Pine Villa is not simply a place to stay—it is an architectural meditation on stillness, nature, and the art of retreat.

Designers: STUDIO8 ARCHITECTS
Client: Anadu
Chief Architects: Shirley Dong, Matteo Piotti, Andrea Maira
Design Team: STUDIO8 Architects team
Design Scope: Planning, Architecture, Interior, Landscape, Way-finding
Photography: Seth Powers - http://www.sethpowersphotography.com/
Copywriter: Zoe Kong
Location: Bai Fu Cun, Changxing County, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
Project Year: 2024
Category: Hotels
Building Area: 4960 m2

Main Materials: Concrete, cement, render, concrete brick, reclaimed wood, solid
wood, steel, tiles, granite stone, stucco
Brands: Caozitou, grado, &Tradition, Bentu

#modernhouse #housedesign #forestretreat #chinesearchitecture #china