Silk Lakehouse in Hangzhou. Architectural renovation in UNESCO site

In the lush natural setting of West Lake in Hangzhou, the Shangri-La hotel group is renewed with the masterful restoration of the Silk Lakehouse, blending nature, culture, and contemporary design

Between contemporary architecture and a historically significant natural site

Officially inaugurated in May 2025, the Silk Lakehouse is one of the latest architecture projects by Kokaistudios and celebrates the new Shangri-La Signatures brand of the Shangri-La Group, positioned in the realm of ultra-luxury hospitality. The new structure stands in place of the east wing of the pre-existing 1986 hotel. Between contemporary architecture and a historically significant natural site, a harmonious dialogue is created, characterized by reflections and poetic settings

The points of the intervention

In addition to the refurbishment of the east wing of the old hotel, the architecture studio plans the new layout of the site and designs the renovation of the Wellness Center. For the Silk Lakehouse, a strategy of visual impact dematerialization is adopted with the dismantling of the sixth and seventh floors. The circulation flows and the logic of both internal and external spaces have been redesigned, leading to the reorganization of the lobby

The facades of Silk Lakehouse

The facades of Silk Lakehouse are a synthesis of the pre-existing building expressed through a new geometric language. The materiality of the original hotel is narrated through the rigorous use of colors. From the interiors, the panorama is integrated into the architecture thanks to the precision in the study of the views: the windows are frames on the living compositions that generously offer nature and surroundings

The new Wellness Center

In the redesign of the Wellness Center, the architects have created a semi-underground pool that benefits from natural light thanks to an integrated skylight system and two glass staircases that connect the different levels. Kokaistudios leads the Silk Lakehouse in its transformation through innovative strategies and a landscape-focused approach, respecting the existing architectural heritage. This way, contemporaneity manages to enhance the view of the UNESCO site of West Lake

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Kokaistudios

3/F, Building 3, No. 600 North Shaanxi Road, 200041 Shanghai P.R.C.