The Stray Birds Art Hotel is part of a cliff side ancient village in China. In 2016, it was designated for the ‘Save Old Houses Campaign’ in China, marking the beginning of significant efforts toward cultural preservation and renewal.
Chenjiapu Village, with 640 years of history and a selection of rammed-earth and timber-framed dwellings, became part of these endeavors.
The refurbishment of the Stray Birds Art Hotel began with the renovation of two guesthouses on the town’s southern cliff.
The project later expanded to encompass eleven guest rooms, a panoramic lobby, a cliff-
side café, and a restaurant, significantly boosting the village’s attractiveness as a rural tourism destination.
The project highlights the challenging yet fulfilling process of adapting rammed earth dwellings while respecting the area’s architectural heritage.
Key spaces include the reception lobby, where a sunken relaxation area is integrated into the existing structure, and the restaurant, which combines lightweight steel and glass elements for panoramic views. The cliffside café and tearoom utilize the natural slope to create unique perspectives on the valley and surrounding landscapes.
Rammed earth and rubble stone coexist with modern glass and aluminum elements, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.
The project was realized in collaboration with the village construction team, benefiting from the villagers’ knowledge of traditional building techniques and their shared experience.
This rural revitalization supports local villagers, such as selling agricultural products. It serves as a model for preserving traditional villages to ensure sustainable development.
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If nothing else, cliffside communities are worth saving for the epic views they provide their denizens, not to mention, the architecture within these towns is usually rather beautiful and charming!