FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Youhe Community: Award-Winning Hospitality Design Merges Nature, Sustainability, and Community Spirit in Suzhou

Youhe Community, designed by ZHAO Zhifeng of CHY Design, has been recognized with the prestigious Silver A' Design Award 2025 in the Hospitality, Recreation, Travel, and Tourism category. Situated on the serene Lotus Island in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China, this project reimagines rural revitalization by fusing the natural beauty of the region with the collective spirit of rural cooperatives. The result is an immersive agro-tourism space that serves both local residents and visitors, especially thriving during the popular crab season.

The design stands out for its innovative use of hand-drawn illustrations, simple lines, and a fresh orange-and-white palette. Repurposed materials such as old wood and rattan are skillfully integrated with the surrounding landscape, creating a harmonious and sustainable environment. The interior layout is thoughtfully organized, featuring a central bar counter, exhibition areas, open dining terraces, cozy reading nooks, and a flexible tiered seating area for gatherings or study tours. This multifunctional approach encourages relaxation, social interaction, and a deeper connection to nature.

Despite facing budget constraints, the project maintained high craftsmanship by closely integrating design and construction processes, prioritizing sustainable material choices and cost-effective solutions. Early-stage research involved collaboration with local stakeholders, university students, and the community, ensuring the design met practical needs while capturing the unique character of Lotus Island. Since its opening, Youhe Community has become a model for rural redevelopment in Suzhou, demonstrating how thoughtful design can foster economic vitality and cultural renewal.

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