Healing Hills Villa

The Healing Hills Villa was originally a deserted courtyard atop a small hill, surrounded by lush green trees with twisting roots, making it feel as if it were protected by 48 old camphor trees. ▼，Bird’s-eye view The transformation of the architectural space relies entirely on the relationship with the trees—neither encroaching upon them nor isolating them. There are three strategies. First, the scattered buildings were integrated into three courtyards, each relatively independent yet closely connected. Second, the boundaries between the built environment and the natural surroundings were blurred, allowing trees to coexist within the courtyards and the courtyards to extend into the trees, creating a seamless interaction between architecture and nature. Finally, new functions were infused based on the distinct characteristics of each space, creating a bridge of experience between the “artificial” and the “natural”. There are 6 relationships between architecture and 48 old camphor trees “Encircled”, the building is hidden in the trees, becoming one entity “Encirclement”, the building surrounds the tree, becoming a separate courtyard “Retreat”, the building avoids the growth of the tree and is rebuilt to grow together “Gaze”, the building opens towards the tree, creating a panoramic view “Impaction”, there was originally a big tree between the buildings, which was used to connect two spaces “Contrast”, The trees and the low wall block each other and complement each others Architecture draws from and merges with nature, with the design combining spatial elements with the natural forms found in traditional Chinese painting. It extracts 4 key elements — “Rolling Mountain”, “Stacked Platform”, “Floating Clouds” and “Towering Stones” — to create a reinterpretation of classical expressive landscape painting. Based on the original building layout, integrate the scattered roofs and, taking functional needs into account, delineate the functional zones, ultimately forming a three-courtyard layout that unfolds around the trees. With the undulating terrain of the Healing Hill Villa site, the platforms are stacked at varying heights, “gazing” at each other between the trees, creating a landscape space and activity area that offers diverse spatial experiences. The bridge connects the three courtyard spaces, enhancing the flow of movement and enriching the experience of wandering. Serving as a daily weather-protected walkway, a three-dimensional landscape passage, and a space for parent-child activities, it meets various functional needs. Emphasize important nodes as visual focal points and landmarks, making them standout features within the space. In the pleasant natural environment, the courtyard is not just a simple enclosed space but also a refuge for the spirit; the platform is not only a functional structure but also a place for emotional release; the bridge is not merely a connection between spaces but also an intersection of culture and nature. We hope that the “reborn” Healing Hill Villa can awaken the innate intimacy with nature that has lain dormant in our hearts, using nature’s power to soothe restless souls. Utilizing the topographical conditions, the Front Courtyard and the Middle Courtyard, located near the main road, will serve as public activity areas. The Back Courtyard, close to the pond and featuring a flat, tranquil environment, will be designated as the guest room area. We will retain and renovate the well-preserved sections of the original building, reconstruct areas with poor foundations but certain historical value, and carry out selective demolition and new construction based on functional needs. Use natural stone to seamlessly blend the entrance with the trees, lowering the wall height to extend the scenery outward and draw the line of sight in, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors. The Front Courtyard accommodates functions such as reception, a breakfast area, and a leisure coffee zone, allowing for independent operation. Use low stone walls as landscape features to enhance privacy. Due to the leaning tree on the east side of the Breakfast Restaurant, the building was demolished and reconstructed to avoid it, respecting its uniqueness while incorporating the distinctive shape of the tree indoors Extend the building eaves to connect the originally independent structures, integrating the scattered roofs and linking the Front Courtyard with the Middle Courtyard. ▼，Looking towards the eastern Bridge from the Middle Courtyard The Middle Courtyard features supporting services such as a restaurant and kitchen. Maximize the opening of the walls on the north and south sides of the Main Restaurant to minimize visual barriers, bringing the landscapes of the Middle Courtyard and the Back Courtyard into the space. ▼，Looking towards the northern Main Restaurant from the Middle Courtyard The Main Restaurant connects the Middle Courtyard and the Back Courtyard The Back Courtyard primarily caters to the daily activities of guests and visitors. By removing the tall walls that block the trees, the platform extends around the trees, bringing the tree scenery into the courtyard and immersing guests in the landscape. Looking towards the South King-size Bed Room from the Back Courtyard ▼，Looking towards the east side from the Back Courtyard ▼，Looking towards the North King-side Bed Room from the north side Looking towards the North King-side Bed Room from the northeast hillside Looking towards the northern and eastern rooms from the east hillside Eight uniquely laid-out rooms offer distinctive views, maximizing the openings on walls that reveal the landscape and bringing “nature” indoors. Interior decor is simplified, using “nature” to enhance the space. A painting, a lamp, and a chair subtly enhance the beauty of tranquility and relaxation. The warm stone walls add texture, blending the space with nature and fostering a harmonious coexistence. ▼，South King-side Bed Room ▼，Looking towards the Back Courtyard from the South King-side Bed Room ▼，East King-side Bed Room ▼，Looking towards the hillside from the East King-side Bed Room ▼，Living room of the East Suite ▼，Looking towards the courtyard from the living room of the East Suite Looking towards the preserved trees from indoors and the Back Courtyard ▼，Dappled sunlight through the trees ▼-1，North King-side Bed Room ▼-2，Living room of the North Suite-2 ▼-2，Looking towards the Back Courtyard from the North Suite-2 The Bridge connects the Front, Middle, and Back Courtyard, linking the three spaces while maintaining their relative independence. The Bridge weaves through the buildings and trees, serving not only as connectors of space but also as “bridge” between people and architecture, as well as between people and nature. ” ▼，The Bridge of the Front Courtyard and the Middle Courtyard ▼，The Bridge of the Back Courtyard ▼，Night view of the Bridge There are two auxiliary spaces around the Healing Hills Villa, serving as functional support for the operation of the guesthouse. The Heartwarming Creation Workshop is transformed from an old warehouse on the west side of the Healing Hills Villa, taking advantage of the excellent natural light from the ceiling. The interior avoids excessive decoration to preserve the original “essence” of the building as much as possible. The Hollow Coffee is located on the east side of the Healing Hills Villa surrounded by bamboo and offering a tranquil atmosphere. It maximizes the opening of walls that obstruct the view, allowing the space to open up to nature and invite people to reveal their true selves. ▼“”，Bird’s-eye view of the Hollow Coffee ▼，View from the west side of the Hollow Coffee ▼，View from the north side of the Hollow Coffee ▼，East-West section of the Back Courtyard