IDPA Japan Design Award

Songjin Mountain Seclusion

by Lin Chuanjie

Project Description

The project is situated along the banks of the Suoqiao River in Xiagu Village, Hongbai Town, Shifang, Sichuan, where it is embraced by a 95% forest coverage, a 7-kilometer ecological trail, and canyon rafting streams. Positioned as a high-end boutique homestay themed "Canyon Ecology + Western Sichuan Wellness," the project targets urban groups aged 25 to 45, families, and travelers. It serves as a natural healing destination within a two-hour drive from Chengdu, with its core experience centered on summer retreats, mountain trekking, canyon rafting, and premium private hot springs.
The design is rooted in the philosophy of "Replicating the Elegance of the Song Dynasty and Connecting the Cultural Context of the Canal," transposing the spiritual essence of Wuxi's Song-era architectural remnants across thousands of miles into the valleys of Sichuan. The spatial layout draws inspiration from the ritualistic order of the Donglin Academy and the patterns of the Golden Lotus Bridge, establishing a "Three-Entrance Sequence." The entrance features a custom gatehouse and a bluestone transition area to recreate the tranquil poetic imagery of an ancient canal pier. Along the central axis, a natural stream creates a "winding water" effect, while the corridors use bamboo-woven screens and traditional timber-frame partitions to define a play of light and shadow, seamlessly blending Sichuan craftsmanship with the ethereal aesthetics of the Song Dynasty. The inner courtyard houses an elegant gathering area and a non-heritage exhibition zone, integrating Zisha (purple clay) ceramic art and Song painting elements to create a tactile sense of culture. Utilizing a palette of raw wood, grey bricks, and white walls for a refined and fresh tone, the design leverages natural light and shadow to create a "step-by-step" visual narrative akin to a Song Dynasty scroll. With guest rooms and private baths secluded within the forest, complemented by local farmhouse cuisine and mountain barbecue, the project allows the ancient Song charm to flourish within the serene canyon, providing a true sanctuary for living, wandering, and healing.

Lin Chuanjie

Lin Chuanjie

Position: Partner & Design Director, Sichuan Wanjing Kongling Decoration & Design Co., Ltd.

Professional Affiliations:

  • Member,Design Professional Committee of China National Interior Decoration Association (CIDA)
  • Professional Supervisor, School of Architecture, Southwest Minzu University
  • Senior Member,Institute of Interior Design-ASC (IID-ASC), Architectural Society of China
  • Member, International Designers Club, Interior Design(Chinese Edition), USA
  • Member, FOCUS DESIGN Design Alliance

Selected Honors & Awards:

  • 2026: 5th DesignFocus International Space Design Award
  • 2025: 20th Golden Bund Award – Bronze Prize for Best Conceptual Design
  • 2024–2025: Listed in Best Interior Designer Guide (ID Star Design Ranking)
  • 2022: GOLD KEY AWARDS (USA)

2021: LIV Hotel Design Awards (USA)

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