Nestled at the foot of Cangshan Mountain in Dali, China, ArCONNECT Architects have designed the Underdream Hygge Lodge, a residential project completed in 2025. This expansive 1604 m² dwelling seamlessly integrates with its diverse natural environment, offering a unique blend of serene forest ambiance and sweeping pastoral views. The design masterfully balances two distinct temperaments of the site: the secluded tranquility of the mountain woodlands to the north, characterized by the constant murmur of Shuangyuan Stream, and the vast, open farmland to the south, where the majestic peaks of Cangshan unfold in a picturesque panorama. This architectural endeavor seeks to create a profound connection between inhabitants and the natural world, allowing for an immersive experience within this dual landscape.
Project Harmony: Blending Mountain and Meadow at Underdream Hygge Lodge
In the picturesque city of Dali, China, ArCONNECT Architects, led by Zhou Wu, embarked on a visionary project to create the Underdream Hygge Lodge, a 1604 square meter residential sanctuary completed in 2025. Located at the base of the magnificent Cangshan Mountain, this architectural marvel is strategically positioned on a long, slender plot of land. To its northern boundary, the lodge is embraced by dense, verdant woodlands, with the soothing sounds of the Shuangyuan Stream echoing through the trees, cultivating an atmosphere of profound tranquility and seclusion. This forested edge offers a sense of intimate connection with nature’s untouched beauty. Conversely, the southern expanse of the property dramatically opens up to vast, cultivated farmlands, presenting an unobstructed vista of Cangshan's nineteen undulating peaks. This captivating panorama evokes the timeless serenity captured in ancient poetry, where one might "pluck chrysanthemums by the eastern fence, leisurely glimpsing the southern mountains."
The architectural team, including project architects Haowen Bai, Huangyi Cai, Junbao Luo, and Zhenyu Mo, meticulously crafted the lodge to reflect and enhance these two contrasting yet complementary environments. The design employs a thoughtful use of materials, notably stone, to harmonize with the rugged mountain terrain while offering a robust, grounding presence. The interior spaces are conceived to maximize natural light and views, blurring the lines between indoor comfort and outdoor splendor. Engineering expertise from Zhigang Ma and Zao Jiang ensured structural integrity, while AKA and Jing Sun contributed to the seamless integration of the landscape. The Underdream Hygge Lodge stands as a testament to sensitive site-specific design, where architectural innovation meets the timeless allure of nature, offering a peaceful retreat that celebrates both the wild and the cultivated.
This architectural endeavor provides a compelling model for future developments aiming to harmonize with natural landscapes rather than dominate them. The Underdream Hygge Lodge illustrates that by thoughtfully considering a site’s unique ecological and aesthetic characteristics, architects can create spaces that not only offer comfort and functionality but also enrich the human experience through an intimate connection with nature. It prompts reflection on the importance of sustainability and context-sensitive design in contemporary architecture, encouraging a shift towards building practices that respect and celebrate the inherent beauty of our surroundings.
