Architectural Cases

Underdream Hygge Lodge: A Sanctuary Blending Mountain Serenity and Pastoral Views

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.

S House / Gubbins Polidura Arquitectos + MasArquitectos

The "S" House, a collaborative project by Gubbins Polidura Arquitectos and MasArquitectos, offers a refined retreat nestled on the dramatic coastline between Zapallar and Papudo, approximately 150 kilometers north of Santiago, Chile. Completed in 2020, this 4521 square foot residence was conceived as a secondary home for a family with three children, seamlessly integrating with its rugged, rocky surroundings. The design emphasizes a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living, capturing breathtaking ocean vistas while providing a sanctuary of tranquility.

The coastal location of Punta Pite, characterized by its prominent rocky outcroppings, presented both a challenge and an opportunity for the architectural teams. The objective was to create a dwelling that not only withstood the elements but also celebrated the unique natural beauty of the site. The architects focused on designing a structure that appears to emerge organically from the landscape, utilizing materials and forms that resonate with the environment.

A key aspect of the design involved maximizing natural light and ventilation throughout the home. Expansive windows and strategic openings frame the picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, drawing the surrounding scenery into the living spaces. The interior layout is thoughtfully planned to accommodate both communal family activities and private moments of relaxation, reflecting the needs of a dynamic household.

Robust and durable materials were selected to ensure the house's longevity in the coastal climate. Concrete and glass feature prominently, contributing to a contemporary aesthetic that is both resilient and elegant. These materials not only provide structural integrity but also create a visual dialogue with the natural textures of the rocky site.

The "S" House is a testament to thoughtful design that respects its context, providing a comfortable and inspiring living environment. The project showcases how modern architecture can coexist harmoniously with nature, creating a dwelling that is both a haven and a vantage point for appreciating the stunning Chilean coast.

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Dynamic Living: The Transformable Interior of Ki Residence

In Singapore, the Ki Residence stands as a testament to innovative interior design, where the concept of dynamic spaces is brought to life through a singular, transformative element. Completed in 2025 by Studio Sanshou, this 109-square-meter apartment redefines modern living by offering a continuously evolving environment that adapts to the inhabitants' needs and moods.

A Seamless Blend of Functionality and Aesthetics at Ki Residence

In the vibrant urban landscape of Singapore, a remarkable residential project known as Ki Residence, meticulously crafted by Studio Sanshou and finalized in 2025, has introduced a groundbreaking concept in apartment living. At the very core of this 109-square-meter dwelling lies an ingenious 360-degree rotating wall, conceived by the visionary lead architects, Shaeron Santosa and Eng Shou Jian. This pivotal architectural feature dictates the apartment's spatial flow, enabling a fluid metamorphosis of the living areas. When this central element is in its closed position, it harmoniously integrates with its surroundings, presenting a soft pink hue that blends into the overall design. However, with a graceful rotation, the wall dramatically unveils concealed spaces, revealing a striking maroon-colored shelving unit adorned with its curated contents. This dynamic interplay of concealment and revelation not only enhances the apartment's versatility but also imbues it with a sense of playful discovery, turning everyday living into an engaging experience. The photographic documentation by Ong Chan Hao beautifully captures the essence of this transformable abode.

This innovative design approach at Ki Residence transcends conventional apartment layouts, offering a flexible and interactive living experience. It inspires us to reconsider how our personal spaces can evolve and adapt, not just in aesthetics but in functionality, encouraging a more dynamic relationship between inhabitants and their environment.

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