Tucked away in a pristine stretch of woodland along the northern shores of Hangzhou’s UNESCO-listed West Lake, The Silk Lakehouse captures the true essence of this remarkable destination. Featuring 68 luxurious rooms and suites, many with private terraces that open onto the breathtaking landscape, the retreat is the first property under the new boutique hotel concept called Shangri-La Signatures, designed by Studio Gert Voorjans.
The scenery of West Lake proved to be an endless source of inspiration for our team. Our goal was to capture the inherent beauty of the stunning surroundings and bring it into the heart of the building by incorporating elements of nature into the design, in keeping with tradition. The synergy of botanical patterns and fauna-inspired motifs we created, is woven throughout halls, rooms and corridors. Textile designs, wallpapers and decorative elements, woodwork and frames all mirror the sublime landscapes of Hangzhou.
Images by Jean-Pierre Gabriel
The Entrance Hall
The entrance lobby welcomes guests with a stunning installation, inspired by Hangzhou’s iconic weeping willows over the water’s surface. Crystal branches are suspended above a central pond, adorned with floating brass lotus flowers and leaves. The ‘Crystal Willow’ creates a sense of reflection, echoing the serene beauty of nature in vision and sound. As a tranquil focal point, it invites guests to unwind. Brass leaf inlays, scattered throughout the terrazzo marble floors, evoke the peacefulness of a walk through Hangzhou’s poetic landscape.
The Romance Room
The intimate Romance Room was designed by Studio Gert Voorjans as a proverbial secret garden. The room blends a grand, nature-inspired theme with tactile, soft and cherished charm. Soft botanical motifs in fabrics and rugs celebrate Hanghzou’s fauna and flora. The panoramic view of West Lake enhances the sublime poetic atmosphere. A tented ceiling adds a sense of intimacy, complemented by architectural treillage on the walls, evoking the feeling of a secluded, romantic retreat.
The Peacock Room
Inspired by Hangzhou’s rich heritage, the Peacock Room blends traditional symbolism with contemporary elegance. In Chinese culture, the peacock represents divinity, beauty, and power—a legacy of the Ming Dynasty. Its striking plumage is associated with the goddess of compassion, Guan Yin. Intricate details throughout the suite reflect this same sense of grace and cultural depth.
Room Corridor Design
The room corridors at The Silk Lakehouse feature a harmonious blend of optical patterns and illustrative figurines inspired by Hangzhou’s native flora and fauna. The purposeful layered approach creates a visual journey, seamlessly connecting guests to Hangzhou’s natural beauty as they move through the hotel.
Each floor follows a distinct thematic concept, reflected in both artwork and color accents. The second floor’s design was built around an earthy theme, inspired by the lush garden views from the lobby. This floor emphasizes greenery, with an earthy honey and sand-gold palette for the carpet and ceiling. One floor higher, the corridor was designed around a floral theme, with an abundance of floral motifs, soothed by a fresh and peaceful celadon color scheme. On the fourth floor, the fauna team prevails. The design of this corridor is dedicated to the region’s rich birdlife, with intricate detailing of avian forms, highlighted against a serene sky-blue backdrop. Each passageway feels immersive, enhancing the overall guest experience with a deep connection to Hangzhou’s landscape.
The Presidential Suite (Crane Lookout)
The revered symbolism of the crane in Chinese culture represents elegance, longevity, and wisdom. In ancient beliefs, cranes were seen as celestial creatures deeply connected to immortality and often linked to Daoist traditions. Studio Gert Voorjans has designed this suite, with breathtaking views, to embody these values, transforming it into a world of tranquility and refinement, making it a space where luxury and heritage seamlessly intertwine.
The choice of materials and colors enhances the concept of ancient purity, with soft, flowing textures and a palette of ethereal whites, gold accents, and natural wood tones. Deep forest green marbles complement the serene atmosphere. A curated selection of art and décor elements, known as the “Treasure Collection,” adds cultural depth to the space. At the heart of the suite, a golden altar stands as a tribute to tradition, symbolizing wisdom and transcendence.
