RooMoo Transforms Abandoned Mountain Cabins Into Hotel in China
A sustainable retreat on Jinfo Mountain repurposes salvaged local materials into luxury hospitality.
1Adaptive Reuse Project
Shanghai-based studio RooMoo has converted a five-level former sales office into the 24-room Cloudhaus Hotel. Located at an altitude of 1,200 meters on Jinfo Mountain in Chongqing, the project prioritizes environmental respect. The design team retained the original building structure while integrating salvaged materials sourced from the surrounding landscape and nearby villages.
2Sourcing Local Resources
Rather than relying on new industrial materials, the architects spent significant time exploring the mountains to identify available resources. They visited abandoned wooden cabins and local furniture workshops to collect timber, demolished red bricks, and discarded bamboo scaffolding. This hands-on approach ensures the hotel reflects the authentic character of the local region.
3Innovative Material Application
The interior design features unconventional elements, such as walls constructed from concrete drill cores extracted during structural renovations. These cores are stacked vertically and separated by dark metal supports. Additionally, discarded bamboo shoot shells were repurposed for decorative wall panels in the reception area, highlighting the studio's commitment to creative waste reduction.
4Architectural Facade Design
The building features a white-rendered facade punctuated by eight projecting white frames that extend vertically across its elevations. Bamboo panels and stone slabs fill the sections between these frames, while sloping tiled roofs and timber detailing reference traditional regional architecture. This aesthetic choice helps the structure blend seamlessly into the forested mountain environment.
5Interior Spatial Layout
Guests enter the hotel via the uppermost floor, which is accessed through an entrance courtyard and a connecting bridge. The restaurant occupies an expanded podium at the lower level, featuring indoor dining areas that lead toward outdoor terraces. Interiors combine stone walls, timber furniture, and woven seating to create a cohesive, earthy atmosphere.
6Lobby and Lounge Features
The lobby is defined by an exposed pitched roof lined with bamboo and supported by substantial timber beams. A large woven bamboo installation hangs over the lounge area, where black sofas and tan leather chairs are arranged beside full-height glazing. These windows offer expansive views of the surrounding forested mountain landscape for visitors.
7Guestroom Design Strategy
Guestrooms are arranged in a fan-shaped layout to maximize views of the mountain landscape. The hotel offers various room types, including courtyard rooms, suites, and standard king rooms. Each space features earthy color palettes, salvaged timber elements, and locally made furniture, maintaining the project's consistent focus on sustainability and regional craftsmanship.
8Context of RooMoo's Work
Founded in 2017 by Tao Zhang, Ray Zhang, and Marine Bois, RooMoo specializes in hospitality and commercial projects. This project follows their previous work, such as repurposing whiskey barrels for bar decor. Their approach demonstrates how modern hospitality can successfully integrate circular economy principles by transforming abandoned structures into functional, high-end retreats.