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Yadu Design × Hu Architecture | Mountain Hollow Villa: Hidden in the mountain hollow, yet standing out amidst nature

Release Time:

2025-11-17

Yadu Design × Hu Architecture | Mountain Cove Villa: Hidden in the mountain cove, yet standing out in nature

The "front fields, back mountains" layout embodies the wisdom of generations living in harmony with nature, while Shan'ao Villa breathes new life into this timeless tradition through modern design. The project features an "L"-shaped arrangement that gently nestles the building into the mountain terrain, creating a spacious courtyard in the process. A double-height central living room and diagonal airflow design not only draw cool breezes deep into the home but also seamlessly integrate the stunning mountain views as a natural backdrop to everyday life.

From the光影廊 to the cliffside veranda, from the bamboo-lined bathtub to the mountain-foot gym—every space fosters a dialogue between people and nature. Even more remarkable is that the design seamlessly preserves the warmth of rural living: the underground wine cellar becomes the heart of convivial gatherings, while smart technologies ensure both comfort and convenience. It strikes the perfect balance—honoring the nostalgic charm of the countryside while embracing the effortless ease of modern life.

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Video Details

Project Video © Lephoto

Architectural exterior © Lephoto

PART 01

A single dwelling nestled in a mountain hollow, pines and bamboo grow softly as ever.

The project is located approximately 30 kilometers east of Changsha city center, surrounded by rolling, gently sloping mountains. Nestled between these hills are villages and fields, and due to the unique terrain, the villages appear especially scattered—almost as if each household has sought out a foothold at the base of a mountain.

The project site is exceptionally intriguing—it’s nestled into a small mountain hollow at the foot of the hill. The earthen-yellow rock walls of the hollow are breathtakingly beautiful, while the surrounding area is lush with pine trees and dense bamboo groves. Originally, an old house was built on a platform within this hollow, about 3 meters above the outer road, overlooking a vast expanse of fields that offer an open and serene view. However, as the original structure no longer met the needs of modern living, a plan for its complete reconstruction has been proposed.

Location Map © Hu Architects

Photo of the historic building © Hu Architecture

PART 02

Leaning against the towering mountain, embracing the fields

“Front fields, back hills; front courtyard, back residence”—this is a remarkably common village layout found throughout China, reflecting a harmonious human settlement pattern that has evolved over thousands of years in response to nature.

The architecture aims to carry forward this cultural legacy by shifting the main building structure slightly back toward the mountain in its layout, thereby creating an open front courtyard for living. On the eastern side, auxiliary spaces such as an entrance corridor, garage, and reception room are arranged near the base of the hill at the approach to the site, while the western section features a volume dominated by the living room and bedrooms, collectively forming an "L"-shaped plan.

Design Sketch © Inter Architecture

Architectural model © Hu Architecture

Architectural exterior © Lephoto

Architectural Space Diagram © Zhao Xi

PART 03

The core space of the home, connected to both inside and outside

Strive to create an open, multi-functional central space where family members will happily gather.

The central living space on the ground floor is seamlessly connected from north to south, aligning with the prevailing year-round winds of the southern region and subtly echoing the surrounding landscape. With its double-height, open design, the central living room offers the most direct experience of cool breezes, while also providing stunning views of the north-south courtyards and the distant mountains in the rear. Meanwhile, the functional rooms located on the east and west sides discreetly invite observation of the exterior, striking a balance between privacy and an intimate yet balanced relationship with the outside world.

A diagonal line is established on the sectional view, running from the southern end of the central living room on the first floor to the north side of the family lounge on the second floor. This diagonal spatial facade opens up, creating unobstructed views that allow residents on the ground floor to gaze toward the mountaintop. At the same time, airflow naturally rises through this design, bringing cool breezes throughout the house—even during the sweltering summer months.

Overall Section Analysis Diagram © Hu Architects

Architectural Space Diagram © Lephoto

PART 04

Inspire life, fostering dialogue and experience.

Introducing the concept of landscaping means going beyond just the house itself—instead, the home should seamlessly connect with its surrounding environment, enhancing the depth of the living experience. To achieve this, we’ve carefully designed meandering pathways that link together various functional areas, inviting users to wander through these spaces while engaging with multiple external landscapes. This interactive, multi-layered spatial experience aims to foster a deeper connection between people and nature, offering fresh perspectives and a renewed sense of harmony with the natural world.

Light-and-shadow-inset entrance corridors, a courtyard offering views of mountains and water, a suspended art staircase, an external corridor facing the cliffside, a full-body gym at the mountain base, and a mountain-viewing platform—each features its own unique spatial character, distinct lighting and sightline relationships, and varied spatial definitions that collectively evoke diverse perceptions of the environment.

Design sketch of the relationship between the open architectural public space and the external environment © Inter Architecture

Different types of spatial analysis diagrams © Interarchitecture

Architectural Space Diagram © Lephoto

Architectural Space Diagram © Zhao Xi

Model exploded view © Hu Architecture

PART 05

Unity and Comfort

This project is an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) initiative by the design firm, featuring a cohesive design that seamlessly integrates both interior and exterior elements. The architectural space is intimately connected to the surrounding courtyard and natural landscape, evoking the image of a porous stone nestled at the foot of the mountain. Moreover, the interior décor serves as a natural extension of the building’s exterior—notice how the natural stone flooring on the ground floor flows effortlessly from the perimeter walls through the outdoor veranda, ultimately culminating in the living room’s striking feature wall.

Considering the scenic views from each room, the layout features comfortable furnishings and luxurious bathrooms—where the bathtub overlooks a towering, lush bamboo grove or rugged cliff faces, while the dining area and gym are complemented by shifting light and shadow playing across grassy slopes and rocky walls. The leisure platform opens up to a serene pine forest nestled on the hillside, and the bedrooms face the tranquil countryside in the distance. Meanwhile, the courtyard is thoughtfully designed with an underground wine cellar and a sunken relaxation zone, perfect for hosting gatherings of various sizes. Add to this the warm ambiance created by soft lighting, underfloor heating, and state-of-the-art smart systems—collectively crafting a cozy, contemporary, and independent residential retreat.