Life
SAVHE HOTEL by TOMO Design Exudes a Refined Humanistic Atmosphere in Shanghai

The space has been inspired by the philosophy of secluded Oriental living. SAVHE, meaning "breathing" the Lisu dialect of Yunan, draws essence from the forest

Embracing the connotation of SAVHE's brand name, TOMO Design injects new interpretations into the space, harmonizing Eastern ambience with contemporary art. Drawing inspiration from traditional Oriental gardens, TOMO thoughtfully organizes spaces that breathe with nature, engage with life, and cultivate self-reflection, finding a habitat for inner strength.

Rooted in Eastern philosophy, TOMO Design distills the spiritual resonance between man and nature into vivid imagery - a secluded retreat, freedom, wind, shadow, water, and ripples... Through modern expression, these elements define the ambience of the space. At the entrance of SAVEHE Hotel, the screen wall, a traditional architecture, is ingeniously modernized. The overall entrance design, dominated by black and white, reflects SAVHE's profound understanding and pursuit of space, nature, light, and shadow, creating a tranquil beauty that transcends the chaos and returns to serenity. The entrance flow is meticulously planned. Soft light and subtle fragrances lead the way, creating an atmosphere of serenity and depth. The raw texture of the columns contrasts with the finely carved words. At the far end, lush greenery within wooden frames brims with vitality, serving as nature's messengers.

The hotel lobby resembles a finely crafted contemporary ink wash painting, where interwoven black and white tones evoke the tranquility of dawn's first light - pure yet powerful. The "skylight" and screen wall set at the lobby's lofty area, reflect the shadows of trees. Meanwhile, the rough texture of the exposed structural beams contrasts with the delicate ceiling which becomes a vital architectural element rich with spiritual metaphor.

The reception counter's backdrop, combining digital art with traditional screen, unfolds like a long scroll, where "water" flows freely. Unlike the common standing reception desks commonly found in urban hotels, SAVHE introduces a resort-style sitting reception desk, inviting travellers to slow down and unwind. Inspired by bonsai, the reception counter adds a touch of nature to the space. A tea table invites travelers to pause and enjoy a fragrant cup of tea, blending space and experience seamlessly.

At the entrance of the display area, a screen wall at an oblique angle subtly guides the circulation route. Beneath the floating wall, moss and gravel evoke a natural setting, while a strip screen displays rippling water, creating a dialogue between the artificial and the natural—much like the refined essence of a fragrance.

The lounge draws inspiration from traditional courtyard architecture built by the water, creating harmonious visual relationships, framing and borrowing views. The dark wooden screens divide the space without hindering the flow of light, giving the entire lounge an open and airy feel. These elements, derived from the meticulous layout of classical gardens are reinterpreted through a modern, minimalist lens, preserving the traditional essence while infusing new vitality.

The core visual point of the public area is an art installation called "Listen to the Rain in the Lake," inspired by teacups and featuring sound and light art. Multiple teacup-shaped components hang in an orderly manner, gently swaying on slender chains, as if raindrops from nature are frozen in mid-air.

The book bar is designed with an open layout, creating a spacious, airy atmosphere. Scattered decorative elements, along with rustic, nature-inspired floor lamps, bring a touch of the outdoors into this tranquil space. The choice of furniture and carpets centers on soft, neutral tones and evokes a relaxed, vacation-like ambiance. The small rest pavilions provide an intimate reading space while the outdoor scenery extends gracefully into the interior, offering an elegant corner for readers to enjoy the view and a moment of quiet repose. 

As a connecting node between the restaurant and lobby bar, the tea bar features a layered sloping ceiling that, together with the counter, evokes the ambience of a tea pavilion. The open counter cleverly blends wood and stone elements on the restaurant-facing side, with dark granite and wooden structures interspersed to echo the ceiling's horizontal lines. On the tea table, exquisite tea sets and elegant utensils are thoughtfully arranged. These not only serve practical purposes but also enrich the space with cultural richness, adding elegance and refined taste.

The restaurant entrance is grounded in deep, dark tones. Soft lighting cascades from above, adding depth to this tranquil environment. One side of the restaurant connects to floor-to-ceiling windows, inviting nature's view inside. Seated by the window with delightful cuisine, guests can converse freely between the interior and exterior. The other side adjoins the buffet area, separated by dark, hollow-out wooden folding doors that create distinct atmospheres for dining and tea tasting. In addition to public dining areas, the restaurant offers small private tea rooms, fostering a quiet, intimate setting for light business gatherings. Warm lighting in this tranquil atmosphere encourages relaxed and friendly exchanges.

SAVHE HOTEL offers a multifunctional hall with a foyer and a main area, separated by large folding doors for versatility. In the foyer, a versatile cabinet can be transformed to serve as a tea point or display area for event materials. The main hall emphasizes a focused meeting environment. The bright ceiling organizes various functional elements overhead, maintaining a clean appearance. Other functional spaces extend the hotel's dark color palette while subtly adjusting materials and lighting to suit their specific purposes.

The meditation room is a standout feature. Its vertical, cavernous space with an arched ceiling evokes a natural cave. The simple lines and dark tones create a tranquil atmosphere that elevates the experience beyond the everyday. Soft lighting and the warm straw-textured walls provide a steady, atmospheric backdrop that encourages relaxation and contemplation. At the far end, a beautiful arrangement of screens, branches, and pottery pots serves as a visual focal point, enhancing the space's sense of layering while introducing a touch of vitality and nature. The gym and laundry contrast with the quiet areas like the meditation room and restrooms. Here, metal ceilings and finishes in cooler white tones create a vibrant atmosphere.

Transitioning from the public area to the private area, the tranquil atmosphere of SAVHE extends along its hallways, with the elevator hall showcasing a deep black tone complemented by metallic luster, creating a low-key luxurious ambiance. The guestroom area's elevator hall features a thoughtfully designed lounge. Beside a wooden bench, ambient lights cast playful shadows on the walls. In the deep black hallways, a soothing atmosphere envelops the space.

Bedrooms have been categorised into different types. The design of the STUDIO room type explores a contemporary Eastern charm, offering guests a unique experience. Functionally, the STUDIO room cleverly integrates the bathroom and mini-bar near the entrance, allowing the spaces to interact with each other, simplifying complexity and enhancing visual enjoyment.

In the PRO room type, its spacious layout creates a rhythmic and stylish experience. A two-entry layout separates dynamic and quiet areas, enhancing privacy and comfort. The spacious bathroom caters to diverse lifestyles, showcasing privacy, luxury, and richness.

In the bustling urban jungle, TOMO and SAVHE have crafted a secluded aesthetic habitat in the name of "breathing." Here, light, shadow, and water weave poetry; Eastern elements and contemporary art coexist harmoniously. Each breath is vibrant, every stay brings inner peace, realizing the vision of a tranquil refuge amid the city's bustle.

Words: Sphere Editorial
Photos: Kevin
Published on December 13, 2024