SAVHE HOTEL

TOMO Design creatively blends Eastern ambience with contemporary art at SAVHE Hotel in Shanghai, introducing tranquil spaces inspired by traditional Oriental gardens that harmonize nature, light, and shadow.

  • Year 2024
  • Location Shanghai, China,
  • Type Hotel,
  • SAVHE, meaning “breathing” the Lisu dialect of Yunan, draws essence from the forest and finding inspiration in all things.

    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.

    Screen Wall
    At the entrance of SAVHE 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.

    Lobby
    The hotel lobby resembles a finely crafted contemporary ink wash painting. The 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. The rough texture of the exposed structural beams contrasts with the delicate ceiling which becomes a vital architectural element rich with spiritual metaphor.

    Reception Counter
    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 travelers to slow down and unwind. Inspired by bonsai, the reception counter adds a touch of nature to the space.

    Lounge
    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.

    Tea Bar
    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.

    Restaurant
    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.

    Meditation Room
    The meditation room is a standout feature of SAVHE HOTEL. 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.

    STUDIO Room Type
    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.

    PRO Room Type
    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.

    Design: TOMO Design
    Photography: Kevin