HBA Blends Eastern Elegance with Western Artistry

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an innovative hotel design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalists, HBA.

Following its 2025 upgrade, the Hangzhou Wulin GDA Hotel reemerged as a luxurious tribute to the city’s rich heritage, rooted in the 1929 West Lake Expo. Inspired by “A Collector’s Manor Residence,” the design blends Eastern elegance with Western artistry. Guests experience curated spaces filled with antiques, art, and cultural motifs, evoking a private museum. From vibrant dining areas to tranquil guest rooms, every detail celebrates Hangzhou’s legacy of global exchange and refinement. The hotel stands as a living narrative where history, culture, and modern hospitality meet in harmony.

What was the client’s brief?

Through the comprehensive renovation and upgrade of the hotel, it will be transformed into an iconic destination, ultimately maximizing the return on investment.

What inspired the design of the project?

Inspired by the 1929 West Lake Expo founded by Mr. Zhang Jingjiang, the hotel boasts a privileged location adjacent to the Zhejiang Exhibition Hall at Wulin Square, offering a front-row seat to the magnificent journey of Hangzhou’s exhibition culture.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The greatest challenge lay in realizing the design vision and meeting the diverse functional requirements of a hotel while working within the inherent structural and layout constraints of the existing building.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The most impressive highlight is the “Dialogue Across Time” narrative woven throughout the hotel. Adopting the theme of “Visiting a Collector’s Manor Estate,” it guides guests on an immersive journey to explore the glorious history of the West Lake Expo in Hangzhou.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards place the utmost importance on the innovation, execution, and level of challenge in design. By entering the competition, we aim to present the judges and industry peers with an exemplary project that fully embodies these standards.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

To the Company: This honor represents significant international recognition of our ability to comprehensively tackle complex projects. It powerfully demonstrates to the market that our company not only delivers cutting-edge aesthetic vision but also possesses the technical expertise and project management capabilities to turn ideas into reality. We are adept at addressing the challenges of renovating existing structures and creating exceptional value for our clients.

To the Team and Individuals: This award brings immense encouragement and recognition to our team and each individual involved. It will continue to inspire us to uphold professionalism and dedicate ourselves to creating more meaningful design works in the future.

Questions answered by John Wang, Design Director of HBA.