Pine Villa | STUDIO8 ARCHITECTS

Pine villa is nestled in a secluded valley in Zhejiang, embraced by surrounding pine forests and backed by the natural screen of Pingfeng Mountain. This boutique estate consists of a wine and cigar bar alongside three panoramic guest suites. Pine Villa is the second luxury retreat we’ve designed for Anadu, continuing the philosophy of the first Anadu Resort: “Find yourself in nature.” Our goal, from planning to architectural design, is to highlight the unique beauty of the valley’s pine forests, harmonizing with the natural landscape to create an ultimate retreat experience exclusive to Pine Valley. The buildings are carefully placed along the contours of the valley, with each structure oriented differently to maximize the unique views. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the serene valley breeze as they begin their journey of tranquility.

The journey begins at the estate’s entrance, where a bamboo-textured concrete and charred black wood “L”-shaped gate seamlessly blends into the landscape, like open arms—on one side embracing the valley’s greenery, on the other welcoming guests. As visitors drive along the pine-lined road, they arrive at a building with a four-sided sloped roof, the wine and cigar bar, which also serves as the reception center, offering afternoon tea, wine, and cigar tastings

A curved bamboo-textured wall leads guests from the wine house to the guest area, where the hard ground transitions into soft gravel paths, evoking a vacation atmosphere. At the path’s end, a small plaza provides a moment of pause before entering the guest area, enhancing the sense of seclusion. The three minimal standalone structures sit quietly in the valley, surrounded by the forest. Facing staggered walls that obscure the rear of the space, guests are invited to imagine what lies beyond.

As guests walk through the courtyard and winding paths, they experience a series of mysterious moments before reaching the guest rooms. Upon entering, the view dramatically opens up—two concrete slabs face the valley with no obstructions. The interior flows seamlessly with 270-degree panoramic views, offering a fully immersive experience. The rooms are embraced by nature on three sides, each framing its own unique view.
To keep the structure minimal, the buildings are cast from exposed concrete with integrated beams and embedded piping, ensuring no visible ceiling beams, lighting fixtures, or suspended structures. The clean concrete slabs unify the space. The floor slab floats above the valley, respecting and connecting with the terrain, while appearing to hover above it. Between the two concrete slabs, only the serene pine valley is in sight.

From the architecture to the interior, we emphasize the beauty of the “bone structure”—the essence of space derived from careful consideration of the site’s topography, density, and scale. Skylights and strategically placed windows allow light to flow naturally through the space, reducing reliance on decorative materials and instead highlighting timeless quality. The seamless, flat floors further enhance the sense of unity, allowing for smooth circulation throughout, with indoor and outdoor spaces blending organically with nature.

The sunken bathtubs in the bathrooms are also integrated into the concrete floor during the construction process, creating a seamless, sculptural feature. The interior space is divided into distinct functional areas—living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom—yet they flow into one another without strict boundaries. Multifunctional furniture wraps around corners, connecting different spaces and allowing them to blend seamlessly.

In the bathrooms, the design language of “wrapping” continues, with handmade brick walls extending from the floor to form built-in storage, transforming into a vanity on the other side. This continuity adds both interest and functionality to the minimalist space. Walnut furniture complements the natural scenery outside the windows, immersing guests in the tranquil experience of the retreat. The lighting design, layered across different functional areas, further enhances the cozy, serene atmosphere—from recessed downlights to wall sconces, pendant lights above dining tables, and sculptural lamps on counters.

Stepping through the glass doors, guests enter their private pine-forest courtyard. The outdoor floating platforms, made of wood, invite them to explore deeper into the valley. Each guest suite is separated by low walls and vegetation, ensuring privacy and exclusive outdoor spaces for each guest. The landscape design softens the boundaries between the estate and the surrounding valley, with local plants chosen to blend harmoniously with the natural environment. Delicate lights, like fireflies, dot the trees and pathways, enhancing the understated sense of seclusion.

From the enclosed privacy of the buildings to the open, flowing spaces and the seamless connection with nature, we crafted an experience of surprise and delight. The design flows effortlessly from architecture to interiors, with no unnecessary details or embellishments. By carefully considering the “bone structure” of the space, we laid a solid foundation for a high-quality, lasting retreat. Ultimately, Anadu Pine Valley offers a boundless experience of seclusion, where both architecture and the human spirit retreat into the embrace of the natural landscape.