The concept of truly inhabiting the spaces we live in and celebrating our unique history makes Artyzen Habitat Suzhou such a distinctive property in the hospitality sphere. This premium lifestyle hotel is located in the upscale Gusu District of Suzhou, within walking distance to legendary tourist attractions like Canglang Pavilion and Humble Administrator’s Garden.
On arrival at the porte cochère, guests are welcomed into a spacious reception lounge with a bespoke reception feature wall. The artwork mural combines modern illustrations and abstract patterns that reflects the culture and vibrant spirit of the city. Our focus was to create a space that embraces individuality, encourages discovery and exploration while connecting with the community. The materiality sets the tone with an ensemble of visually striking black and white patterned floor tiles bordered by an exquisite Italian grey marble in the lobby. Accompanied by carefully chosen furniture, patterned rugs and a reinterpretation of a vaulted ceiling with cove lights, the ambience is a sight to behold.
The arrangement of diverse furniture groupings presents a relaxed attitude from the reception lounge as it leads into the special Townsquare where guests can commune for informal gatherings. Known as ‘Townsquare’ across the Artyzen Habitat brand – this wonderful space is a signature social community hub. We adopted a traditional Suzhou “book sunning” practice, and constructed this bright and airy social space as a welcoming respite. The design captures the feel of an outdoor landscape of tree trunks with wide branches that intertwines with the columns, adding textural detail to the ceiling. In the furniture design and selection, we opted for a mix of seating styles with bar stools for counter seating complimented with a variety of armchairs and booth seating options to allow maximum comfort and choice for the guests.
Our design of the Artyzen Bistro emanates a natural and contemporary feel. The mix of cool colour tones and textures add an appealing visual layer to the space while the live open kitchen enhances the Bistro’s charm. A versatile buffet island counter is meant to be adaptable during non-breakfast hours and can be used as a communal table for casual meetings.
In addition, the Utility Hub aims to simplify guests daily routines offering 24-hour self-service washers and dryers conveniently located next to the Fitness Centre, so guests can get their laundry done while they workout.
The hotel has a total of 160 guestrooms designed like residences; some are equipped with kitchenettes and balconies offering picturesque views of the classic Suzhou Gardens. A short distance from downtown Gusu, guests can easily access the conveniences of a bustling administrative city centre, well-known for the historic low-rise buildings, museums and gourmet cuisine. The seating area is outfitted with a rounded sofa which adds a touch of curvature to the space while an area rug provides comfort underfoot. In the Suites, a kitchenette is incorporated into the space for when guests prefer to just have a simple meal and quiet night in. Guestrooms are spacious and SL+A HOTELS designers have created a space where the palette is fresh, cool and neutral, combining metal rods framing fine wood handiwork.
For this project, our team drew inspiration from the history and scenic landscapes of Suzhou — a city home to famous classical poets, writers and the art of calligraphy and academic excellence. The stunning result was Artyzen Habitat Suzhou, completed in 2023 with classical landscape architecture reminiscent of the famed Suzhou gardens immortalized in poetry and art.
Project Information
Project Team: Sunny Wang, Betty Hsieh, Celine Wu, Nicky Shi, Phoebe Huang, Noir Tseng, Yami Wan, Wing Zhang, Aaliyah Hu, Greg Yu, Warren Wan, Qusay Liu
