Flydragon Hostel is located on the banks of Cuihu Lake in Kunming, a city known as the "Spring City" for its mild climate. The project adopts "dragonfly" as its design concept — the dragonfly's light, transparent, and agile wings echo the city's graceful and open character. Drawing inspiration from the venation of dragonfly wings, lightweight arched structures float above the building, as if dragonflies alight on the water, responding to Cuihu's natural ecology and symbolizing the dynamic fusion of Yunnan's diverse cultures.
The core strategy removes the ground floor's non-load-bearing walls to open the interface, introducing Cuihu's landscape into the courtyard and creating an integrated public space. The original vertical circulation is transformed into an arched observation tower, leading to an activated rooftop terrace for gatherings, stargazing, and panoramic lake views. The façade uses lightweight corrugated aluminum panels with a shimmering effect reminiscent of dragonfly wings, adapted to Yunnan's seasonal climate. A green roof with native plants regulates temperature and reduces heat island effect, while local Yunnan stone paves the ground floor. Service spaces include a lobby with steps and water features extending the lake view indoors, a dining space connecting courtyard and street, and offices on the courtyard's other side. The rooftop serves as a community hub for cultural exhibitions, workshops, and gatherings, making the hostel a living room for the city and a bridge for local cultural exchange.
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