Seamlessly connecting architecture with nature through flowing corridors creates a truly unique experience.
Located just an hour’s drive south of Chengdu, the scenic Heilongtan area is renowned for its picturesque lakes. Here, we were commissioned to design a large-scale resort hotel that serves as a landmark, aiming to highlight both the grandeur of the architecture and the breathtaking natural surroundings. Our goal was to create a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home, while also offering guests a convenient, enjoyable, and locally authentic experience.
The design draws inspiration from the local Linpan village, known for its distinctive layout where green courtyards, fields, and forests are interspersed, illustrating a harmonious coexistence of architecture and nature. Following this concept, we planted a variety of greenery and flowers around the hotel buildings and connected different areas through a series of corridors. During the design process, we discovered that corridors could serve as organic extensions of the building volumes themselves.
The main lobby volume organically evolves from the corridor, becoming the centerpiece of the resort. At the entrance, its towering structure emphasizes vertical lines before transitioning into a curved, horizontal openness that perfectly frames the stunning lakeside views.
Wooden structures were used to construct the roof and corridors of the main building, paying homage to traditional architecture while evoking boat-shaped forms. This approach also aligns with sustainable design principles. The resulting warm, natural, and rhythmic ridge structure guides visitors smoothly through the resort.
These corridors protect guests from harsh sun, wind, and rain as they move throughout the hotel. In some sections, the corridor ceilings are wide and flat, with one side nearly touching the ground and the other side opening onto a courtyard. This design fosters a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Approaching the guest rooms, the spine-like roof structure dramatically rises and opens, allowing natural light and garden views to flood the space.
This dynamic interplay between enclosed and open spaces creates a memorable spatial experience, achieving a harmonious balance between architecture, nature, and the people who visit.
We extend our sincere thanks to our client, China Railway Culture and Tourism, for entrusting AIM with their visionary project. We also appreciate the support from the hotel management team, Mediterranean Club, as well as the exceptional contributions of the AIM team. Special thanks to Zhou Wangshu for his collaborative design efforts and to Wang Jiachen for his dedication during project development and supervision.
Project Drawings
△ Exploded Diagram
△ Master Plan
△ Analysis Diagrams
Project Information
Owner: China Railway Sichuan Ecological City Investment Co., Ltd
Design Management: Zhang Shu, Liao Qiang, Wang Hanyi, He Xiuhu
Location: Meishan City, Sichuan Province, China
Total Building Area: 55,017.54 m²
Hotel Type: Resort Hotel with 350 Rooms
Design Completion: May 2024
Construction Start: May 2024
Scope: Architectural Design
Design Directors: Wendy Saunders, Vincent de Graaf
Design Supervisors: Lin Yaqi, Yan Min
Project Architects/Leaders: Zhou Wangshu, Li Dongdong
Architecture & Interior Team: Wang Jiachen, Kang Jin, Steve Do, Li Ziyi, Chen Renyang, George Mocea, Bozhena Hoida
Rendering: Jiao Yan
Hotel Management: Mediterranean Club
Design Institute: Huayu Architecture (Chengdu)
Interior Design: PAL Leung King Wah (Hong Kong)
Landscape Design: EDSA (Shanghai & USA)
Lighting Consultant: CSLC Hanrun (Chongqing)
Acoustic Consultant: JCK Shanghai Zhikai Acoustic Technology Firm
Wooden Structure Team: Suzhou Zhujing Construction Technology Co., Ltd
Art Consultant: Usher Design Firm
Main Materials: Wooden structure, hyperbolic roof
Photography by Dirk Weiblen
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