Wulingshan Eye Stone Spring
In China, Vector Architects Designs A Secluded Hot Spring Facility
Deep in the forests of Wuling Mountain in China, sits a newly-built unique hot spring facility designed by local firm Vector Architects.
Wulingshan Eye Stone Spring was designed over a period of a year and half and a 16-month construction period, the hot spring facility was created for an upcoming residential community devised by developer Aranya in China’s Chengde.
The project, led by architect Dong Gong, focussed on a design that integrated the building’s three core functions across three main levels. The architects explained, “We envisioned the building as an apparatus of the steaming hot spring, touching lightly upon the natural slope. To minimise the impact of the building on the original landscape, we raised the main building from the ground. Its volume is supported by 10 columns driven into the earth.’
Compact and positioned on a slope, the vertical design was determined by the compact 560㎡ building sitting on a site area of just 600㎡, with the structure’s foot print standing on a mere 131㎡. The architects centred the design around a format ‘vertically stacked up for reducing the building footprint and as well, creating a series of unique spatial experiences at different levels.’
Inside, the architects created a meticulous and efficient floor-plan, likening the internal navigation of the building to a technical watch or mechanical device with detailed functions. ‘An integrated teak box anchors the centre space of the first floor to accommodate the reception, storage, locker room and showering functions before entering the bath. The second floor is a transparent relaxation lounge enclosed by floor-to-ceiling glass on all sides, located among the most-lush part of the poplar tree canopies. When the weather is favourable, the upper windows can be opened, introducing the fresh natural air, framing splendour natural scenery throughout the seasons.’
The striking building is defined by its textural concrete facade and exterior, created through a bush-hammering technique. Inside, furniture by Shanghai-based ziinlife sees a visually-minimalist interior that doesn’t distract from the outside view captured and emphasised by large floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
The upper floor was designed with a skylight that passes through 8-meter-high wells, softening light further diffused by the textured concrete exterior. ‘The third-floor bath pools, at different temperatures and water treatments are distributed under eight light wells,’ adds Gong. ‘Through strip windows above the water surface on the west facade, people can choose to immerse themselves in the water or have a glimpse of the nearby valley cliffs with the flourishing treetop enveloping the building.’
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Text: Julia Severen
Images: Liu Guowei
Location: Chengde Xinglong County Wulingshan Aranya, Hebei, China