LiJiang Resort (2012)

Project Data
 
Total GFA:   50.000m2
Location:   LiJiang, China
Function:   Hospitality
Features:   Layout, design and materials derived from traditional local architecture
Scope:   Master Plan, Architectural Concept, SD Design
Status:   Completed
 
 
Project Summary
 
Li Jiang Resort consists of three different sites nestled within the lower slopes of a riverside mountain range near Yang Shuo in Guangxi province. The project’s starting point was to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the sites with its abundant nature, large trees, gently dropping rice terraces and, of course the panoramic views across the Li Jiang River.

In a first concept, a system of courtyard, townhouse and villa-cluster typologies have been designed in order to maximize private outdoor space and providing various intimate relationships of inhabitants with the natural surroundings within and beyond their own property. This strategy also lead to a grid layout of the villas generating small, sharply winding lanes reminiscent of the beautiful traditional mountain villages in the area. Another inspiration derived from the vernacular architecture was the predominant use of stone and wood, however in a modern adaptation with applied geometries and typologies allowing for a much more three-dimensional configuration of terraces, loggias, courtyards and gardens, all intersecting and flowing one into the other.

The final design for SD took a turn towards a more conventional single villa layout. Although the original typology changed to a much more straightforward volume, the layering of stone base and light-weight wooden volumes with their balconies and roof terraces remains a distinct feature of local culture. Products vary from single free standing villas to double-villas, duplex villas and townhouses, all following similar aesthetic principles. Since the master plan has been laid out from the start as a series of slightly stepped volumes, all villas feature panoramic views and large private gardens.

Completing the resort program are a series of apartment buildings and a boutique hotel situated at the highest and smallest of the three sites.