Wulingshan Eye Stone Spring / Vector ArchitectsSave this picture! Guowei LiuHospitality ArchitectureChengde, ChinaArchitects: Vector ArchitectsAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:560 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Guowei Liu, Fangfang Tian More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. The springhousesits in a river valley, deep in the forests of Wuling Mountain, a branch of the scenic Yanshan Mountains in the northern part of Beijing. The site abuts a steep rock cliff to the west and opens out onto an expansive view of the alluvial plains to the east and the chain of mountains beyond. The site is densely populated with poplar trees and the ground is covered by reeds and grasses, with a stream slowly meandering from north to south through the site. The construction of a new residential community is underway nearby, where people will approach the building by crossing a steel arch bridge over the stream, strolling through the forest, and arrive at the entrance of the spring house.Save this picture!Save this picture!We envision the building as an apparatus of thesteaming hot spring, touching lightly upon the natural slope. To minimize 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.Save this picture!Save this picture!The hot spring functional spaces are vertically layered in the tower on the west side, and the transportation and service program are set in the east core, connected by corridor-like bridgeon each floor. The programs are vertically stacked up for reducing the building footprint and as well, creating a series of unique spatial experiences at different levels. As the visitors ascend, new relationships between the surrounding trees, rock cliff, and distant mountain landscape are respectively highlighted.Save this picture!Save this picture!We allocated the main functions on three levels. An integrated teak box anchors the center 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 favorable, the upper windows can be opened, introducing the fresh natural air, framing splendor natural scenery throughout the seasons.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The third-floor bath pools, at different temperatures and water treatments are distributed under eight light wells. When the skylight passes through the 8-meter-high wells, it becomes soft and quiet, diffused by the bush-hammered concrete. 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.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Chengde Xinglong County Wulingshan Aranya, Hebei, ChinaLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeVector ArchitectsOfficePublished on December 04, 2024Cite: "Wulingshan Eye Stone Spring / Vector Architects" 04 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1024313/wulingshan-eye-stone-spring-vector-architects&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream