Lijiang Project
About this Project
‘Hotel Two’ takes the form of a sleeping dragon. This sinuous structure emerges from the lake via a series of stepped terraces, and these curves are exploited to create a private bay.
The external skin evokes the scales of a dragon with vertical triangular louvres, which are graduated in colour, creating an iridescent appearance that changes from a given viewpoint or time of day. This dynamic element brings the building to life and its fluid form is further enhanced by sculptured roof-top pools and glazed elements such as the entrance.
The hotel rakes from 8 storeys down to lake level, reducing the impact of the built form to the lake but creating a terraced roof with stunning and varied views. The docking pier creates a step-off point for excursions to various Lakeland destinations; including spa-island, the pagoda, and the resort centre itself.
‘Hotel One’ takes its lead from the water in which it sits; a ‘floating’ hotel anchored back to the parkland setting via a series of pontoon walkways. The main entrance is via one such axial walkway across the lagoon and leading to a central sculptural atrium space around which the rooms and suites radiate. A layered double-aspect form provides most of the accommodation and incorporates a tiered aesthetic, minimising elevational impact and incorporating terraces, restaurants and hotel rooms projecting over the water. A central’canal describes an arc through the two interconnected buildings and a subordinate tower, also alluding to views through a bamboo forest, provides viewing decks and access from the main jetty.