Located in Heilongtan, China, the Spine Resort draws inspiration from the nearby Linpan villages, known for their organic ecosystems where buildings stand in harmony with nature.
With architecture by Shanghai-based AIM Architecture and interiors by PAL Design Group, the Spine Resort is organized around gardens surrounding the guestroom buildings, which house 350 accommodations. The volumes are connected by covered walkways, from which the main lobby emerges as the heart of the resort.
The building features a high, vertical entrance that transitions into a low, curved panoramic structure to emphasize views of the nearby lake.
The roofs of the main structure and walkways are constructed from wood, harkening back to traditional wooden architecture and boat-like shapes. This use of wood results in a warm, rhythmic spine-like structure that guides guests through the resort.
The walkways vary as guests traverse them. At times, they are wide and flat, almost touching the earth, with views closed on one side and open to gardens on the other.
As they approach the guest buildings, the spinal roof structures dramatically open up to natural light and verdant courtyard gardens. This interplay of compression and opening creates a distinct architectural experience that dynamically balances form, nature, and people.
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