Located an hour’s drive south of Chengdu, near the picturesque natural lake network, The Spine Resort, Heilongtan is designed as a full-scale resort with iconic architecture to create a landmark destination on the lake. Our design embraces organic walkways that connect distinct guest experiences with an ecology zone, lush gardens and intimate spaces that were inspired by the informal layouts of nearby Linpan villages. The main lobby organically emerges from these walkways, featuring a striking high, vertical entrance that transitions into a low, curved panoramic structure, celebrating the lake’s arrival views.

Crafted with sustainability in mind, the wooden roofs of the walkways echo traditional wooden architecture while guiding visitors through the resort. The dramatic interplay of compression and opening creates a unique and strong architectural experience, dynamically balancing architecture, nature, and people. The Spine is poised to offer an immersive and memorable experience for all guests, integrating culture, ecology, and innovative design.

Photography: Dirk Weiblen, Vincent de Graaf