Aedas recently won the design competition for the Zhuhai Hengqin Tianhu Hotel Development. Under the current planning directions of Zhuhai, Hengqin Island, where the hotel will be located, is set to become a high-density financial hub. With this recently awarded project, Aedas aims to create a luxury resort hotel that will bring urban dwellers close to nature and the Lingnan culture.

The design firm will develop around 100 luxury hotel rooms on the 13,000 square metre site, which overlooks the Niujiaokeng Reservoir and the Lake Tian Natural Scenic Area.

“The lake and the scenic area are next to the highest mountain on Hengqin Island. Our site is sheltered from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, while still accessible from it,” says Kevin Wang, Executive Director at Aedas.

The hotel rooms will be housed in eight blocks, which will be one or two storeys. Most of the rooms will be facing south and open to views of Lake Tian. “The hotel guests will be surrounded by mountain and water. The environment will be very refreshing,” says Wang.

Design of the hotel blocks was inspired by the Lingnan architectural style, which characterises traditional Southern Chinese architecture. Each hotel resort building will feature a gable roof with flying eaves. “The Lingnan-style sloping roof is a design in response to the local climate. It facilitates rain water drainage and protects the roof from damage by tropical cyclones,” Wang explains.

The resort hotel will also showcase the Lingnan culture through materiality. Roofs of the hotel blocks will be covered with grey tiles, while the walls will be made with grey bricks. Both materials are commonly used in southern Chinese architecture. Wood is the major material used in the hotel rooms. “Wood enhances the feeling of serenity,” Wang says.

The low-rise, traditional Chinese style buildings will minimise impact on the natural sceneries on site. The soft and greyish colour tone will also contribute to the harmony between the man-made environment and nature. “The hotel design rides on the natural beauty of the site. It will be tranquil and perfect for mental detox,” concludes Wang.