A Groundbreaking Design That Channels Natural Light for an Immersive Spa Experience
Local architectural firm Vector Architects has completed a stunning new spa in Aranya, China, with a design that blends modern architecture with nature. Known as the Wulingshan Eye Stone Spring, this spa is located in the scenic Yanshi Village, nestled in the Wuling Mountains. The site is characterized by its dramatic cliffs and dense forest, and the spa’s design draws inspiration from these natural features.
Architectural Innovation and Design Philosophy
The Wulingshan Eye Stone Spring spa spans 560 square meters and was built within a challenging site—sloped and small, yet perfectly positioned to offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Vector Architects adopted a vertically layered design to maximize space, incorporating a tall, slender tower for the main spa facilities. A separate service building is connected to the tower by a corridor bridge on each level, ensuring smooth flow and access.
The structure itself is elevated on tall columns, a strategic move to prevent flood risks while also providing spa guests with unobstructed views of the lush foliage. The exterior features concrete walls treated with a bush-hammering technique, resulting in a coarse texture that mirrors the rugged cliffs nearby. A dark-toned transparent coating was applied to create a grounded and subdued aesthetic that complements the natural surroundings.
Incorporating Light and Functionality for a Unique Experience
The design prioritizes natural light, which is limited due to the dense canopy of 30-meter-high poplar trees. To work with this, the architects carefully positioned the spa’s spaces. The lowest level houses the dressing rooms, reception, and shower facilities, benefiting from the subdued lighting that ensures privacy. On the second floor, a relaxation lounge features floor-to-ceiling glass windows that allow guests to immerse themselves in panoramic views of the tree canopies, with large windows that open to let in fresh air during good weather.
The third floor of the spa is dedicated to the bath pools, where eight chimney-style lightwells provide natural light while also offering serene views of the valley cliffs and treetops through strip windows on the west facade.
A Precision-Engineered Space Inspired by Mechanisms
Founder of Vector Architects, Dong Gong, explained, “Due to the very limited site area, the building had to create a rich spatial experience within a confined space. It is similar to a complex mechanical device, such as a precision watch, where many ingenious designs and details are hidden.”
Gong also shared insights into the architectural challenge of designing in a location with limited resources. He mentioned, “Unlike conventional architectural scales, this building functions more like an apparatus, with a meticulously structured interior and precisely coordinated systems.”
Sustainability and Material Choice
While the project’s concrete structure may raise concerns about sustainability due to its high carbon footprint, Gong pointed out that concrete remains the most cost-effective building material in China. “It is difficult to persuade clients to spend more on construction, and materials such as timber often require substantial maintenance after completion,” Gong added. He emphasized that architects must select materials that resonate with the spiritual essence of a location, and in this case, concrete was the most appropriate choice.
The Wulingshan Eye Stone Spring spa is part of a series of architectural endeavors by Vector Architects in the Aranya holiday resort, including a concrete concert hall and a chapel built on the shore, continuing to push the boundaries of design and functionality.
