AS architecture-studio designs vernacular sanya west resort

AS architecture-studio designs vernacular sanya west resort
all images courtesy of AS architecture-studio

framed by a set of artificial lagoons, the ‘sanya west islet club med resort’ by international firm, AS architecture-studio orientates its spaces around the surrounding water system. reinterpreting local fishermen villages, the holiday destination is located on sanya west islet, hainan, china, where it forms a continuum between the seafront and its ‘hinterland’. connecting the guest rooms and villas to the village center, their different elements are fused together, forming a hybrid area that consists of mixing lagoons, swimming pools, pedestrian spaces and public facility ‘shells’. the maze of guest rooms is structured by a network of curved walls, producing a sense of both density and intimacy. their layout helps to guide the circulation paths, frame views, foster mystery and surprise, while shaping several intermediary collective spaces dedicated to community life.

overview of the resort

social interaction is also encouraged as the accommodation units are clustered into tight groups of five to eight, with each of the villas containing circular courtyards that enclose their own natural pool. the internal living spaces make a thick border that surrounds a private ecosystem, with the envelope made of thousands of thin aluminum scales to modulate light, views and privacy. an in-between pedestrian maze is created by the dense accumulation of villas, avoiding any obvious perspective or hierarchy.

the village center

the villas  

the sea front

aerial view of a guestroom and its surrounding garden

circulation paths between the guestrooms

A cluster of guestrooms

pedestrian space between the villas

plan: cluster of guest rooms

section: cluster of guest rooms

section: village center

project info:

name: sanya west islet club med resort
status: competition
client: sanya west island tourism company
operator: club med china
location: sanya west islet, hainan, china
duration: 2012-2013
350 guest rooms: 23408 sqm
88 villas: 18900 sqm
public areas: 102579 sqm
supporting facilities: 2390 sqm 

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