the spine resort by AIM architecture spreads like tentacles across riparian land in china

the spine resort emerges near a lake in sichuan, china

Located an hour’s drive south of Chengdu, China, near a picturesque and natural lake network, The Spine Resort by local practice AIM Architecture emerges onto its rural site like a cluster of organically grown ecosystems, spreading generously as tentacles would. Grandiose from afar yet intimate within, the biophilic design reveals a dynamic play on scale, thus creating practical, engaging, and localized connections while framing panoramic views for all resort guests to enjoy throughout their stay. 

all images © Dirk Weiblen, courtesy AIM Architecture

biophilic design recalling organically grown ecosystems

Concept-wise, AIM architecture (see more here) drew inspiration from the nearby Linpan villages, known for their informal volume placement, green yards, fields, and forests. Similarly, the team organized The Spine Resort with gardens surrounding the 350 guest rooms, connected by a covered walkway. Through various building configurations, ‘we realized these connections could become integral to the architecture. The idea evolved that the main lobby could organically emerge from these walkways, becoming the heart of the resort,’ share the architects. 

The Spine Resort is an hour’s drive south of Chengdu

Spanning over 55,000 sqm, The Spine Resort features a high, vertical entrance that transitions into a low, curved panoramic structure, celebrating the lake’s arrival views. The studio designed the roof of the main volume and walkways as a wooden structure, linking it to traditional wooden architecture, boat-like shapes, and sustainability goals. The result is a warm, biophilic, rhythmic, and spine-like hospitality destination guiding visitors through its sweeping designs and spaces. 

a warm, biophilic, rhythmic, and spine-like hospitality destination

aim architecture creates dynamic layers of walkways

The walkways keep guests dry and shielded from the sun. At times, they are wide and flat, almost touching the earth, creating an intimate scale, with views closed on one side and open to gardens on the other. As the walkways approach the guest buildings, the spinal roof structures dramatically open up to light and green courtyard gardens. ‘This dramatic interplay of compression and opening creates a unique and strong architectural experience, dynamically balancing architecture, nature, and people,’ concludes AIM Architecture. 

gardens surround the 350 guest rooms

the main lobby organically emerges from the walkways

reflective pool at the entrance

at times, the walkways are wide and flat, almost touching the earth

The Spine Resort features a high, vertical entrance that transitions into a low, curved panoramic structure

traditional wooden architecture with boat-like shapes

drawing inspiration from the nearby Linpan villages, known for their informal volume placement

a dynamic interplay of compression and openness

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project info:

name: The Spine Resort, Heilongtan – China

architect: AIM Architecture | @aimarchitecture

location: Meishan, Sichuan, China

client: China Railway Sichuan Eco-City Investment Corporation
client design management: Zhangshu, Liaoqiang, Hanyi Wang, Xiuhu He
design principals: Wendy Saunders, Vincent de Graaf
studio director: Yvonne Lym, Lisa Yan
project architect/team lead: Vincent Zhou, DongDong Li
design team: Emilio Wang Chen, Kangjin, Steve Do, Laile Li,
Ren Yang Tan, George Mocea, Bozhena Hoida
visualization: Jiaoyan
hotel operator: Club Med
LDI: Huayu Architecture
interior designer: PAL Design Group
wood structure: Suzhou Zhujing Construction Technology
landscape consultant: EDSA – Planning, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design
lighting consultant: CSLC – China SpotLight Consultant
accoustic consultant: JCK Acoustics Group
art consultant: U.Design
main materials: wood structure, double curve roof
photographer: Dirk Weiblen | @dirkweiblen

total construction area: 55,017.54 sqm
completiondate: May 2024