Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects has taken the idea of a structure being built “on the lake” quite literally with its recently revealed plans for a granite clubhouse and spa complex located directly on top of a lake. The 34,014-sf space will be built at the center of a lake in the southern China district of GaoYao and will eventually become an art gallery, spa, and lounge, serving residents of nearby exclusive villas, according to Dezeen.
The goal is not to make the structure look as if it is sitting on top of the lake but, instead, to make it an integrated part of the lake.
The complex will consist of three concave blocks with each block being connected to another via one of its corners. From above, the overall design looks like a giant lobster with two meaty claws, which is fitting, considering its aquatic locale. Specifically, the building will be located on the edge of a weir that controls the lake level. The only connection between the complex and the mainland will be a narrow pedestrian bridge.
The building will use its location in the center of a lake and its framed panoramic views in an effort to quickly connect visitors to the surrounding landscape. To make the most of these panoramic views, a Feng Shui expert was brought in to determine the building’s orientation within the build site and the direction of its entrances.
Due to the beauty the surrounding mountainous landscape offers, an open, column-free layout will be used in tandem with floor-to-ceiling glazing.
The building’s three parts will feature different amenities and facilities, but will be visually linked by light oak floors and gray granite walls that will be carried throughout the complex.
The complex is expected to be completed in early 2017 and is currently under construction.
Rendering: Luxigon
Related Stories
| Jul 15, 2014
Michael Graves talks with Washington Post about new design eye from life in a wheelchair
Celebrated American architect Michael Graves sits with the Washington Post to talk about how being on a wheelchair changed the way he focuses on design.
| Jul 14, 2014
Meet the bamboo-tent hotel that can grow
Beijing-based design cooperative Penda designed a bamboo hotel that can easily expand vertically or horizontally.
| Jul 10, 2014
BioSkin 'vertical sprinkler' named top technical innovation in high-rise design
BioSkin, a system of water-filled ceramic pipes that cools the exterior surface of buildings and their surrounding micro-climates, has won the 2014 Tall Building Innovation Award from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
| Jul 7, 2014
7 emerging design trends in brick buildings
From wild architectural shapes to unique color blends and pattern arrangements, these projects demonstrate the design possibilities of brick.
| Jul 7, 2014
A climate-controlled city is Dubai's newest colossal project
To add to Dubai's already impressive portfolio of world's tallest tower and world's largest natural flower garden, Dubai Holding has plans to build the world's largest climate-controlled city.
| Jul 1, 2014
Sochi's 'kinetic façade' may steal the show at the Winter Olympics
The temporary pavilion for Russian telecom operator MegaFon will be wrapped with a massive digital "pin screen" that will morph into the shape of any face.
| Jun 30, 2014
Research finds continued growth of design-build throughout United States
New research findings indicate that for the first time more than half of projects above $10 million are being completed through design-build project delivery.
| Jun 25, 2014
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Spring House, Cincinnati’s Union Terminal among 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2014
The National Trust for Historic Preservation released its annual list of 11 Most Endangered Historical Sites in the United States for 2014.
| Jun 20, 2014
Sterling Bay pulled on board for Chicago Old Main Post Office project
Sterling Bay Cos. and Bill Davies' International Property Developers North America partner up for a $500 million restoration of Chicago's Old Main Post Office
| Jun 19, 2014
First look: JDS Architects' roller-coaster-like design for Istanbul waterfront development
The development's wavy and groovy design promises unobstructed views of the Marmara Sea for every unit.
