Baoting Shuangda Hot Spring Resort

AECOM Hong Kong

Short description

The Baoting Shuangda Hot Spring Resort is envisioned a wellness retreat that blends with the lower slopes of the Qixianling Mountain. The subtropical climate has given the site a unique rainforest setting along with a stream and hot springs. It also enjoys views of the seven peaks of Qixianling, an iconic geological feature and the highest point in the region. The landscape concept carefully considers natural assets and the resort’s oriental architecture to honor the harmonious peaks and to tap into the healing properties of the forest.

The visitor journey begins at a misty roundabout at the clubhouse drop-off. Various outdoor areas are oriented towards the seven peaks, which are framed by apertures and water features. A passage through a reflection pool leads to the hot springs spa in the lower building. The water from here cascades to a restaurant with al fresco dining pods and an outdoor stage.

Environmental studies were conducted to optimize the design. Solar exposure informed the programming of spaces, while normalized difference vegetation indices assisted in strategizing for enhanced green coverage and soil health. This enabled a selection of plant types that would best thrive in the local conditions, create comfortable microclimates, and can potentially sequester about 34,000,00 kg CO2-eq over fifty years. The lake feature doubles as a stormwater management system.

To retain the character of the site and reduce transport-related carbon emissions, rocks and boulders are retained. These available materials are reused in the framing of pools, as focal points, and planting areas. Larger boulders are left in situ as the landscape design works around their natural placement to create private niches in the hot springs and to achieve more naturalistic planting.

Baoting Shuangda Hot Spring Resort demonstrates that maximizing available materials and ecosystem data can create a wellness destination like no other.