Inspired by Nanjing, the ancient Chinese walled city, this wellness retreat in China’s Haitang Bay was devised by the Shanghai-based multidisciplinary practice Neri&Hu, For the design and research office with a global portfolio and a strong reputation for site-specific work that speaks to the typography and cultural significance of the site surrounding it, this landmark project comes as no surprise. A critical probing into the specificities of program, site, function, and history is essential to Neri&Hu’s work. Based on research, the practice anchors its ethos on the dynamic interaction of experience, detail, material, form, and light rather than conforming to a formulaic style.

For Sanya, the architects defined the hotel in two parts—a timber dwelling comprising guest rooms perched atop a masonry base that contains all the public spaces below—a reference to Nanjing’s typography, elevated on a heavy plinth and surrounded by water for protection.

Two L-shaped building volumes come together, framing a water courtyard in which all the hotel’s public amenities spread and emanate outwards. The lobby becomes a garden landscape with a floating lantern hovering above that allows a gentle light to filter in and a soft breeze to flow through. At the same time, the ceilings here are lowered and suppressed in order to simultaneously frame views outward to the azure seas beyond.

At every given opportunity, the design tries to embody the spirit of Hainan, blending elements from the island’s collective memory, culture and natural features. Tapping into local craftsmanship, the masonry walls enveloping the lower levels are clad with handmade clay bricks, while the fabrics and rugs are inspired by textile art made by the Li tribe, the indigenous people of Hainan Island. The technique of soaking and pressing bamboo is also employed as a building material, with woven rattan and yellow bronze accents, enhancing the layers of the project.

For the guest rooms, each unit is conceived as an individual wooden hut that contains functional amenities such as the washrooms. In the negative space between the wooden boxes lies the sleeping and relaxing zones, decked out with ocean-view balconies. The alternating rhythm between solid and void, the angled walls and textured material expression all contribute to a dynamic façade that is constantly playing with light and shadow.

The corridor between the bedroom units becomes an urban streetscape, an alley where people can traverse and enjoy chance encounters. Something made only better by being on holiday.

[Images courtesy of Neri&Hu. Photography by Chen Hao.]