Shanghai-based architecture studio JADE+QA, with interior designs by Hong Kong-based firm Stylus Studio, has designed a resort made of four elliptic volumes situated in a beautiful wooded mountainous area of Moganshan, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China. 

Dubbed as Joe Lalli Narada Resort, the resort draws attention with its organic structure that complements the existing surrounding. It's perfect harmony is strengthen with bamboo elements and local hardwood used on the main mass.

Covering a total of 9,600 square meters, the resort is located in a special area where unspoilt nature with mountains, lakes and waterfalls has traditionally been a popular destination for visitors from all over China and has a long history of being a more temperate summer vacation retreat for the population of Shanghai since the 1880s. 

This tradition has recently been revived and now there are a number of popular resorts taking advantage of the clear air and unspoiled natural environment, according to the architects.

The resort comprises of number of villas located in the upper part of the valley and surrounding a lake reservoir. The project is located in the lower part of the resort, adjacent to a main road and is intended to be the resort’s central guest facility.

The architects' design approach was to create a building that will seamlessly fit into its environment and provide a unique landmark for the whole resort. 

"We have therefore developed the concept for the massing and the external and internal materials from the natural environment of Moganshan itself, inspired by Its unique beauty, combining the image of mountains, forests and water into single architectural statement," said the architectural statement. 

"The interior is bringing the architectural language inside the space and are bold, organic, and alluring with their ethereal, heavenly forms. With the design DNA a mimicry of the surrounding area, the ballroom and lobby lounge both reinterpret the tea flower indigenous to Moganshan."

The architects found inspiration not only in materials, textures and colours native to Moganshan, but also in the design narrative of its past. 

Known as the "Shanghai Hamptons", the aim was to entice guests back to the region — to relax and rejuvenate in style and inspire them by creating an unexpected experience using expected natural materials.

The main massing and facade elements of the design concept are inspired by the effect of the rainclouds rolling over the green mountains forming waterfalls rivers and lakes.

The planning and massing of the building clearly expresses both the functions and their relationships and provide the strong connection with the surrounding natural environment.

Sustainability is an important part of this project utilising mainly passive sustainability elements such as the building orientation, external wall construction to provide good level of insulation, sun shading protection, green roofs for added insulation and the use of local and renewable materials such as bamboo and local hardwood. 

Solar panels were located on the upper flat roofs. Local water source will be diverted and used to create the external landscape water features, lakes and waterfalls. Rainwater will be collected stored and used for irrigation.

First floor plan

2nd floor plan

Section

Section

Details

Details

JADE+QA is an international architectural design practice founded by a British Architects Martin Jochman and Richard Andrews by combining resources and capabilities of their established practices in UK and in China. 

JADE+QA has offices in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

All images © Edmon Leong

> via JADE+QA & Stylus Studio