NL architects: sanya block 5

'sanya block 5' by NL architects in sanya, hainan province, china
all images courtesy NL architects


amsterdam-based practice NL architects has been awarded first place for their design of 'sanya block 5',
a six-storey resort development project in sanya, hainan province, china. exploring new formats of circulation,
the design features an intricate 3D bridge system that branches out towards individual units, providing privacy
for inhabitants as well as a sculptural infrastructure that 'stitches' the blocks together. 



rendering of street elevation


located in the southernmost city of china, sanya is considered to be tropical in climate with a daily average
of 25 degrees celsius. the design takes advantage of the warm temperature by incorporating outdoor balconies
as an integral part of the hotel's living space. rendered as triangular extrusions, the terraces feature a deep
pocket that allows trees and plants to grow on each level. an open air kitchen unit as well as a built-in
bathtub allows the domestic activities to be extended outdoors, benefiting from views of the street and
the surrounding landscape. all units are arranged over two levels to create a spacious double-height atmosphere.



exterior view from street



extruded balconies



greenery


consisting of eight blocks of multi-storey development, the ground floor serves as a public deck with
restaurants, bars and retail opportunities. flanked between mirrored structures, this open-air zone acts
similarly to a courtyard or atrium with multiple sight lines of the bridges established. an elevator core
provides easy access to each floor before dividing into a network of catwalks.



view of balcony



view from unit



balcony and living space







circulation system



ground floor



overall rendering


network of bridges and stairs



gallery format



bridge format



overall floor plan / level 0



overall floor plan / level +1



overall floor plan / level +2



axonometric



unit arrangement diagram



schematic diagram of balcony



views and sunlight



balcony use



unit floor plan / level 1



unit floor plan / level 2



section



detailed section through balcony


project info:

client: vanke real estate development co., ltd. hainan
NL architects: pieter bannenberg, walter van dijk, kamiel klaasse
team: gen yamamoto, bobby de graaf
1st design phase: yaying huang, ana gavilanes, antariksh tandon
2nd design phase: zhongnan lao, pauline rabjeau