WOHA: intercontinental sanya resort

‘intercontinental sanya resort’ by WOHA, hainan island, china image © patrick bingham-hall

singaporean firm WOHA has completed the massive 100,548 square meter ‘intercontinental sanya resort’ on hainan island off the southern coast of china. the collection of villas, a clubhouse, two hundred hotel rooms, restaurant, watergarden, spas, sports center and ballroom are encapsulated within the concept of the garden. each space opens directly to a vegetative feature of varying moods and characteristics, taking an aesthetic cue from configuration of the local rice fields. the exterior of the structures are comprised of neutral tones, light-colored walls and metals under what seems to be the elevated ground. by contrast, the interiors boast bronze, gold, and darker hues.

occupying such a large surface begged for special attention to be placed on sustainable practices. the most prominent feature, the orthogonal mixed green roof provide insulative properties, support an indigenous micro-habitat and include a sophisticated water collection system for re-use within the buildings. the ‘W’ shape of the floor plan allows all the functions to be exposed to daylight, with a series of perforated aluminum sheets and precast concrete screens to minimize excessive heat gain. deep overhangs and cross-ventilation are present throughout the volumes to minimize cooling costs. an array of local and natural materials exist throughout the project including hand-woven fabric, terrazzo, ceramic tiles and various granites.

view across resort heart, roof gardens, and family fun pool with chinese restaurant at the far end. image © patrick bingham-hall

sea water pool along beach promenade for club guests, with direct access from one and two bedroom beach villas. image © patrick bingham-hall

chinese restaurant image © patrick bingham-hall

entrance driveway along the west side of development. the 11-storey high façade is wrapped with perforated aluminum screen to reduce heat from afternoon sun. image © patrick bingham-hall

lush landscape and water garden covering beach villa and back of house area on ground floor, giving all 200 hotel rooms at 2nd and 3rd floors bird’s eye view of south china sea. image © patrick bingham-hall

aluminium screen above reflective pond and walkways to private spa villas image © patrick bingham-hall

access from beach promenade to watergarden and club intercon rooms. image © patrick bingham-hall

single level corridor with high ceiling along north facade to access watergarden and club intercon rooms at 2nd and 3rd floors, with lush planting, plenty of skylights, and aluminum screens to filter sunlight. image © patrick bingham-hall

ballroom pre-function area with wide glass canopy and timber trellis image © patrick bingham-hall

precast concrete screen along north façade of skyroom tower image © patrick bingham-hall

naturally ventilated lobby lounge with brass screen wall image © patrick bingham-hall

ballroom pre-function space image © patrick bingham-hall

skyroom north facade image © patrick bingham-hall

project info:

project location: 27 luling road, hainan. sanya 572000, china project dates: design inception: november 2006start of construction: november 2007completed: june 2010 (soft opening)full completion: february 2011 project cost: approximately s0 millionproject size: built up area: 100,548 sqm, plot area: 129,117 sqm interior designers: WOHA client: sanya luhuitou tourist area development company limited local architect (china): institute of architectural design & research taiyuan university of technology