pixelated facade wraps CLOU architects' terraced wuhan ski complex

Wuhan Ski Resort offers Year-Round Snow-Themed Entertainment

A diverse array of entertainment, sports, and retail facilities surrounds a central lake, forming a vast commercial complex, the Wuhan Ski Resort by CLOU architects. In ‘Downhill Pixels,’ architecture and facades are conceived as complementary scales of terraced three-dimensional pixels. Promoted by the Beijing Winter Olympics, snow sports have surged in popularity among China’s younger generations. The newly completed Wuhan Ski Resort blends sports facilities with hotels, retail spaces, theme parks, and entertainment amenities, complemented by ski schools, clubs, and professional sports events. This innovative entertainment complex celebrates a snow-themed lifestyle year-round.

Located in the Huangpi district near Mulan Ancient Town, the Wuhan Ski Resort is set to be the new contemporary landmark. It integrates indoor winter sports, retail streets, and outdoor theme park attractions, creating a vibrant all-inclusive destination. Centered around a picturesque lake, the masterplan fosters lakeside enjoyment with carnival energy, shopping precincts, water sports, and an abstracted mountain-like form—all within a singular immersive complex. The design merges architecture and surfaces through scaled, terraced pixelated forms.

all images by Shrimp Studio unless stated otherwise

CLOU fuses Sports, Retail, and Leisure into A Multi-Terrain complex

Three distinct building typologies of varying scales define the resort’s unique character, unified through a cohesive design language. International design practice CLOU architects tailored the complex to the recreational needs of Wuhan, one of China’s most populous cities. A standout feature is the half-kilometer-long, 100-meter-high indoor ski slope, setting a precedent for a new type of indoor winter sports facilities. Indoor snow activities are paired with a sprawling outdoor carnival landscape and versatile retail offerings. The modular facade system organizes collective design elements that are then decomposed and reorganized to create identity in new synergies.

Beneath the towering indoor ski slope with its pixelated multimedia facade, a network of sports venues, nightlife hotspots, and retail plazas cascades toward the lake. Landscaped foothills and interactive facades blend indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a sequence that activates retail streets, entertainment zones, and green areas. This interconnected design ties the resort’s vibrant experiences to nearby transportation hubs, creating a dynamic and accessible destination.

‘Downhill Pixels’ design features terraced three-dimensional facades across the complex | image by Arch Exist

merging architecture and nature, the complex’s terraced forms resemble abstract mountains | image by Arch Exist

the resort celebrates China’s rising enthusiasm for snow sports | image by Arch Exist

blending indoor ski slopes with retail, the resort offers year-round snow-themed entertainment | image by Arch Exist

three building typologies unify the resort’s design with a cohesive architectural language | image by Arch Exist

a masterplan centered on a picturesque lake fosters vibrant lakeside enjoyment and carnival-like energy

beneath the towering ski slope, nightlife hotspots, sports venues, and retail plazas cascade toward the lake

landscaped foothills and interactive facades create a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces

the resort connects retail streets, entertainment zones, and green areas with vibrant, dynamic circulation

CLOU Architects’ resort encircles a central lake with entertainment, sports, and retail facilities

project info:

name: Wuhan Ski Resort – Downhill Pixels
architect: CLOU architects | @clouarchitects

location: Wuhan, China

design team: Jan Clostermann, Zhi Zhang, Sebastian Loaiza, Zihao Ding, Liang Hao, Yiqiao Zhao, Christopher Biggin, Principia Wardhani, Artur Nitribitt, Jingshuang Zhao, Liu Liu, Yinuo Zhou, Yuanyuan Sun, Haiwei Xie

facade consultant: China Construction Shenzhen Decoration Co., Ltd.

lighting consultant: Zhejiang Urban Construction Planning&Design Institute

photography: Shrimp Studio, Arch-Exist Photography | @archexist

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom