vector architects illuminates ‘wulingshan’ hot spring spa with brutalist light wells

'wulingshan eye stone spring' features bathing pools of varying temperatures lit by eight skylit light wells.

kat barandy December 3, 2024 4 min

monumental design with minimal impact by vector architects

Vector Architects has completed the Wulingshan Eye Stone Spring, a unique new hot spring spa hidden within the forests of Wuling Mountain in Hebei, China. Located in a river valley of the Yanshan Mountains, the site is characterized by its rugged cliffs, lush poplar trees, and serene alluvial plains. Visitors approach the spring house by crossing a steel arch bridge and traversing a forested path, arriving at the structure’s entrance surrounded by reeds and a slow-moving stream.

To preserve the natural topography, Vector Architects designed the spring house to touch the landscape lightly. The main concrete structure is elevated on ten columns driven into the earth, minimizing its footprint on the forest floor. This elevated approach serves to protect the site’s delicate ecology while creating a dynamic interplay between the building and its surroundings.

vector architects wulingshan — image © Liu Guowei, unless otherwise stated

Vertical Organization Across Three Levels

The Beijing-based studio Vector Architects vertically organizes its Wulingshan Eye Stone Spring. The building’s tower is situated along the west housing bath spaces, and transportation and service facilities found within the eastern core. These elements are connected by bridge-like corridors on each level. By stacking programs, the architects reduced the building’s footprint while crafting distinct spatial experiences. As visitors ascend, they encounter shifting perspectives of the poplar canopy, the rock cliff, and distant mountain vistas.

The spring house is divided into three functional levels. The ground floor serves as a transitional zone, with a central teak-clad space housing the reception, locker rooms, and showers. This area prepares visitors for their bathing experience while furthering the building’s minimalist aesthetic.

bathing under skylit light wells at wulingshan eye stone spring

On the second floor of Vector Architects’ Wulingshan Eye Stone Spring, a relaxation lounge is enclosed by floor-to-ceiling glass, offering panoramic views of the surrounding forest. Positioned within the densest section of the tree canopy, this space connects visitors to nature year-round. Operable windows enhance the experience, inviting natural air and seasonal views into the lounge.

The third floor features bath pools of varying temperatures and treatments, illuminated by eight skylit light wells. These eight-meter (26-foot)-high wells diffuse sunlight through bush-hammered concrete, creating a serene, almost meditative atmosphere. Strip windows along the west facade allow bathers to enjoy views of the nearby valley cliffs and surrounding treetops while immersed in the calming waters.