The design for the Harbin Hotel is inspired by the soft layering of the mountain landscape surrounding the site. The top of the mountains weave gently into the skyline, softly disappearing from sight as the distance progresses. The constant layering and the gradual fading of the mountains become reminiscent of the gentle flow of water changing shape with movement.
The hotel rises as a built form within the mountains floating on water. As visitors move up for arrival, water flows down and circulates through a pool. The arrival experience dissolves in the beauty of nature and as a full three dimensional visual rather than a two dimensional representation. Each villa’s identity has also been designed in relation to the four changing seasons, and are set to strengthen the visitor’s relationship with the mountains.
