Continue reading below
Our Featured Videos
Sanya Block 5, NL Architects, china, sanya, living facade, eco hotel, green hotel

Sanya Block 5 is a hotel that is part of a much larger tourist development which consists of 4 groups of mirrored buildings adding up to 8 in total. The exterior of the buildings feature large outdoor living spaces and deep-pocketed planters for trees and vegetation. This outdoor balcony serves as an extension of the indoor living space and a way to reduce conditioned space. Each hotel room includes two bedrooms, a kitchenette and a double height living area to let in more natural light and views. The vegetation on the balcony serves to provide shade and create a cooler microclimate for guests to enjoy. Wastewater from inside the room is used to help water the plants.

The buildings are mirrored around an intricate 3D maze-like structure to access each individual room. This circulation strategy increases privacy for each room as compared to traditional gallery style hallways. The maze/bridge method creates a private catwalk route to each room. In between the buildings there is an open-air courtyard that serves as a lobby and public space where guests can mingle. Sanya Block 5 then becomes a lush retreat that places a strong focus on outdoor living as well as privacy for each guest.

Images ©NL Architects