WAY Studio’s Cloud Mountain Resort project is located at the foot of BaiYunShan (Cloud Mountain), Zhumadian, Henan Province. Known for its natural formation of clouds in the valley after the rain, and is a place where the surrounding villagers come to to pray for rain. The weather is mild and is appropriate for vacations during summer and fall.
WAY Studio focused on creating an environment for a balanced lifestyle with a focus on local culture and the immediate nature that may interact and vitalize the local community. Besides five different typology of vacation homes, a hotel is situated at the split of the major river running through the plot, the clubhouse acts as gateway or entrance to the entire design also serving as vehicle exchange station in order to create a more environmental friendly zone, existing natural scenery and trails were rediscovered and integrated into the overall planning to encourage out reach from the site.
The clubhouse is situated at the southmost point of the site, the overall form flows like the undulating mountains beyond acting as an iconic gateway for visitors. Inspired by traditional ink stone, the building is anchored onto the river with a stream guided through the building, several waterfalls flow out from the clubhouse, welcoming oncoming visitors. This allows the building to actively participate in nature as well as creating a unique experience for all that come and go.
As we progress further into the site, the cloud hotel sits at the river fork, the two forks leading into more secluded residential zone. Guided by the river valley, Cloud hotel looks up each fork of the river and down back towards the Clubhouse, naturally inducing the three sided orientation, and sits on the fork inspired by stacked cloud formation sometimes seen in these mountains.
Pass the fork at the hotel, five different typologies of residential house or duplexes are scattered throughout the reaming site. Each carefully designed to cater to different family types and are all situated along waterside with consideration for privacy and views into the surrounding nature.