Vector Architects unveils Wulingshan Eye Stone Spring Spa
Vector Architects has unveiled its latest project, the Wulingshan Eye Stone Spring Spa, located in the forested mountains of Hebei, China. Completed in 2024, the spa is designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings while using concrete and light in innovative ways.
The building’s most distinctive feature is its use of tubular concrete lightwells that allow natural light to flood the interior, creating a unique atmosphere throughout the spa. The lightwells, measuring up to 8 m in height, are a key part of the design, ensuring that daylight filters into the spaces below while softening the otherwise raw concrete elements of the structure.
According to the architects, the design draws inspiration from the surrounding natural environment and aims to minimise the visual and physical impact of the building. "We wanted the structure to blend into the landscape, with a minimal footprint, so it was lifted off the ground using a series of columns," explained Yan Ke, lead architect at Vector Architects. "The building is designed to resemble a piece of hot spring apparatus, enhancing the therapeutic qualities of the space."
The spa’s interior features timber-lined walls and warm finishes that contrast with the rugged concrete exterior, which is partially constructed from reclaimed stone sourced from the area. This mix of materials reflects the project's emphasis on sustainability and local context.
The Wulingshan Eye Stone Spring Spa includes a series of pools and communal bathing areas, all designed to provide a tranquil, immersive experience for visitors. Each area is illuminated by the lightwells, with carefully positioned openings ensuring that sunlight interacts with the concrete surfaces in a way that enhances the natural qualities of the space.
Visitors will also notice that the building's footprint is elevated above the forest floor. "Raising the structure minimises disruption to the site’s ecology and lets the natural environment flow through underneath," said Yan Ke.
The spa is located in the Wuling Mountain area, a region known for its scenic beauty and natural hot springs. The project is part of a broader trend of integrating architecture with nature, where the use of concrete and natural light plays a central role in achieving a balanced, sustainable design.
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