Vector Architects has shared details of a newly completed health spa project called the Wulingshan Eye Stone Spring in the northern suburbs of Beijing. The studio relates their vision of the house, which is raised on 10 supporting columns, as an "apparatus of the steaming hot spring, touching lightly upon the natural slope."

Overcoming its challenging site affords views of the Yanshan Mountains while abutting a steep rock cliff to the west, opening onto an expansive vista of the alluvial plains to the east and mountain range beyond. 

Functional hot spring spaces are layered vertically in the tower on the west side, separated from the transportation and service programs which are set within the east-facing core and connected by corridor-like bridges on every level. 

Their two programs are then also vertically stacked, which helps to reduce the overall building footprint while creating a series of unique spatial experiences on different levels. 

The energy of movement within the space, which is critical to user experience in spa settings, plays out in varying intensities across three levels. The architects say also: "As the visitors ascend, new relationships between the surrounding trees, rock cliff, and distant mountain landscape are respectively highlighted."

"We allocated the main functions on three levels. An integrated teak box anchors the center space of the first floor to accommodate the reception, storage, locker room and showering functions before entering the bath," their description continues. "The second floor is a transparent relaxation lounge enclosed by floor-to-ceiling glass on all sides, located among the most-lush part of the poplar tree canopies. When the weather is favorable, the upper windows can be opened, introducing the fresh natural air, framing splendor natural scenery throughout the seasons."

The sight of a bush-hammered concrete finish finally grants the building a muted but austere character evocative of the cleansing rituals taking place within as it emerges from against the thick tree canopy.

Designs from Vector Architects were previously featured in MoMA's 2021 exhibition of emerging Chinese architects. The practice was founded in Beijing in 2008.