Hyatt Regency Huangshan Hengjiangwan

Nestled in the scenic embrace of Huangshan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hyatt Regency Huangshan Hengjiangwan project celebrates the integration of built environments with the pristine beauty of the local landscapes. Inspired by the Hengjiang Wetland, the design philosophy harmonizes the relationship between human habitation and the natural ecosystem, emphasizing the balance of man-made structures and natural elements.

Drawing from the surrounding wetlands, the design embraces the concept of constructed wetlands as ecosystems. These areas, lying between land and water, serve as vital habitats for fish and wildlife, enhance water quality through natural filtration, and provide essential flood storage.

The architecture is responsive, seamlessly integrating these natural systems into the built environment, creating a harmonious balance that celebrates the symbiotic relationship between nature and human activity.

The landscape architecture is guided by principles of refreshment, exploration, growth, sculpting, and building, ensuring that every element contributes to the overall harmony and functionality of the site.

The landscape incorporates innovative stormwater management strategies to handle runoff effectively and sustainably:

Roads: Stormwater planters adjacent to roads capture runoff, slowing it down and filtering it through plants and engineered soil before it reaches the main drainage system. This process not only reduces runoff speed but also filters out sediments and pollutants.

Open Spaces: Rain gardens are strategically placed to capture runoff from adjacent areas, slow the flow, and filter out sediments and pollutants before releasing the water into the underground drainage system, which eventually flows into the river.

River Edge: Vegetated open channels along pedestrian pathways manage runoff by reducing its flow depth and velocity. The water is then directed to sedimentation basins for settling before being released into the river, ensuring minimal impact on the natural watercourse.

Water is envisioned as a vital element of the landscape. The development harnesses the full potential of rainwater, integrating it into the overall design to enhance the quality of life for residents and promote biodiversity. Natural systems are employed to detain and clean stormwater runoff on-site before it flows into adjacent properties, ensuring that the development not only coexists with nature but actively contributes to its preservation and enhancement.

Hyatt Regency Huangshan Hengjiangwan stands as a beacon of modern architecture that honors and preserves the natural environment. By drawing inspiration from the Hengjiang Wetland and employing innovative stormwater strategies, the project creates a sustainable, harmonious living environment that celebrates the beauty and functionality of nature.

“Our approach was to weave the built environment seamlessly into the natural landscape, enhancing rather than disrupting its inherent rhythms. By harnessing the beauty of the surroundings and ensuring that we celebrate the site’s biodiversity, we thoughtfully created pockets of space not just for contemplation and immersion within nature, but also for nature to continue thriving. The result is a retreat where guests feel both grounded by nature and uplifted by thoughtful design, experiencing a space where architecture and landscape exist in perfect harmony.”

– Michael Brown, Creative Director of Landscape

Images courtesy of Hyatt Regency Huangshan Hengjiangwan.