Queenstown, NZ, the latest addition to China's growing 'duplitecture' culture
by Tom Anstey | 12 Jun 2014
Queenstown is now known for its commerce-oriented tourism, especially adventure and ski tourism / Shutterstock
China’s latest piece of ‘duplitecture’ – architectural replicas of tourist areas and attractions around the world – will be a CN¥10.8bn (US$1.7bn, €1.3bn, £1bn) recreation of Queenstown in New Zealand, alongside imitations of Davos in Switzerland and a Scottish-style town.
The planned ski resort will be built with a “Queenstown-type feel” and will sit near another “mini-Queenstown” which will feature a scenic man-made blue lake, ski fields, a forest train, alpine pastures, attractions and theme parks.
Details on the Scottish town and Davos replica are yet to be announced, with developers currently seeking architects for each project.
The masterplan for the multi-billion dollar investment has been awarded to Sydney-based PTW Architects, who built Auckland's Vero Centre and have masterplanned several large-scale projects worldwide.
Copycat architecture, is a growing trend for attractions in mainland China, with everything from London’s pubs to Venice’s canals and even entire cities.
Copycat attractions are also a popular trend in the country, with a replica Titanic attraction most recently announced.
An unnamed Chinese investment firm is working with the Australia-based Besgate Group to build the resort in Xi'an Province, which is scheduled to be open by 2020.
China’s latest piece of ‘duplitecture’ – architectural replicas of tourist areas and attractions around the world – will be a CN¥10.8bn (US$1.7bn, €1.3bn, £1bn) recreation of Queenstown in New Zealand, alongside imitations of Davos in Switzerland and a Scottish-style town. The planned ski resort will be built with a “Queenstown-type feel” and will sit near another “mini-Queenstown” which will feature a scenic man-made blue lake, ski fields, a forest train,
TOU,TVL,TAW,VAT,PRO,ARC,DES,CLD
More news
Therme appoints UK CEO as £250m Therme Manchester gets planning approval
by Megan Whitby | 22 Sep 2023
Therme Group has received planning permission to build the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort, Therme Manchester, after a four-year journey. Planning approval has been granted for the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort, Therme Manchester, in Trafford in northern England. A project by Therme Group, the £250m (US$317.8m, €291.4m) resort’s design was recently updated to include a pavilion-style concept enveloped by a natural landscape. Construction is set to commence later this
Construction work to begin on Universal Resort Beijing's second phase 'by 2025'
by Tom Walker | 10 Sep 2023
Construction work on the second phase of the Universal Resort Beijing is set to begin by 2025. The expansion of the resort, which first opened in September 2021, will form part of the Chinese government's wider action plan to invest in Beijing's tourism infrastructure and to develop the city into a global destination. The second phase will add around 2.2sq km to the total park area at Universal Beijing and
Sparcstudio gives Center Parcs' Aqua Sana concept an extensive forest-inspired makeover
by Megan Whitby | 05 Sep 2023
Center Parcs is conducting a multi-million-pound spa remodel at its Elveden Forest holiday village in Norfolk, UK. Reimagined in line with Center Parcs’ Forest Spa concept, the spa will reopen on 29 September with 25 experiences. The new facilities will be spread across six zones and be inspired by some of the world's most extraordinary natural environments. Center Parcs says the redesign “reflects our woodland surroundings through the use of
Studio Apostoli plans wellness oasis in Mongolian national park
by Megan Whitby | 31 Aug 2023
Verona-based spa and wellness design firm Studio Apostoli has been appointed to support the creation of a wellness-centric eco-resort 40km from the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar. Developed by Devjikh Tsog Khugjil, Tavan Jargal Resort is currently in the preliminary design and business planning stages. The vision for the 13-hectare development is to create a high-end wellness oasis tucked away in a protected national park that showcases Mongolian culture and the
Soho House to expand with new properties in UK, North America and Latin America
by Megan Whitby | 29 Aug 2023
Soho House is set to unveil seven new locations across the UK, North America and Latin America during 2023 and 2024. Founded by entrepreneur Nick Jones, the international private members club’s first destination opened in London’s Soho neighbourhood in 1995. It is now worth over US$2.8bn (£2.2bn, €2.6bn), according to Bloomberg. Soho House has grown into a successful global brand with 41 Houses in 17 countries, with locations ranging from
Art Processors win Fast Co Design Award for Sydney Opera House 50th anniversary synchronised show
by Tom Walker | 25 Aug 2023
An AV experience project, which turned the Sydney Opera House's famous 'sails' into huge video screens, has won the Experience Design category in Fast Company's 2023 Innovation by Design Awards. Created by Australia-based Art Processors, the From the Sails: Light Years project included an original film artwork projected onto the Sydney Opera House's western sails to mark the iconic landmark's 50th-year celebrations. The 17-minute film charts the building's history and
September reopening for Britain's oldest lido following £9m transformation
by Megan Whitby | 25 Aug 2023
The UK’s oldest outdoor public pool in the city of Bath will reopen to the public on 10 September following a £9m (US$10.7m, €10.1m) restoration project. Located on Hampton Row, Cleveland Pools was designed by John Pinch the Elder, designer of Babbington House in Somerset and Bishopstrow House, as well as parts of the City of Bath, and opened in 1815. It remained a popular open-air bathing spot for more
Rixos to open Turkish-inspired beachfront spa resort in Dubai Islands
by Megan Whitby | 25 Aug 2023
Work is underway to realise a new Rixos resort in Dubai following a partnership between UAE-based real estate developer Nakheel and Excelsior Real Estate. Set back in a secluded cove with direct access to a 700-metre beach, Rixos Dubai Islands, Hotel & Residences will be home to a range of beachfront accommodation and residences as well as a signature Rixos spa and fitness centre, infinity pools and communal residential lounges.
Rosewood’s second Austrian Asaya spa to open in restored 15th-century castle
by Megan Whitby | 24 Aug 2023
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will unveil a brand new Asaya wellness spa in 2024 at a lakeside castle in the Austrian countryside. The spa will open at the luxury hotel and spa operator’s upcoming hotel Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, complete with eight treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a fitness centre. Asaya is Rosewood’s signature wellness concept focused on the intersections between physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. The Asaya
1 Hotel Mayfair launches with Bamford Wellness Spa and biophilic design by GA Group
by Megan Whitby | 17 Aug 2023
1 Hotels, the eco-luxury brand and brainchild of Starwood Capital founder Barry Sternlicht, has opened its debut European property in the heart of the UK capital with design by GA Group. 1 Hotel Mayfair has been designed to set a new benchmark for lower-impact luxury in London and adhere to 1 Hotels’ sustainability-minded philosophy that “those that travel the world should also care about it”. The London location is gearing
Otherworld Philadelphia is a place where 'anything is possible'
by Tom Walker | 17 Aug 2023
A new immersive, interactive art experience – described as a place where 'anything is possible' – has opened in Philadelphia. Called Otherworld, the attraction occupies a 40,000sq ft space in a building located in north Philadelphia that previously housed a discount retail outlet, Formal Mills. Designed and built by Otherworld, the experience features 55 unique rooms that guests can explore, with a number of storylines interlinking and connecting them to
Mandarin Oriental opens first retreat in Greece and announces upcoming Sardinian property and spa
by Megan Whitby | 16 Aug 2023
Luxury hotel operator Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (MOHG) has announced the opening of its first Greek property and spa, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino. Described as a sustainably-driven destination, the new beachfront resort in Messenia has been developed in collaboration with Temes – the property owner and a developer known for its commitment to sustainability. The design team behind the 99-key resort was Tombazis & Associates Architects and K-Studio. Their brief
Third Space joins Six Senses at luxury development The Whiteley
by Tom Walker | 09 Aug 2023
Third Space has signed a deal to open a club at The Whiteley, the iconic West London landmark which is undergoing a £1bn transformation into a mixed-use development. The luxury fitness operator will take 34,000sq ft of space across three floors within The Whiteley, directly accessed via Porchester Gardens in Bayswater. Third Space currently operates 10 clubs across London and is rolling out its high-end brand following investment from KSL
GymNation – owned by JD Gyms – opens latest club in Dubai and plans Middle East expansion
by Tom Walker | 09 Aug 2023
GymNation, which was acquired by JD Gyms in 2022, has opened its latest health club in Dubai, bringing the number of sites in its UAE portfolio to 11. GymNation Downtown Dubai features more than 500 pieces of Matrix and Eleiko equipment across a 40,000sq ft space. There are also three group exercise studios, featuring programming from Les Mills and a dedicated combat zone and classes. GymNation has ambitious expansion plans,
Entertainment resort and waterpark planned for Tashkent, Uzbekistan
by Tom Walker | 09 Aug 2023
A world-scale, integrated resort is being planned for Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital city. Feature unique water attractions, a themed hotel, immersive dining, and live entertainment, the development will be located close to urban regeneration district, New Tashkent City and is being designed with both local and international audiences in mind. US-based design firm Legacy Entertainment has been appointed to design and build the resort's waterpark, which will anchor the project. No
Plans revealed for US$2bn Oklahoma theme park
by Tom Walker | 05 Aug 2023
Plans have been tabled for a US$2bn theme park and entertainment destination development in north-east Oklahoma, US. The development would be built in phases, starting with a large-scale caravan/RV park with cabins scheduled to open phase one in spring 2025. The main development called American Heartland Theme Park and Resort, would then follow in 2026. Spreading across 1,000 acres, the resort would be located close to Route 66, the famous
Nike gets into the health club market with the launch of group exercise studios
by Liz Terry | 04 Aug 2023
Nike has made the leap into the group fitness market with the launch of Nike Studios. The offering – in partnership with FitLab – is being billed as “a new generation of group fitness for every body and every goal.” Classes will be led by Nike trainers. The first physical locations will be in West Hollywood, LA, and upmarket Newport Beach in Southern California, near the headquarters of FitLab. Nike Studios
Canyon Ranch receives additional US$150m investment from VICI Properties to fund expansion
by Megan Whitby | 28 Jul 2023
Destination wellness brand Canyon Ranch has expanded its partnership with VICI Properties, an experiential-focused real estate investment trust, to expand its offering across North America and beyond. In 2023, The Canyon Ranch brand encompasses three destination wellness resorts in Tucson, Lenox (Massachusetts) and Woodside (California) respectively, as well as a day spa and fitness centre in Las Vegas, Nevada. Thanks to the recent deal, VICI has provided Canyon Ranch with
Communal bathhouses and self-care inspire LA's upcoming wellness club, Hume
by Megan Whitby | 26 Jul 2023
Los Angeles-based Hume Projects has announced the forthcoming launch of Hume, an urban wellness club and members community designed to simplify and inspire the practice of consistent self-care. Slated to open in early 2024, Hume is expected to bring together premium health and lifestyle facilities to create a members club concept for those searching for a more balanced routine. Located in the heart of Venice Beach, the wellness club will
Foster + Partners slated to design Equinox Resort Amaala
by Megan Whitby | 26 Jul 2023
Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations Amaala and The Red Sea, has partnered with fitness-focused hospitality brand and management company Equinox Hotels. The organisation is an offshoot of premium fitness group Equinox which operates more than 100 upscale health clubs in urban markets in the US, Canada and the UK. Equinox Hotels is looking to develop a global network of hotels, with plans for 33 properties
Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios' Eden Project Dundee will celebrate myth-makers and alchemists
by Tom Walker | 19 Jul 2023
The Eden Project has revealed new visuals for its planned Dundee project in the city’s East Docks, with architecture by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios. The images show plans for an attraction which has been inspired by the Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee – a group formed in the 16th century to bring professions from bakers to tailors into a single organisation with more bargaining power. Eden Project Dundee will be themed
Noa* creates elemental spa for alpine eco-resort in Austria
by Megan Whitby | 18 Jul 2023
Austrian eco-resort Puradies in Leogang, Austria, has been upgraded with a brand new spa inspired by the four natural elements and designed to integrate smoothly into the natural landscape. Italian architecture and interior design firm Network of Architecture (Noa*) was appointed to realise the new 1,500sq m Heaven Spa in October 2022. With 76 rooms and 14 chalets, the family-run hotel is laid out as a village and is dedicated
Meow Wolf opens The Real Unreal psychedelic experience in Grapvine, Texas
by Tom Walker | 17 Jul 2023
Meow Wolf has opened its fourth permanent exhibition in Grapevine, North Texas. Called The Real Unreal, the immersive art attraction is being described as a "psychedelic playground for adults and kids alike". Located at the Grapevine Mills mall, the attraction was created by Meow Wolf's in-house team of artists in partnership with 38 Texas-based artists. After entering what seems like a normal house, guests are transported into a ‘realm of
Boutique Greek island retreat unveils new spa with waterfall treatment rooms
by Megan Whitby | 13 Jul 2023
Calilo, a luxury boutique resort on the Greek island of Ios, has a new spa and fitness centre. The hotel has a philosophy based on sustainability, art and intentional design. Inspired by the naturally calming energy of water, the spa includes six new treatment rooms that feature waterfalls and treatment beds suspended above pools of water to deliver a calming experience for guests. The ceilings are partially perforated to allow
PLP Architecture's Mandarin Oriental Bankside will be part of UK's first operationally fossil fuel-free mixed-use development
by Megan Whitby | 13 Jul 2023
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (MOHG) is set to open its third London hotel and spa in the British capital in 2028, with design by PLP Architecture. Situated on London's South Bank with dramatic views over St Paul’s Cathedral, Mandarin Oriental Bankside, London will be part of the larger Bankside Yards development, which is planned to be the UK's first operationally fossil fuel-free major mixed-use development. The overall property is being
Fletcher Priest creates new design for Therme Manchester
by Megan Whitby | 05 Jul 2023
Following a public consultation, Therme Manchester, the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort, has submitted a refined new design for approval to Trafford Council. The concept for the project has transitioned, from primarily a single building with zones and an undulating roofline, to a flowing pavilion-style concept and will contain wellness, health and fitness, a waterpark and attractions as well as arts installations and a hydroponic farm. This new design features
Buro Happold hosts active transport event at World Congress of Architecture in Copenhagen
by Tom Walker | 16 Jun 2023
As part of the World Congress of Architecture in Copenhagen, Buro Happold will be hosting the one-hour walk and talk event through the city centre of Copenhagen to explore the challenges and solutions for active mobility planning. Buro Happold’s global lead for active mobility, Sidsel Birk Hjuler, will be hosting the side event on why it is so important to create more liveable places by making active mobility an integral
Aardman Animation and design studio, Katapult, launch new attraction concept
by Magali Robathan | 16 Jun 2023
International themed attraction and experience designer Katapult and animation studio Aardman have launched a new themed attraction concept featuring Aardman’s much-loved characters. The World of Aardman is a hands-on visitor attraction concept, featuring an interactive studio experience, a themed cafe, experiential retail, and photo opportunities with guests’ favourite characters. Designed to suit pre-existing retail mall units and indoor destinations, the attraction can also be used to showcase exclusive seasonal events
Anotherform and Fluxprojects create immersive fitness concept for Blok in London
by Tom Walker | 12 Jun 2023
Boutique fitness operator, Blok, has launched a new studio concept which mixes curated fitness classes with the opportunity to explore the world of art and design. Blokspace, located in Leyton, London, UK, has been designed to bring together resident artists, spatial design and Blok's signature classes to create an "immersive and transformative experience". The studio's design has been developed in collaboration with design studio, Anotherform and is based on providing
FaulknerBrowns delivers new Lee Valley Ice Centre with two Olympic rinks
by Liz Terry | 06 Jun 2023
London has a new double Olympic skating centre following a £30m investment by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. The aim is to encourage physical activity and community within the local population. In addition to the rinks, it has a large gym and a dance studio, as well as community spaces and a café. Designed by architects FaulkerBrowns, The Lee Valley Ice Centre will open on Saturday 17 June, with
company profile
Try cladmag for free!
Sign up with CLAD to receive our regular ezine, instant news alerts, free digital subscriptions to CLADweek, CLADmag and CLADbook and to request a free sample of the next issue of CLADmag.
sign up
Catalogue Gallery
Click on a catalogue to view it online
To advertise in our catalogue gallery: call +44(0)1462 431385
features
Ben Channon has written Happy by Design, a new book about how architecture affects our mental health. He explains how we can all be happier at home
cladkit product news
Koto is known for crafting modular, energy-neutral cabins and homes
A striking wood-fired hot tub has been unveiled by Koto, an architecture and design studio which has a passion for
...
The showerhead offers two modes; rainfall or waterfall
Italian architect Alberto Apostoli has renewed his partnership with Newform – an Italian wellness company – and designed A.Zeta. A.Zeta
...
cladkit product news
Mather & Co has transformed the visitor centre into the ultimate haven for ardent Coronation Street viewers
Experience designers, Mather & Co, have orchestrated a remarkable collaboration with ITV to unveil the new Coronation Street Experience, a
...
A group of Dutch engineers have presented a new attractions concept that combines a flying observation cabin with LED digital
...
cladkit product news
Jaffe Holden provided architectural acoustics for the Academy Museum
Acoustical consulting firm Jaffe Holden provided architectural acoustics and audio/video design services for the recently opened Academy Museum of Motion
...
The furniture collection draws on absolute geometries, pure lines, neutral colours and strong references to nature
Furniture manufacturer Varaschin has unveiled the new Wellness Therapy range, designed by Italian spa and wellness architect and designer Alberto
...
