nature news
Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter and ASP Architecture create hidden nature retreat inspired by hygge and Nordic hospitality
by Megan Whitby | 05 Feb 2021
In the depths of the French countryside sits 48° North Landscape Hotel, a holistic ecotourism and wellness destination inspired by Scandinavian and French traditions. Realised by Nordic architecture firm Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter in collaboration with local firm, ASP Architecture, the secluded hotel is perched on the heights of the Breitenbach village in the Alsace region of France. Accommodation consists of 14 interpretations of traditional Scandinavian cottages – called a hytte
Studio Saxe create Costa Rican fitness and rec centre in the trees
by Stu Robarts | 20 Mar 2020
Studio Saxe have created a fitness centre in Costa Rica designed to be a "small village amongst the trees" that brings guests and locals together, as well as close to nature. The Athletic Center was built as an extension of the Gilded Iguana hotel in the town of Nosara. Rather than simply create a single large volume, the architects and the client wanted to work around the trees and the
Oppenheim Architecture's Bahamas eco-resort will bring guests closer to nature
by Stu Robarts | 09 Mar 2020
Oppenheim Architecture are creating an environmentally sustainable eco-resort in the Bahamas that is aimed at providing a secluded retreat for guests while helping them to develop a deeper connection with nature. illa Bimini will cover 40ac (16ha) along a 9,000ft (2,750m) stretch of coastline on Rockwell Island and is described as "a holistic community where every element is designed to blur the boundary between architecture and the landscape". The design
Coronavirus delays opening of teamLab SuperNature Macao
by Stu Robarts | 21 Feb 2020
The opening of teamLab 's SuperNature Macao museum of immersive digital artworks in Macau, China, has been delayed until further notice as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Originally due to open this month, the 5,000sq m (54,000sq ft), the attraction is located in an expo hall at Sands Resorts Macao 's Venetian Macao hotel. It comprises a "labyrinthine" layout of gallery spaces that visitors will make their way through
BXBstudio's Symbiotic House puts people back in touch with nature
by Stu Robarts | 17 Feb 2020
BXBstudio Bogusław Barnaś and Studio Projektowe Paweł Jarosz have designed a house that is aimed at rebuilding relationships between humans and their surroundings. The Symbiotic House is based on the traditional values of living in harmony with nature, but integrates technology to provide a modern and convenient way of life. Constructed primarily of timber and glass, it has three main sections – a section for living in, a greenhouse section
Wafai Architecture's Seashell House gets residents close to nature
by Stu Robarts | 12 Feb 2020
Wafai Architecture have designed a sustainably constructed house that is inspired by the shape of a seashell and is aimed at helping residents live close to nature. The Seashell House, the first project for which is currently in discussion, is reminiscent of a junonia shell in terms of its folded shape and its patternation. The single-storey structure's compact 240sq m (2,600sq ft) footprint means a limited impact on a site
Limburg is taking its cyclists into water, through treetops and underground
by Stu Robarts | 10 Feb 2020
Cyclists in Belgium's Limburg province are being brought closer to nature in a variety of innovative and unusual ways. "25 years ago Belgian Limburg was the first region worldwide to develop a cycle node network, where you cycle from junction to junction," explained Igor Philtjens, Minister for Regional Tourism, chairman of Visit Limburg and the driving force behind the projects. "We were a pioneer in recreational cycling tourism, but over
Jean-Michel Gathy channels Issey Miyake to create signature installation for Tokyo spa
by Megan Whitby | 10 Feb 2020
Designer Jean-Michel Gathy has created a 3D origami-inspired feature wall for Four Seasons ' spa sanctuary in its upcoming hotel in Japan – called Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi. Dominating the spa lobby, the flowing paper structure appears to billow and sweep outwards and has been designed to calm guests as they enter the spa. Gathy’s work is inspired by Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake’s flowing fabrics, as captured
MVRDV's Tencent campus design is a smart city wrapped in nature
by Stu Robarts | 28 Jan 2020
MVRDV 's design for a new campus for Chinese technology firm Tencent is, in reality, an urban district in which for employees to live, work and play, with cutting edge smart city technology and nature deeply integrated into its design. Tencent began plans for a new headquarters shortly after completing their current headquarters in Shenzhen, China, due to the speed on its growth. Located the city's Qianhai Bay area, MVDRV's
MVRDV's Tencent campus design is a smart city wrapped in nature
by Stu Robarts | 28 Jan 2020
MVRDV 's design for a new campus for Chinese technology firm Tencent is, in reality, an urban district in which for employees to live, work and play, with cutting edge smart city technology and nature deeply integrated into its design. Tencent began plans for a new headquarters shortly after completing their current headquarters in Shenzhen, China, due to the speed on its growth. Located the city's Qianhai Bay area, MVDRV's
Asaggio create wellness refuge at former Dolemites sanatorium
by Jane Kitchen | 22 Jan 2020
Armin Sader, of hotel architecture firm Asaggio, is reimagining a historic hotel in the mountains of South Tyrol, Italy, with an emphasis on its solitary location in nature and a focus on wellness. The building in which Forestis is situated is located in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dolomites and was conceived by its original owners to be a sanatorium for lung disease sufferers prior to the First World War, making
MAD Arkitekter nature town celebrates the beautiful landscape of Martineåsen
by Stu Robarts | 13 Dec 2019
MAD Arkitekter have planned a new district in Martineåsen, Norway, that is aimed at celebrating the beautiful landscape of the area while offering the qualities of a small-town community. Martineåsen Nature Town has been designed in partnership with Larvik Municipality, in which Martineåsen is situated. MAD sought to avoid what it saw as the typical suburban development of Norwegian city outskirts, with the extensive land-use, need for car ownership, infrastructure
MVRDV to return Seoul waterfront to nature as public park
by Stu Robarts | 12 Dec 2019
MVRDV, working with local studio NOW Architects, have won a competition to redevelop Seoul's Tancheon waterfront as a public park called The Weaves, with a mix of natural ecosystems, pathways and places for recreation. Commissioned by the government of Seoul, the project covers a 630,000sq m (6,800,000sq ft) area between the city's former Olympic Stadium and its central business district in Gangnam, as well as a stretch along the Han
Peter Pichler's treehouses integrate with nature to help guests do the same
by Stu Robarts | 12 Nov 2019
Peter Pichler Architecture have designed a series of treehouses for a hotel in West Virginia, US, that are closely integrated with nature and will provide guests with an opportunity to relax. The project was conceived to offer a form of slow tourism, giving guests an opportunity to switch off from a more frantic pace of life and immerse themselves in the serenity of nature for a time. The treehouses, which
Kerry Hill-designed Japanese resort blends nature into its aesthetic
by Megan Whitby | 29 Oct 2019
Hotel operator Aman has opened a third resort in Japan that has been designed by the late architect Kerry Hill and his team to capitalise on its lush forest surroundings. The 26-room Aman Kyoto, announced in February, is situated in a hidden garden close to Kinkaky-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, near the centre of the prefecture. The 80ac (32ha) Aman Kyoto site comprises 72ac (29ha) of permanent forest
Huge nature and recreation development planned for Brisbane wetlands
by Stu Robarts | 21 Oct 2019
Plans have been revealed by Brisbane City Council for a 150ha (16 million sq ft) wetlands development in the city that will include a community hub, walking routes, events spaces and canoe and kayak facilities. Formerly a site for wastewater treatment and waste disposal – and a source of pollution for the local area – the Archerfield Wetlands are part of a wider AU$100m (US69m, €62m, £53m) transformation project for
Møller & Grønborg and ADEPT win bid to develop Denmark's most visited nature park
by Andrew Manns | 11 Jan 2019
Scandinavian architecture firms Møller & Grønborg and ADEPT have been selected to design seven new pavilions at Amager Nature Park near Copenhagen. The wooden structures, set to adorn the 35 sq km reserve's coastline as well as its existing entrance and information centre, are expected to serve as focal points for sightseeing and leisure activities, such as birdwatching, kayaking, and wild swimming. Plans for the architects' proposal, which has been
New Hamburg train station looks to be hybrid between ‘nature and city life’
by Luke Cloherty | 10 Jul 2018
A new railway station development in Hamburg, Germany, has been commissioned, with a view to the hub being more than just another stop on the tracks but indeed an architectural representation of the green credentials of the city around it. Hamburg-Altona station will house a rooftop green space and two towers on that roofscape, as well as cafés, restaurants, shops, fitness facilities, bicycle parking, waiting areas and entrance lobbies at
Work with nature, not against it, says Matteo Thun
by Megan Whitby | 06 Jul 2018
Italian architect and designer Matteo Thun believes "nature is stronger than architecture" and that designers should embrace botanical architecture in their works. Speaking in an exclusive interview with CLADglobal, Thun said that a botanical approach to architecture helps to limit disruption to the ecosystem, while also working alongside it. "I often let nature take over my buildings” he said. “Botanical architecture is about being respectful to nature and leaving it
'Immersing visitors in nature': Minnesota's US$79.2m Bell Museum reopening this month following redevelopment
by Megan Whitby | 03 Jul 2018
Minnesota’s new Bell Museum is set to reopen its doors to the public following a landmark US$79.2m (€68.2m, £60.4m) renovation. The Bell, previously known as the James Ford Bell Museum of Natural History, has been Minnesota’s official nature museum since 1872. According to the museum's science director, George Weiblen the Bell was aiming to transform how people experience museums. "Museums used to put nature in a box but instead this
Kelly Hoppen designs 22,000sq ft nature-inspired spa for Celebrity Cruises
by Jane Kitchen | 19 Jun 2018
Designer Kelly Hoppen has created the accommodations and spa for the new vessel Celebrity Edge, the latest member of the Celebrity Cruises-branded fleet. Homeporting and cruising from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Celebrity Edge will be making her first voyage on 1 December 2018 and will spend her inaugural season sailing alternating seven-night eastern and western Caribbean cruise itineraries. Passengers will be able to enjoy the 22,000sq ft (2,000sq m) The Spa
Origami-inspired 'AquaLagoon' opens at Disney and Center Parcs' nature village
by Kim Megson | 18 Jun 2018
The star attraction at Disney and Center Parcs’ new Villages Nature development outside Paris has been completed. The practice of French architect Jacques Ferrier have completed the 9,000sqm (96,875sq ft) AquaLagoon, which houses one of the largest indoor waterparks in Europe. The tiered pyramid structure contains wave pools, water slides and an active river alongside an open-air geothermal lagoon. Other attractions include an interactive farm, hanging gardens and adventure play
‘Sympathetic and poetic’ design revealed for Sevenoaks Nature and Wellbeing Visitor Centre
by Kim Megson | 13 Jun 2018
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced that Studio McLeod and Ekkist have won the competition to design a new visitor centre for Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve in Kent – a flagship visitor centre for the attraction. The pair were selected ahead of alternative submissions from ArkleBoyce Architects, Ben Adams Architects and Bilska de Beaupuy. “They are committed to bringing our vision to life with a building that engages
Six Senses Fiji opens with nature-focused Spa Village
by Jane Kitchen | 23 Apr 2018
Six Senses’ newest resort in Fiji has opened with a Six Senses Spa designed as a contemporary interpretation of a traditional Fijian village. Designed by New Zealand-based architect Richard Priest, Six Senses Fiji includes 24 pool villas and 60 residential villas located along a private sandy beach. The 60 residences and all facilities are 100 per cent solar powered by the largest microgrid in Fiji to use Tesla batteries. Surrounded
New renderings for Moomin Park as opening date set for Japanese nature attraction
by Tom Anstey | 16 Apr 2018
A theme park based on The Moomins will open in Japan’s Saitama Prefecture in March 2019, after its developers confirmed construction plans for the nature attraction in the city of Hanno. Called Moomin Valley Park, the attraction will sit on an area around Lake Miyazawako, owing to the area’s resemblance to the nature-rich homeland of the Moomins. The 190,000sq m (2,000,000sq ft) park will celebrate Nordic culture, with plans calling
Stefano Boeri launches nature-inspired interior design studio following public transformation of Shanghai Stock Exchange
by Kim Megson | 04 Apr 2018
Italian architect Stefano Boeri, best-known for his ‘Vertical Forest’ tree-lined towers, is launching a division of his practice dedicated to interior and product design, he has told CLADglobal. SBA Interiors will also deepen Boeri’s research into sustainability and ways in which to make spaces better for human health and wellbeing. The decision to start the new branch of his firm, Stefano Boeri Architetti, follows the Italian’s involvement in three interior
'We all have to be fortune tellers': Ed Ng on the changing nature of hospitality design
by Kim Megson | 03 Apr 2018
Hospitality designer Ed Ng has said the increasing length of time between the design and completion of large-scale projects poses a growing challenge to the industry, because “all designers have to be fortune tellers.” In an interview with CLADglobal’s quarterly magazine CLADmag to mark the opening of Mei Ume restaurant in London – designed with his AB Concept co-founder Terence Ngan – Ng argued that “we always need to design
Birdsong, trees, sky: landscape study suggests exposure to nature important for those at risk of poor mental health
by Jane Kitchen | 15 Jan 2018
A team of academic researchers, landscape architects and artists have come together to look at how nature in cities affects mental wellbeing. Researchers at King's College London, landscape architects J & L Gibbons and art foundation Nomad Projects have used smartphone-based technology to assess the relationship between nature in cities and mental wellbeing in real time. Not surprisingly, they found that being outdoors, seeing trees, hearing birdsong, seeing the sky
MAD Architects move mountains for vast nature-inspired Chaoyang Park Plaza in Beijing
by Kim Megson | 05 Dec 2017
Chinese practice MAD Architects have completed their latest urban-scale “expansion of nature” – a vast residential, commercial and leisure complex in Beijing that brings mountainous man-made towers into the heart of the city. The 220,000sq m (2.3 million sq ft) Chaoyang Park Plaza is formed of 10 organically shaped buildings, each with smooth curved surfaces of black and white. It was conceived as an extension of the park – the
MVRDV win competition for Shanghai Future Park showcasing nature, culture and entertainment
by Kim Megson | 18 Oct 2017
Dutch architects MVRDV are have announced a large-scale leisure project in Shanghai that will see the firm meld nature, culture and entertainment in a huge public park on an island in the Yangtze River. Zhangjiang Future Park will become a new focal point for the district of Pudong, with communal public facilities built into a series of green landscaped buildings surrounded by 10,000sq m (107,600sq ft) of plazas converging towards
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