Sheraton Dameisha Resort Architect: Terry Farrell and Partners

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18 Building Journal Hongkong China August 2007

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SheratonDameisha

SheratonDameisha

ResortResort Architect: Terry Farrell and PartnersInterior design: Hirsch Bedner and Associates

SHERATON DAMEISHA RESORT

August 2007 Building Journal Hongkong China 19


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LocationIn the early 1970’s Shenzhen was a fishingvillage with a population of 20,000 residents.It’s proximity to Hong Kong led to theestablishment of the first Special EconomicZone within the Pearl River Delta and is one ofChina’s most dynamic and rapidly evolvingcity with a population of over 6.0 millionresidents.

The Pearl River Delta economy has becomethe world’s manufacturing base supported byshipping, with a 230 km coastline. On theeastern side of Shenzhen’s coastline is Dapeng

Bay and Dameisha village with a white sandybeach with a topography that rises up sharplyto form a ring of hills around the bay. It is alongthis coastline that the site for this hotel resort islocated.

CommissionCommissioned by the Kingkey Group as theinternational design architect, Terry Farrell andPartner’s objectives have been to design a hotelthat is integrated and responds to the naturalsurroundings, challenges normal conventions



and to provide a resort hotel of contemporarymodern design as a local iconic landmark.

The client’s brief is for a destination luxuryresort hotel development consisting of 368guest rooms – each with spectacular oceanviews, exhibition and conference facilities,restaurants, wellness spa facilities, fitness centre,swimming pools and two luxury private villas,whilst maximizing opportunities offered by thebeach topography and magnificent scenery.

The hotel is located on the largest and closestpublic beach to Shenzhen, and is unique in that

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it’s the only site that is adjacent to the beach,allowing guests to walk from the hotel roomthrough the lobby and garden and directly ontothe beach. The resort hotel will be managedand operated as a five-star development by theSheraton Hotel Group. Hirsch Bedner andAssociates was commissioned by the KingkeyGroup as the interior design of this project.

Geographic locationThis site has favourable natural geographicqualities which include due South orientation,a secluded 2.5 km stretch of pristine beachfront on six hectares of land, 400 m of

unobstructed beach frontage, open oceanviews, white sand beach, clean water quality,adjacent waterfront ecological park anddramatic mountain range background.

This is the first luxury five star resort hotellocated solely on beachfront property in theregion, and is approximately 25 km fromdowntown Shenzhen and the Lo Wu bordercrossing, and 38 km from Hong Kong’s Centraldistrict with a total travel distance of 63 km.

Removed from the frantic pace ofconstruction and development throughoutShenzhen, Dameisha is an oasis of peace, calmand tranquility surrounded by mountains which




protect Dameisha and its immediatesurroundings from urban sprawl, preserving itsunique holiday village atmosphere and appeal.

The surrounding district has been plannedas a vibrant resort and convention destinationwith a mixed balance of hotels, restaurants,luxury residential homes and leisure zones,making it a tourist-dominated area focused onlifestyle.

Design concept — “Aura”The inspiration for the hotel design is derivedfrom the “aura” which is the perceived invisibleforce surrounding the site, the concept is

embodied in the natural and ephemeral qualitiesof the surrounding geographic and environmentalelements which generates a distinctiveatmosphere and unique “spirit” and sense ofplace, referred to in roman mythology as theprotective spirit of a place known as “genius loci”.

The natural characteristics of the Dameisha“aura” of the ocean, waves, winds andsurrounding mountains act as a framework andare embodied in a building form that has adistinct spirit, a dynamic form, organic shapeand a sense of movement, that responds to theclient brief, site and in harmony with the naturalelements.

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Sheraton Dameisha being situated at a primeresort location in the Shenzhen provincewhere amazing sea view and beach is withinthe property premises. Acknowledging thatthere is a natural scenic landscape, the designintention is to combine both the exterior andthe interior together where the interior designreflects the natural, organic feel of thesurrounding. Selections of materials andcolors are warm and natural to feel, providinga welcoming and comfortable atmospherewhere guests will transition their mindsetsonce stepping into the property.

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The Design ApproachPlanning arrangementThe planning of the hotel is the result of athoughtful rigorous creative design processbased on a single loaded, single aspect buildingapproach aligned in the East-West orientationwith the long axis of the site to maximize oceanviews and the southerly aspects. The publiccorridor is on the mountain side whilst thehotel rooms are on the ocean side.

The constraints of the site boundary, set-backs and height limit meant that a straightbuilding mass with single aspects was too longfor the site. This created an opportunity for acurved plan shape, which conforms to the siteset-backs and maximizes the beach frontagewith all rooms having ocean views.

The building form, planning and massing

follows a sinuous and fluid flowing shape thereare no right angles everything is set out radiallywith curves which creates numerous twists andturns with different vistas and views that isreminiscent of a billowing sail, waves, a sinecurve and the silhouette of the mountains.



As guests enter into the hotel, a parabolic shaped skylight encased the lobby area, where a tangerine colored blown glass chandelierhas been provided in the centre, surrounding it with tall natural lush green bamboo trees and water stream to create the drama in thespace. Towards adjacent sides of the lobby, front desk and concierge desk with a decorative coral colored hand plaster finish framedas the back drop of the lobby space. Looking beyond the lobby space, lobby lounge is positioned at a prime location where full clearglass windows are allowed for direct view to the beaches and exterior landscapes.

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extremely considered. It was a greatachievement to simplify the arrangement suchthat there were only 5 different room types ofstandard guest rooms, which are either concaveor convex in plan shape.

The client brief required a minimum clearfrontage of 5 m at the outer glass face,unobstructed ocean views, a 2 m wide balcony,luxury five fixture bathrooms and no overlooking. The 45 sq m guest rooms are largerthan the standard requirement for luxury 5 starresort hotel which are flexible and large enoughto accommodate a mix of occupancy layouts,the challenge was to make them efficient whilstmaximizing the number of rooms.

Sectional treatmentThe elevation and massing of the building is acreative response to the pragmatic and practicalconsiderations of the client’s brief, functionalprogramme requirements, and are conceivedas two separate building forms, a free flowingorganic podium base containing the semi-public facilities (conference facilities,restaurants, spa and fitness) and an elevatedtower which sits on top of the podium as a longfluid serpentine plan form which contains theprivate, quiet zones for the hotel guest rooms,integrated within a loose landscape.

The landscape is an extension of thearchitecture and is fluid and loose an existingwetland park adjacent to the site complementsthe order and arrangement of the landscape,and the hotel’s wave shape integrates into thesurroundings to create a symbiotic relationshipand sense of place.

Client brief — Luxury 5 star roomsThe unconventional curved radial arrangementof the building plan is very complex and thesetting out geometry is composed of variousradii which was a major design challenge andBallroom

Ballroom staircase



MassingWhilst the plan shape appears organic and freeflowing the hotel functions are organized andordered with a distinctive and readilyidentifiable head, body, and tail, correspondingto the West, Middle and East.

The desire to create a more dynamic buildingmass and form incorporating a sense ofmovement led us to modify and vary the heightof the tower roof by elevating and angling thebuilding mass at the head, it is lifted higher asa cantilevered structure creating a void areaunderneath which makes it a more prominentand prestigious feature, containing the executiveand presidential suites.

Different scenarios were considered to

Lobby lounge

Lift lobby

Suite living area

King room

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Club executve lounge downwards to create a tapering form containingexecutive rooms with outdoor garden terraces.

The arrival and experienceThe hotel experience begins at the entry to thesite with a relaxed meandering journey along asingle lane road lined with palm trees whichreveals glimpses of the building’s unfoldingand undulating form. The guests approach theporte-cochere and enter the atrium lobbyentrance which is a grand spatial volume thatmakes the single greatest impact upon theguest, visitors know they have arrived and theexpansive view of the ocean beyond adds tothe wow factor.

The atrium lobby entrance is the centralheart and marks the arrival point of the hotel, itis a non-linear geometric shell structuresupported by the circulation cores and theground, with a 50 m span and height of 35 m.Although the geometry of the structure isasymmetric, it is based on a geodesic domeshape that allows a self-supporting structurewithout the need for internal columns.

The inspiration for the Sheraton DameishaResort has been the local “aura”, which hasbeen embodied architecturally in a buildingform with a distinct spirit and expressivedynamic form whose energy and movementhave been captured and frozen in time as the“fertile moment”, whilst providing specialmoments and experiences for guests in a relaxedatmosphere reflective of its surrounding “aura”.

investigate how the cantilever structure couldbe supported by various structural solutions,which ranged from a singular massive super-column to leaning tapering columns. From astructural point of view this was complex anda major challenge, in the end three V-shapecolumns were used to support the 30 mcantilever curving structure.

The roof form and mass undulates, with thehighest point at the head followed by the bodywhich accommodates the more regular standardhotel rooms, a void was introduced into thebody of the building as a covered outdoorspace that allows permeability and airmovement through the site, and the tail angles



Site plan

To The Beach

Lobby

Restauarants

Public Circulation

Hotel Rooms

Conference Facilities

Back of House

Section

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Lower ground floor plan

Upper ground floor planLobby

Restauarants

Public Circulation

Hotel Rooms


Back of House

Staff Support

Restaurant BOH



Lobby

Restauarants

Public Circulation

Hotel Rooms

Office (Hotel)


Back of House

Level 8 floor plan

Mezzanine level

Level 2 floor plan

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2/F Specialty Restaurant — Capri, floor plan

B1 — coffee shopfloor layout plan



Level 1 floor plan

1/F Chinese Restaurant —Dining area floor layout plan

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Interior design of F&B outletsInterior design of F&B outlets



With stunning views of the South ChinaSea, Sheraton Dameisha Hotel offersa choice of three restaurants and

two bars for dining and entertainment pleasure.AB Concept Ltd was appointed as the interiordesigner for three major F&B outlets.

Mr Ed Ng, Director of AB Concept Ltdexplained that, Sheraton Dameisha Hotel is acity resort hotel which integrates and respondsto the natural surroundings. Unlike ordinarybusiness hotels, this luxury hotel developmentin Shenzhen is also inspired by its characteristicsof holiday resort atmosphere. A major challengein the designing process was the curved linearfootprint of the hotel along the beachfront. Theunusual footprint sets certain extent of limitationto the layout of the restaurants. Mr Ng addedthat such constraint, on the other hand, hasmotivated the design team to explore feasibleapproaches to cope with it.

The three major F&B outlets, namely Capri,Feast and Dragon Court, are all being conceivedunder the theme of nature. Capturing thedynamic curvy linear form of the architectureand softened by a touch of poetry elegance, theperception of spring rain fell into the signatureChinese restaurant; while gentle breeze andfull moon whirled into the all-day dining cafeand the specialty restaurant for Mediterraneancuisine.

Located on the first floor is the Chineserestaurant, Dragon Court, which occupies a

Capri — the specialty restaurant from the Idea of full moon

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floor area of 2,700 sq m. The restaurant offerspatrons panoramic vista of the ocean. Withsettings resembling a domestic courtyard, diningareas and VIP rooms are elegantly decorated toprovide ultimate spaciousness and comfort. Toenhance the impact of the curved linear floorplan, a transition of wall patterns and silhouette,a vision of art, is harmoniously displayed alongthe curved feature walls.

The inspiration of gentle breeze — Feast



The perception of spring rain fell into the signature Chinese restaurant — Dragon Court

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Setting along the beachfront is the 1,700-sq mall-day restaurant, Feast, which offers a vibrant,interactive dining experience catering to adiverse clientele. The inspiration of gentlebreeze is unfolded by the warm, delightfulatmosphere and further embellished with crystalscreens and round shape freestanding artifacts.To facilitate casual diners, an exit to theswimming pool is provided for easy accessibility.

With a floor area of 1,650 sq m, the specialtyrestaurant, Capri, serves classic andcontemporary Italian fare with Japaneseelements. The design approach of this specialtyrestaurant is derived from the idea of full moon.Special elements such as round shape work ofart and the feature signature corridor on thesecond floor are all in tune with the coolenvironment as envisaged by the designer.

Dragon Court

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Landscape design

The project combines a 400-bed five-starresort hotel and villas situated on 6.0 haof absolute beachfront on the southern

coast of Shenzhen City. A resort garden set inthe brilliant white sands and clean water ofPearl Bay - a prime holiday destination formainland China and Hong Kong.

The hotel is an ultra modern sculptural formdesigned by Terry Farrell & Partners presentsexciting architecture based on the concept of‘Aura’ — “The perceived invisible forcesurrounding an object or person” — the resultingbuilding forming a water dragon leapingtowards the ocean.

Responding to the architects’ concept PLACEDesign Group workshopped landscape formsand resort component theming based on‘Patterns in Nature’ — the flow of landscapeform responding to the perceived energy in thebuilding. The preliminary concept work bookexplored pattern in nature as a landscape theme:Particularly referring to ‘Nature & Architecture’by Paolo Portoghesi and ‘The Garden of CosmicSpeculation’ by Charles Jencks.

Landscape conceptThis landscape design further explores andapplies this concept to elements listed below.

Landscape design

Master plan

15 Amphitheatre Steps16 Function Lawn17 Informal Alfresco Dining18 Pool Bar19 Convention Precinct20 Sun Pool21 Submerged sun beds22 Infinity Pool23 Vista Pool24 Palm Bridges25 Water wall26 Restaurant Breakout27 Activity Pool Fitness Precinct28 Spa jets29 Juice Bar30 Sea Dragon Water Slides31 Fitness station32 Family Play Area33 Jungle Playground34 Children’s Pools35 Maze Hill36 Folly37 Leaf Themed Family Sundeck38 Beach BBQ39 Beach

1 External Entry Gardens2 Grand Drive3 Entry Water Feature4 Porte- Cochere5 Topographic striped Enclosing Mound6 Valet/Coach Park7 Truck Entry & basement level Air Chiller8 Tennis Court9 Buffer Feature Trees10 Villa Entry11 Villas12 EVA Ramp13 Sunset Garden Buffet14 Leaf Arbour

15 Amphitheatre Steps16 Function Lawn17 Informal Alfresco Dining18 Pool Bar19 Convention Precinct20 Sun Pool21 Submerged sun beds22 Infinity Pool23 Vista Pool24 Palm Bridges25 Water wall26 Restaurant Breakout27 Activity Pool Fitness Precinct28 Spa jets29 Juice Bar30 Sea Dragon Water Slides31 Fitness station32 Family Play Area33 Jungle Playground34 Children’s Pools35 Maze Hill36 Folly37 Leaf Themed Family Sundeck38 Beach BBQ39 Beach

1 External Entry Gardens2 Grand Drive3 Entry Water Feature4 Porte- Cochere5 Topographic striped Enclosing Mound6 Valet/Coach Park7 Truck Entry & basement level Air Chiller8 Tennis Court9 Buffer Feature Trees10 Villa Entry11 Villas12 EVA Ramp13 Sunset Garden Buffet14 Leaf Arbour



Seashells:The liveliness of the architecture has beendescribed by its parallel horizontal levels.

In elevation, the landscape continues thisdescription by expressing the topographic linesthrough undulating landform seemingly createdby writhing of the building. In plan, concentricbands of brown and sandstone colour pavingcreate a series of Promenades flowing aroundthe building. Drawing upon the markings of aseashell to create a thematic language.

Leaves:Sculptural lantern forms act as verticalpunctuations and way markers. A hierarchyfrom tall focal points, sculptural groupings, tomedium way markers and small lanterns. Aprogression from architectural form, throughBrancusi-like sculptures, to natural leaf forms.

Sea Dragon:The architecture theme offers a playful themicelement for the waterslide garden.

The resulting design features sculpturedlandforms, flowing paths with bold stripes thatcompliment the curving building and lanterns,fountains and arbours that explore unfoldingmonstera leaves.

A cascading entry lake features giant rocksset in a lush tropical garden, with water andmist jets under the rocks to provide an interesting‘rock floating in the air’ effect.

While the street frontage rises as rollingmounding, the resort garden’s close proximityto the ocean beach with its changing oceanlevels created unique design constrains -resulting in the use of a continuous level throughthe pool areas with terracing and water wallsfronting the beach.

The hotel features a 4,000 sq m poolcomprising three areas divided by palms andsculptured bridges - Sun pool with pool bar,central Vista Pool designed for unbroken oceanviews and Activity pool linked to a lushwaterslide garden.

A secure family pool area creates a safeenvironment for young children while theirparents rest on leaf shaped sun lounges. Seenfrom the distance the play pool appears to be a

Entry area

Sun pool and terracedgardens area

Activity pool area

giant cascading water feature.Peaceful areas are created by a Salas village

set above a lotus pond and a circular tensionedged Infinity pool offering calm romanticviews of the ocean.

Sheraton Dameisha also features exhibition/conference facilities with shaded breakoutareas, alfresco dining and function lawns.

The beach is served by a sophisticated loungedeck and beach activity rental facilities.

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Project consultant teamclient Kingkey Grouparchitect Terry Farrell and Partnersstructural engineer China Merchants Architects & Engineerservices engineer China Merchants Architects & Engineerstructural engineer to lobby ARUPinterior design Hirsch Bedner and AssociatesF&B design AB Conceptlandscape design (concept) Adrian L. Normanlandscape design Place Design Grouplighting design Lightsource International (Asia)kitchen consultant Trillion Food Services Plannerspa consultant Spa Resources AsiaAV consultant Shen Milsom and Wilkesignage and graphics Watermarkhotel operator Starwood — Sheraton Groupmain contractor Wu Chuan Construction Corporation Limited

Fast Factssite area 60,000 sq mplot ratio 1.0site coverage ratio 21 per cent (30 per cent maximum)landscape coverage 45 per centtotal CFA 85,200 sq mtotal GFA 60,000 sq mbuilding footprint area 12,830 sq mnumber of storeys 12number of guestrooms 368number of car-parking spaces 383building height 55 mground breaking ceremony 8 August 2005completion date 1 July 2007

Time scheduledesign, documentation 11 monthsconstruction 23 months

Area breakdownaccountable GFA Hotel facilities & amenities 21,535 sq m

Guest rooms 34,215 sq mVilla (x 2) 4,250 sq m

non-accountable GFA (E&M plant / basement car-parking) 25,210 sq maggregate total 85,200 sq m

Sheraton Dameisha Resort Architect: Terry Farrell and Partners

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