CPMG Architects helping design the vast ‘Dragon Valley’ resort near Shanghai

Nottingham-based CPMG Architects is working on the latest phase of a big leisure resort west of Shanghai.

The practice‘s international base in Hangzhou, China has been working on the Inlong Narada resort since the masterplan stage in April, after being brought in by the site’s hotel operator Narada.

The 530 acre site, two hours from Shanghai, is set to be built in a former quarry site, and will have a hotel, reception building, hilltop villas and a clifftop bar centred around a blue water lake.

The CPMG team will design and deliver the resort’s spa complex, which will include the longest infinity pool in China, as well as 37 luxury lakeside villas. It is set to open next spring.

Managing director Richard Flisher said: “We’re incredibly pleased to see work progressing so quickly on this resort scheme and to be formally appointed to this latest stage of work, which focuses on the impressive spa centre.

“In the Chinese language, Inlong translates as ‘Dragon Valley’, which reflects the setting – and also some of the design inspiration too.

“This is truly a one-of-a-kind development for China especially due to the use of the existing land formation and its aim of being an eco-regenerative project that brings more life and business to the area.

“Sustainability is central to every design we work on, and this large-scale project is no different – especially with the whole site being larger than the Bluewater shopping centre in London.

“With this in mind, sustainability is embedded in the heart of the design and incorporated into measures across the entirety of the project.

“This includes borrowing from Passivhaus design strategy for the clifftop bar to create a space that is not only beautiful but functional to its purpose while providing an enjoyable and comfortable environment from which to take in stunning views across the lake.”

The overall design uses the landform left from the former quarry and the spa and villas will use the natural stone found in the area.

Elements of the resort take inspiration from flying dragons when it comes to building design, creating striking silhouettes – particularly the clifftop bar overlooking the lake.

Mr Flisher said CPMG has built an extensive portfolio of work overseas, including a recently delivered healthcare scheme in Tbilisi, Georgia, as well as projects in Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, Lithuania, and Abu Dhabi.