Haan Casa

Longcheer Yacht Club in Shenzhen, China, was awarded the Silver A’Design Award in the architecture, building, and structure design category. SAOTA was involved in the planning design, and initial design concept of the project and Zhubo Design Group further developed and completed the design.

Set on a narrow strip of land between Daya Bay and the Yashan mountain range, Longcheer Yacht Club was envisioned not just as a new flagship yacht club and hotel, but also as a catalyst to promote yachting culture and encourage public interest in marine sport.

The façade of the building was inspired by traditional Chinese lanterns, the concept of the lightbox multiplied and repeated to create a modular pattern emphasising lightness and transparency, which is particularly effective when seen from the bay at night. An undulating copper-colored ribbon-like detail feature unifies the façade, delineating the circulation cores and opening up views of the yacht basin.

“The site, which included existing yacht jetties, has spectacular views of the bay and Daya Islands and provides some of the best vantage points to view the China Cup International Regatta and other prestigious yachting events,” explains SAOTA Principal Phillippe Fouché. “Caught between the mountain and the ocean, the building was envisioned as an extension of the landscape, mediating between the mountain and the bay beyond.”

A series of four rooftop pavilions serve as dedicated entertainment, meeting, and reception areas. These lightweight, floating pavilions feature slim, folded, faceted roof shapes, echoing the angularity of the “ribbon” feature on the building’s facade. The landscaping includes two promenades, one above the hotel, creating a public viewing platform from which members of the public can view the yacht races in the bay, and one along the water’s edge in front of the hotel, which is envisioned as forming part of a longer continuous walkway spanning neighbouring properties and contributing generously to the life of the precinct more broadly.

Earlier this year, Longcheer also won platinum in the Muse Design Awards 2022 for architectural design.