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Architectural practice CPMG has completed its first project with one of China’s leading hotel firms following the recent opening of InLong Narada Resort in the Jiangsu province of China.

Through effective collaboration between CPMG’s UK studios and its Chinese-base in Hangzhou, the practice helped redevelop a disused quarry into a luxury holiday resort by designing a brand-new reception building, 37-private hilltop villas, a luxury spa plus children’s play area and a petting zoo.

Two hours west of Shanghai, InLong Narada Resort has been designed to attract both domestic and international guests. The resort celebrates the region’s dramatic landscape while setting new standards for sustainable, experience-led tourism in China. In the Chinese language, Inlong translates to ‘dragon valley’, which reflects the setting – as well as some of the design inspiration.

Amy Zhao, urban designer and China manager at CPMG, said: “A key element of the scheme was to create a sustainable development that has minimal impact on the environment. Therefore, our designs were produced with eco-friendly principles in mind, while the resort’s facilities were crafted to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

She continued: “The overall design of the resort makes use of the unique landform left from the former quarry, while materials were reused during construction to reduce waste and the impact of the supply chain. The new buildings utilise the natural stone found in the immediate vicinity, creating a design that is completely cohesive with the setting – enhanced by timber elements to introduce warmth into the spaces.

“With views of the surrounding mountains and blue water lake formed from a 100-metre-deep section of the old quarry, the buildings not only offer functional luxury but they are also beautifully situated within the site.”

CPMG’s relationship with Narada Hotel Group dates back to April 2022, when the Nottingham-headquartered architectural practice began working on the InLong Narada Resort masterplan. As well as the redevelopment in Jiangsu that spans 530 acres, CPMG has built an extensive portfolio of overseas work including projects in Georgia, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, Lithuania, and Abu Dhabi.

Richard Flisher, managing director at CPMG, said: “Following the success of our design work for the InLong Narada Resort, we’re excited by the prospect of continuing our work with Narada Hotel Group as we explore new possibilities to collaborate.

“Working in China brings different opportunities, as well as different challenges, in comparison to our European endeavors. To find the right designs and achieve spectacular results, we’re required to adjust our mindset and undertake thorough contextual research for every project. By trusting this proven process, we’re aiming to keep creating go-to leisure destinations for rest, relaxation and luxury.”

Jianping Wang, CEO at Narada Hotel Group, said: “We’re fortunate to be another beneficiary of CPMG’s international masterplanning and urban design capabilities. Through the unique design found at InLong Narada Report, we can continue to offer memorable guest experience for visitors from all over the world, using the breathtaking surroundings to our advantage and adding high-quality amenities.”

For more information on CPMG, visit https://www.cpmg-architects.com