Tranquility in the Mountains

Nestled deep within the Wulingshan forest, north of Beijing, is a serene retreat designed to foster connection with nature. With its elevated structure and natural materials, Eyestone Spring invites visitors to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse themselves in the soothing rhythms of the forest.

A Place to Pause: A Quiet Dialogue with Nature

This week we bring you insights on the architectural marvel by Vector Architects which rises from the lush landscape like a quiet guardian of its surroundings—thoughtfully blending modern design with the wild beauty of the mountains.

Grounded in the Natural Landscape

Perched delicately on ten slender columns, Eyestone Spring seems to float above the forest floor, minimizing its impact on the delicate ecosystem of the river valley below. Visitors reach the retreat by crossing a steel arch bridge over a gentle stream, a journey that feels like stepping into another world.

Large, operable windows on the upper levels bring the outside in, allowing fresh air and light to flow through the space. The forest’s sights and sounds are ever-present, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and grounding. The transition from the dense canopy of poplar trees to the warm interior of the spring house is seamless—a design choice that fosters a deep connection with the surrounding landscape.

A Balance of Texture and Environmental Design

The exterior of the building is constructed from bush-hammered concrete, a textured material that mirrors the rugged cliffs of the Wulingshan valley. A dark-toned transparent coating adds a natural, subdued finish, allowing the structure to blend effortlessly into its surroundings.

Inside, the first floor is clad in warm teak wood, creating a welcoming space that houses reception areas, locker rooms, and showers. The tower’s vertical layout reduces its footprint, ensuring minimal disruption to the environment. Each level offers unique perspectives of the forest, from ground-level views of the river to panoramic vistas from the relaxation lounge.

The Art of Stillness

The heart of Eyestone Spring lies in its bathing spaces. On the third floor, a series of bath pools offer varying temperatures and treatments, each illuminated by eight-meter-high skylit wells. These light wells filter sunlight through the textured concrete walls, creating a serene, almost ethereal atmosphere.

The second-floor lounge, enclosed by floor-to-ceiling glass, sits among the treetops. Here, guests can pause and reflect, with operable windows that bring in the scent of the forest and the sound of the stream below. The design encourages intentional living—slowing down, breathing deeply, and embracing the beauty of each moment.

Light, Shadow, and Seasons

One of the most captivating features of Eyestone Spring is its ability to adapt to the seasons. In the warmer months, guests can enjoy open-air bathing with views of the surrounding cliffs and forest. In winter, the space transforms into a cozy, introspective retreat, with the warmth of the pools contrasting beautifully with the crisp mountain air.

Strip windows along the western facade frame picturesque views of the valley, enhancing the sense of being part of the landscape. The thoughtful design choices throughout the retreat make every experience here feel intentional and deeply connected to the natural world.

The use of light and shadow play an integral part of the sensory connection and experience for visitors.

A Philosophy of Presence

At the heart of Eyestone Spring’s design lies a philosophy deeply aligned with The OAAK Journal. Vector Architects believe that architecture has the power to transcend time and place, offering spaces that soothe the body, mind, and spirit. Their work reflects a quiet, primitive power that resists the noise of the modern world.

Their guiding belief is best expressed through the words of architect Gong Dong:

"Architecture is the medium to closely connect ourselves with the world we live in, enabling us to still be touched by a beam of light and its shadow, a piece of the sky and earth, and a block of stone and brick, allowing us to live in it with faith and humbleness."—Gong Dong, Site, Light, and Making: A Manifesto

Vector Architects echo this sentiment, designing spaces that connect deeply to their environment and foster a meaningful relationship with the world around them. In their view, architecture is not merely about form and function—it’s about creating spaces that inspire, calm, and reconnect us to the essential elements of life.

Their work on Eyestone Spring demonstrates this philosophy beautifully. By preserving the natural landscape, utilizing raw, textured materials, and creating spaces that invite reflection and stillness, they offer visitors a rare opportunity to slow down and reconnect with themselves and their surroundings.

OAAK Final Thoughts

Vector Architects’ work on Eyestone Spring is a powerful example of how architecture can go beyond function to create spaces that offer peace and presence. It’s a sanctuary that connects people to the land, to light, and to the timeless elements that have shaped human experience for centuries.

Their design philosophy resonates deeply with the values we celebrate at The OAAK Journal. As Gong Dong expresses so beautifully:

"Architecture is the medium to closely connect ourselves with the world we live in, enabling us to still be touched by a beam of light and its shadow, a piece of the sky and earth, and a block of stone and brick, allowing us to live in it with faith and humbleness."

Eyestone Spring invites visitors to slow down and experience this connection. It is a reminder that good design is not about perfection, but about creating spaces that feel alive—spaces that, in their quiet way, leave a lasting emotional imprint.

For more projects by Vector Architects you can visit their website here.

Sources & References

• Gong Dong, Site, Light, and Making: A Manifesto

• Photography byDaily Liu Guo Wei via Instagram

• Vector Architects

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