The natural phenomenon of crystallized water is the visual reference for a design that combines the beauty of an iceberg with the performance of an environmentally sensitive building.
The proposal takes advantage of the articulation in the existing structure by wrapping the building with a new self-supporting glass gladding, creating multiple vertical spaces between the old structure and the new cladding. The resulting buffer zone not only provides spectacular moments at every level of the building, but also reduces the running costs of the air conditioning system by insulating the interior space in the winter and naturally ventilating the cavity in the summer.
Visually, the new glass façade presents the extraordinary appearance of an Iceberg, changing in consistency with the different light condition and creating a glowing iconic presence at night. The Iceberg will be a striking new presence within the surrounding conventional buildings along the shore in Weihai. As the center piece of the new development for the waterfront, which has been planned by the city authority, The Gran Hotel will become a destination for the cultivated Chinese client, as well as for the discerning world traveler.