Gaby
Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) is marking a new chapter in the development of its Studio City resort in Macau. The architectural team recently unveiled the newly completed W Macau hotel—one of two new hotels set to open as part of the Hollywood-inspired second phase of development in the Cotai area of the Chinese city. The project features 557 hotel rooms and suites spread across more than forty floors, complete with amenities such as cafes, restaurants, a pool, a spa, a gym, and even a recording studio for guests.
Expansion of Studio City Resort
The Studio City resort first opened its doors to guests and visitors in 2015. In 2017, ZHA was commissioned to expand the resort through the second phase of the project. This expansion aims to enhance the resort’s leisure, entertainment, and hospitality offerings, introducing additions like one of the largest indoor water parks in Asia and extensive meeting facilities.
Drawing on cinematic references from the existing resort, the ZHA team employed rich detailing, bold geometry, and intricate craftsmanship from the Art Deco period, reinterpreting these elements through a modern lens. The architects at Zaha Hadid’s firm emphasize that one of the standout features of the newly opened W Macau hotel is its eco-friendly design, which is evident in its construction and energy efficiency.
Eco-Design of W Macau Hotel
As noted by Designboom, the building’s facade consists of three different gradations of glass, which, along with external ribs, skillfully outline the verticality of the hotel towers. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these elements serve practical purposes: they reduce solar heat and glare while ensuring thermal comfort for both guests and staff.
The W Macau hotel received the BREEAM Asia Award in 2021, recognizing its commitment to these environmental efficiency goals. The resort’s high-performance envelope, combined with new energy-efficient services, is expected to significantly reduce energy demand, setting a new environmental precedent.
Studio City – A Resort with Nature in Mind
As the architects point out, environmental consciousness played a crucial role in shaping the development of the second phase of Studio City. The construction of the resort was meticulously planned to stay as far away as possible from the protected 15-hectare wetland area of the neighboring Macau Cotai ecological zone, demonstrating a commitment to preserving the natural environment.
The orientation and configuration of the elliptical towers were carefully calculated to facilitate natural ventilation within and around the resort, enhancing the overall comfort of the space. To further mitigate the impact on local flora, the project’s ecologist developed measures to preserve existing vegetation, complemented by the planting of native species that thrive in Macau’s climate.
