Where Garden Traditions Shape Modern Resort Living

Explore VCBO Architecture's Chongqing Yongshan Lake Resort Master Plan, a luxury resort community featuring a boutique hotel, villas, residences, and contemporary regional design inspired by traditional Chinese gardens.

Chongqing Yongshan Lake Resort Master Plan | VCBO Architecture

A luxury resort master plan in Chongqing that blends boutique hospitality, private residences, and contemporary regional architecture within a landscape inspired by traditional Chinese gardens.

Chongqing Yongshan Lake Resort Master Plan

Set within a dramatic lake and mountain landscape, the Chongqing Yongshan Lake Resort Master Plan brings together hospitality and residential living through a master plan inspired by the spatial traditions of the Classic Chinese Garden. The development combines a five-star boutique hotel, private residences, and luxury villas within a carefully organized collection of pavilion-inspired buildings that strengthen the relationship between architecture and nature.

Rather than concentrating development into a single large structure, the master plan organizes the resort as a series of intimate neighborhoods connected by landscaped gardens, pedestrian pathways, and shared outdoor spaces. This approach creates a sequence of distinct experiences while preserving views across the surrounding landscape and establishing a strong sense of place.

The boutique hotel is designed as a collection of private bungalow accommodations that offer guests a quieter, more residential resort experience. Nearby villas and residential buildings echo the same architectural language, creating visual continuity throughout the community while maintaining privacy and a human-scaled environment.

Building orientation was a key planning strategy. Structures are positioned to capture panoramic lake and mountain views while maximizing south-facing exposure to increase natural daylight within guest rooms and residences. This careful siting supports comfortable living environments and reinforces the project's connection to its natural setting.

Inspired by traditional Chinese garden planning and expressed through contemporary regional architecture, the Chongqing Yongshan Lake Resort Master Plan demonstrates how hospitality, residential development, and landscape can work together to create a destination rooted in its environment rather than imposed upon it.

A Dual-Branded Beachfront Resort Designed Around Place and Experience

Discover the Xiamen Resort Master Plan, a dual-branded beachfront hospitality destination featuring Renaissance and Marriott resorts designed around coastal character, guest experience, and thoughtful master planning.

Xiamen Resort Master Plan | Hospitality Master Planning | VCBO Architecture

A beachfront hospitality master plan bringing Renaissance and Marriott resorts together through architecture inspired by the coastal landscape and a shared vision for guest experience.

Designed as a unified hospitality destination, the Xiamen Resort Master Plan brings together Renaissance and Marriott brands within a carefully planned beachfront setting that offers distinct guest experiences while sharing a cohesive vision for the site.

The master plan organizes two complementary resorts around the natural character of the coastline. The Renaissance Resort includes 188 guest rooms and 12 private hotel villas, with architecture inspired by the graceful movement of native seabirds. Light, contemporary forms create a sense of openness that reflects the surrounding landscape and reinforces the brand's focus on discovery and design.

The adjacent Marriott Resort provides 300 guest rooms and 12 hotel villas in an architectural expression that reinterprets the character of a traditional seaside estate through clean contemporary detailing. The design balances a familiar sense of comfort with an elevated coastal experience suited to leisure travelers and destination guests.

Throughout the development, the master plan prioritizes walkability, landscape, and memorable arrival sequences. Buildings, outdoor spaces, and circulation are arranged to strengthen connections to the beachfront while creating a variety of places for gathering, relaxation, and recreation. Tropical planting, open public spaces, and carefully framed views reinforce the identity of the destination and encourage guests to experience the resort beyond their accommodations.

Rather than treating the two hotels as separate properties, the master plan creates a cohesive resort environment where each brand maintains its own architectural identity while contributing to a unified guest experience. The result is a hospitality destination that responds to its coastal setting, celebrates local character, and supports long-term operational success through thoughtful planning and place-making.

Where Coastal Hospitality Meets Waterfront Living

Explore the Maoming Resort Master Plan, an integrated beachfront hospitality development in Guangdong, China featuring luxury hotels, residential towers, a marina, retail, and waterfront planning.

Maoming Resort Master Plan | Resort Master Planning | VCBO Architecture

A large-scale beachfront resort master plan featuring luxury hotels, residential towers, marina amenities, and mixed-use waterfront development in Guangdong, China.

Maoming Resort Master Plan | VCBO Architecture

Stretching along Guangdong's coastline, the Maoming Resort Master Plan envisions a large-scale hospitality destination that combines luxury accommodations, waterfront living, retail, and marina amenities within a unified beachfront community.

The master plan is designed to accommodate multiple internationally recognized hotel brands across five primary hotel sites. The program includes three 300-key luxury hotels, one 200-key hotel, one 150-key hotel, and boutique hotel accommodations integrated throughout the development (quantity to be confirmed). This mix of hospitality offerings creates opportunities for visitors to experience different resort environments while returning to the same destination.

Beyond the beachfront hotels, residential high-rise towers introduce seaside living with views of the South China Sea. At the southern end of the development, a commercial district anchors the waterfront with shops, restaurants, and entertainment surrounding a 300-berth marina and modern cruise terminal.

The planning approach organizes hospitality, residential, commercial, and waterfront uses into connected districts that encourage walkability while maximizing access to beaches and marina activities. Contemporary tropical architecture and landscaped public spaces reinforce the coastal setting and create memorable arrival experiences throughout the resort.

Designed as an integrated resort destination, the master plan supports tourism, recreation, and mixed-use development while positioning Maoming as a significant hospitality destination along Guangdong's coast.

Private Resort Living on Hawaii's Kona Coast

One Ocean Lot 1 is an 8,200-square-foot luxury residence within Mauna Lani Resort featuring six suites, expansive lanais, an infinity pool, and panoramic ocean views on Hawaii's Kona Coast.

One Ocean Lot 1 | Luxury Oceanfront Home Hawaii | VCBO Architecture

One Ocean at Mauna Lani Resort, Kona, Hawaii

Explore a contemporary luxury estate designed for indoor-outdoor living with panoramic ocean views in the exclusive Mauna Lani Resort.

One Ocean Lot 1 | Luxury Resort Residence in Hawaii

Positioned within the exclusive Mauna Lani Resort on Hawaii's Kona Coast, One Ocean Lot 1 is a custom luxury residence designed to embrace panoramic ocean and mountain views while creating the experience of a private island retreat. The estate blends contemporary architecture with Hawaii's indoor-outdoor lifestyle, offering expansive living spaces that open directly to the surrounding landscape.

The 8,200-square-foot home spans two levels and includes six ocean-facing bedroom suites, each with its own private bath. A dramatic Great Room anchors the residence, connecting to generous covered lanais that extend the living experience outdoors. The Grand Lanai overlooks an infinity-edge pool complete with an integrated spa, sunken fire pit, and multiple gathering spaces oriented toward the Pacific Ocean and sunset views.

Arrival is framed by lush tropical landscaping and garden courtyards that create privacy while revealing the home's layered relationship to the site. Interior spaces feature warm natural materials, generous glazing, and carefully framed views that strengthen the connection between architecture and the surrounding environment.

Designed for entertaining as well as everyday resort living, the estate also includes a detached four-car garage with dedicated storage and workspace, along with parking for four additional guest vehicles. Every major living space is oriented to capture Hawaii's climate, natural light, and coastal setting while maintaining privacy within the gated Mauna Lani community.

One Ocean Lot 1 demonstrates how contemporary residential architecture can combine luxury, comfort, and a strong connection to place, creating a home that functions as both a private residence and a refined resort-style retreat.

A Retreat Shaped by Water and Regional Heritage

A luxury boutique villa resort inspired by regional architecture and aquatic landscapes, blending contemporary regional design with indoor-outdoor resort living.

Middle Eastern Villa Resort | Luxury Resort Architecture | VCBO Architecture

Discover a boutique luxury villa resort where contemporary regional architecture, water, and landscape create an immersive hospitality experience.

Middle Eastern Villa Resort | VCBO Architecture

Inspired by the calming rhythms of the surrounding waters, the Middle Eastern Villa Resort creates an immersive hospitality experience rooted in both landscape and culture. The design draws from regional architectural traditions while expressing them through a contemporary regional approach, creating a resort that feels connected to its setting rather than imposed upon it.

Each villa balances privacy with openness. Generous indoor-outdoor living spaces, infinity-edge pools, and expansive views encourage guests to experience the surrounding environment throughout the day. Open architectural layouts blur the transition between interior spaces and the landscape, reinforcing a close relationship between architecture, water, and nature.

Native-inspired design influences are reflected in the villas' architectural character, honoring the cultural vernacular of the region without replicating historic forms. Contemporary detailing and carefully composed outdoor spaces provide modern comfort while maintaining a strong sense of place.

Lush landscaping extends throughout the resort, weaving together private villas, gardens, and water features into a cohesive guest experience. The composition of architecture and landscape emphasizes tranquility, creating a sequence of spaces that encourage relaxation, reflection, and connection to the natural environment.

By integrating regional design influences with contemporary hospitality planning, the resort demonstrates how architecture can celebrate local identity while delivering a refined luxury experience. The result is a boutique destination where water, landscape, and culture work together to create an atmosphere that is both peaceful and memorable.

Pangulasian Island Resort showcases contemporary tropical resort architecture in El Nido, Palawan, blending luxury accommodations with sustainable design and sensitive site planning.

El Nido Pangulasian Island Resort | Luxury Resort Architecture

Discover a luxury tropical resort designed to preserve the natural beauty of Pangulasian Island through contemporary architecture and sustainable planning.

El Nido Pangulasian Island Resort | VCBO Architecture

Set within the protected waters of El Nido, Pangulasian Island Resort was conceived to preserve the feeling of arriving at an untouched tropical island. Approaching by boat, guests see only white sand, dense forest, and turquoise water. The resort itself remains hidden behind the tree line, creating a memorable first impression while minimizing its visual impact on the landscape.

The resort features 42 contemporary tropical bungalows positioned to immerse guests in their surroundings. Beachfront accommodations provide direct access to the shoreline, while elevated forest villas overlook the canopy and surrounding sea. Natural materials, open-air spaces, and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between architecture and the island's remarkable setting without competing with it.

Environmental stewardship was a defining project objective. The resort incorporates renewable energy, desalinated water, onsite water treatment, and organic gardens that support daily operations while reducing dependence on imported resources. These systems complement the resort's broader commitment to responsible tourism and preserving one of the Philippines' most ecologically significant destinations.

Rather than dominating the island, the architecture works within it—using careful siting, restrained building forms, and a contemporary tropical design language that celebrates the landscape. The result is a luxury hospitality experience that balances comfort, privacy, and environmental responsibility while maintaining the sense of discovery that defines arrival at Pangulasian Island.

The project was designed in collaboration with WATG and James G. Freeman, who served as Senior Designer and Project Manager.

Commune with the Forest in Private Luxury

Jin Yun Mountain Resort Villas near Chongqing features 20 luxury resort villas designed around preserved forest landscapes using pavilion architecture, courtyards, and expansive glass.

Jin Yun Mountain Resort Villas | Chongqing Luxury Resort Architecture | VCBO

A collection of 20 luxury resort villas designed to preserve the historic forests of Jin Yun Mountain through pavilion architecture, courtyards, and immersive connections to nature.

Jin Yun Mountain Resort Villas | Forest Resort Design in Chongqing

Nestled within the historic forests of Jin Yun Shan outside Chongqing, the Jin Yun Mountain Resort Villas demonstrate how architecture can respond to a sensitive mountain landscape without overwhelming it. Designed as a collection of 20 luxury resort villas, the project prioritizes preservation by protecting every existing tree on the site and allowing the natural environment to shape the architectural response.

Rather than introducing large building masses, the villas are composed as interconnected pavilions surrounding private courtyards. This approach minimizes disruption to the landscape while creating intimate indoor-outdoor living spaces that remain closely connected to the surrounding forest.

The architecture draws directly from the site's character. Robust stone bases anchor each pavilion to the mountainside, while slender columns rise like tree trunks to support generous roof overhangs inspired by the forest canopy. Expansive mullion-free glass dissolves the boundary between interior and exterior spaces, framing views of the surrounding trees and bringing natural light deep into each villa.

Every design decision reinforces the relationship between the built environment and its setting. The result is a contemporary mountain retreat where architecture complements, rather than competes with, the landscape. Respect for the site's mature forest and cultural significance creates an experience that is both refined and deeply rooted in place, offering guests privacy, immersion in nature, and a strong connection to one of Chongqing's most celebrated mountain environments.

Explore the Bai Tang Bay Master Plan, an integrated resort development featuring luxury hotels, entertainment, retail, residences, and destination planning inspired by dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Bai Tang Bay Master Plan | Integrated Resort Master Planning | VCBO Architecture

Discover how VCBO's master planning approach creates an integrated resort destination shaped by volcanic landscapes, tropical beaches, hospitality, and immersive guest experiences.

Bai Tang Bay Master Plan | Integrated Resort Destination

Bai Tang Bay Master Plan envisions an integrated resort destination where dramatic natural landscapes shape every aspect of the guest experience. Drawing inspiration from the site's volcanic terrain, pristine beaches, rugged headlands, and distinctive rock formations known as the "undersea warriors," the master plan creates a destination rooted in its natural setting while supporting a diverse mix of hospitality, entertainment, and residential experiences.

The development brings together a broad collection of destinations within a cohesive resort environment. Plans include three signature hotels, private villas, serviced apartments, destination retail, waterfront dining, a beachfront hot spring center, an opera house, a volcano-themed attraction, a water park, and Snow World, creating experiences that appeal to visitors throughout the year.

Rather than treating these destinations as isolated attractions, the master plan organizes them into a connected resort community where landscapes, circulation, and architecture reinforce a strong sense of place. Natural landforms guide the planning strategy, helping preserve the character of the site while creating memorable arrival sequences, view corridors, and gathering spaces that encourage exploration.

Architectural character draws from the region's tropical climate and local context, balancing contemporary resort design with forms and materials that respond to the surrounding environment. Public spaces, hospitality venues, and residential neighborhoods are carefully integrated to support both visitors and long-term residents while strengthening the identity of the destination.

Designed around the principles of resort placemaking, Bai Tang Bay demonstrates how master planning can transform exceptional natural features into a cohesive hospitality destination where nature, culture, recreation, and entertainment combine to create lasting visitor experiences.

Where Glass, Water and Sky Define Tropical Luxury

Villa 888 at Sanya Creative Town is an 888-square-meter contemporary luxury villa featuring seven bedrooms, expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces, rooftop entertainment, and resort-inspired amenities.

Villa 888 at Sanya Creative Town | Luxury Villa Design in Sanya

Discover a contemporary tropical luxury villa in Sanya featuring expansive glass architecture, resort-style amenities, rooftop entertaining, and seamless indoor-outdoor living.

Designed as part of the Sanya Creative Town Villas collection, Villa 888 combines contemporary architecture with tropical resort living in a private residence created for entertaining and relaxation. Spanning 888 square meters, the three-level home emphasizes openness, natural light, and a continuous relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The home's defining feature is a dramatic glass-enclosed Great Room positioned at the edge of a wraparound swimming pool. Above, the second and third floors appear to float on slender piloti columns, providing shade while reinforcing the villa's light architectural expression. Extensive glazing frames views of the surrounding tropical landscape and connects every primary living area to water, gardens, and outdoor gathering spaces.

Resort-inspired amenities are integrated throughout the property. Multiple outdoor destinations—including a sunken conversation pit, fire pit, hot tubs, and landscaped terraces—create flexible settings for entertaining or quiet retreat. Tropical planting enhances privacy while extending the experience of the surrounding environment into the architecture.

Inside, the residence includes seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a private office, and a dedicated game room on the upper level. The rooftop entertainment deck expands the home's recreational spaces with a bar, partially covered lounge areas, and dual hot tubs overlooking the landscape.

Rather than separating luxury from nature, the design uses glass, water, shade, and open-air living to create a residence that responds to its tropical setting. The result is a contemporary villa where architecture and landscape work together to support year-round indoor-outdoor living and elevated residential experiences.

A Contemporary Coastal Resort Inspired by Flight

Inspired by native Hainan seabirds, this five-star Hilton resort in Sanya combines 250 guest rooms, conference facilities, restaurants, wellness amenities, and contemporary regional architecture.

Curio Collection by Hilton Sanya Yazhou Bay Resort | Resort Architecture

Curio Collection by Hilton Sanya Master Plan

A contemporary five-star coastal resort in Sanya, China, inspired by native seabirds and designed to connect guests with the beauty of Yazhou Bay.

Curio Collection by Hilton Sanya Yazhou Bay Resort

Inspired by the graceful seabirds native to Hainan Island, the Curio Collection by Hilton Sanya Yazhou Bay Resort is designed as an architectural expression of flight, with sweeping forms that rise above Yazhou Bay and reflect the movement and energy of the surrounding coastline.

Located within Creative New Town in Sanya, the five-star resort combines hospitality, wellness, dining, and event spaces into a destination that celebrates its coastal setting through contemporary regional architecture. The resort includes 250 guest rooms, two restaurants, a Conference Centre, and dedicated spa and fitness facilities organized to maximize views and enhance the guest experience.

Arrival begins in a dramatic ocean-view lobby where a lush indoor garden, anchored by soaring 10-meter-tall palm trees, creates an immediate connection between architecture and the tropical landscape. Elevated above the lobby, the Starlight Bar offers panoramic 180-degree views across Yazhou Bay. Its retractable roof transforms the venue from an enclosed lounge into an open-air destination where guests can experience the night sky while overlooking the coast.

Throughout the design, the building's sculptural rooflines and flowing forms reinforce the inspiration drawn from Hainan's native wildlife while responding to the region's climate and scenery. The result is a resort that balances memorable architecture with functional hospitality spaces, creating a destination centered on comfort, relaxation, and immersive coastal experiences.

2019 | Award of Merit | ENR Mountain States

2024 | BEST Learn - Higher Ed Project | IIDA Intermountain 

2022 | "Engineering on Display" | Utah Construction & Design 

Weber State University Noorda Engineering, Applied Sciences & Technology Building

"Architecture relies on engineered systems that are typically hidden from users view, but in the Noorda Engineering Building, these building systems are intentionally exposed, allowing students and occupants an honest view of the essential systems that bring the building to life."

— Celestia Carson, Principal VCBO Architect

Weber State University Noorda Engineering Building

Celebrating the precision, creativity, and complexity of engineered systems, this new academic facility reflects the interdisciplinary spirit of innovation within its walls. Positioned on the north end of Weber State University’s campus, the building serves as the new home for the College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology. VCBO worked closely with university leadership to design a functional, intuitive environment that showcases the building blocks of engineering — both literally and metaphorically. A dynamic exterior sculpture, Between the Currents, captures the essence of invisible natural forces and the unexpected beauty that emerges when diverse data and disciplines converge.

Inside, the building brings together collaborative study zones, classrooms, and labs for Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, the School of Computing, and Professional Sales. It also supports early-college programming through dedicated space for NUAMES High School. Purposefully designed to promote interaction, focus, and experimentation, the facility offers students a forward-thinking environment to learn, collaborate, and thrive — reinforcing Weber State’s mission to prepare future-ready engineers in a space that mirrors the precision of their craft.

Provo Fire Station 21 is a modern public safety facility in Provo, Utah designed to support emergency response, firefighter wellness, and community resilience.

Provo Fire Station 21 | Public Safety | VCBO Architecture

Rebuilt on the site of the original 1971 facility and reopened in December 2024, this new fire station strengthens emergency response capabilities in Provo’s growing downtown core. Strategically located near City Hall, the Public Safety Building, and historic Center Street, the station plays a central role in the city’s public safety network.

Planned in close collaboration with the City of Provo, the design balances operational efficiency with thoughtful integration into the surrounding neighborhood through carefully considered massing, materials, and landscaping. The facility is equipped to support expanded response needs, including housing a ladder truck and additional apparatus required to serve a denser, more vertical urban environment.

Designed as a resilient, future-ready civic facility, the station reflects Provo’s long-term investment in public safety infrastructure while contributing positively to the character of the downtown district.

2025 Best Small Project | ENR Mountain States

2025 Award of Excellence Landscape/ Urban Development Project of the Year (Under 25 Million) | Associated General Contractors of Utah

The Weber State University W Hillside Monument in Ogden, Utah preserves an iconic campus landmark through thoughtful design and landscape improvements.

Weber State University W Hillside Monument | VCBO

Set into the mountainside above Weber State University, this reimagined hillside monogram transforms a long-standing campus tradition into a landmark of sustainable design. What began in 1938 as a temporary letter formed with tin cans has evolved into Utah’s first solar-powered mountain monogram—integrating architecture, renewable energy, and campus identity.

The W is constructed atop an eight-inch-thick shotcrete slab anchored securely into bedrock with more than 100 soil anchors, permanently embedding the structure into the landscape. Solar panels form the letter itself, while recessed LED lighting outlines its shape, allowing the landmark to glow across campus and the city below.

Careful visual studies ensured the letter’s proportions read clearly from both campus and Ogden, reinforcing its presence as a recognizable civic marker. Generating more energy than it consumes and returning surplus power to the grid, the W stands as a visible expression of Weber State’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and enduring design.

2025 Best Higher Education Project in the United States

2025 Best Higher Education Research Excellence in Sustainability 

IIDA Intermountain Chapter 2025 BEST - Merit Award - Healthcare 

2024 Utah Construction & Design - Most Outstanding Green/Sustainable Project

The Westminster University Integrated Wellness Center in Salt Lake City supports student wellness through integrated health, recreation, and campus spaces.

Westminster University Integrated Wellness Center | VCBO

Westminster University Integrated Wellness Center

Westminster University Integrated Wellness

Where student wellness and sustainability come together under one roof. Inspired by the university president’s vision, this facility was created to give every student access to resources for living well. Inside, a medical clinic, counseling center, wellness studio, demonstration kitchen, outdoor activity courtyard, gathering space, and staff offices come together to support holistic wellbeing. Since opening in August 2024, it has already become a vital resource for nurturing the mental, physical, financial, intellectual, and social health of Westminster students.

Sustainability is at the core of its design. Built with mass timber beams, columns, and cross-laminated timber (CLT) roof decking, the building operates as a net-positive energy facility. A rooftop array of 145 photovoltaic panels more than offsets energy use, eliminating reliance on carbon-based sources. Natural materials were chosen for their durability and benefits to occupant wellness, ensuring the center not only supports healthier lives but embodies them.

University of Utah's Charlie Monfort Field at America First Ballpark in Salt Lake City features modern baseball facilities, premium fan spaces, and NCAA competition amenities.

University of Utah Charlie Monfort Field | VCBO Architecture

The Charlie Monfort Field at America First Ballpark

Baseball returns to campus with a dedicated home designed to support student-athletes, enhance the fan experience, and strengthen the University’s athletic district. Developed through extensive site studies and close collaboration with the University and Populous, the stadium transforms a constrained campus site into a vibrant venue for competition and community gathering.

Designed to maximize both performance and experience within a compact footprint, the ballpark features 1,200 chairback seats, an outfield berm, and capacity for up to 3,000 fans. Positioned at the southern edge of campus, the stadium offers a distinctive setting framed by views of the surrounding mountains, while concessions, merchandise areas, entry plazas, and dedicated media and broadcast facilities create an engaging game-day atmosphere.

Supporting spaces include indoor batting and pitching cages, locker rooms, sports medicine facilities, equipment storage, and coaches' offices, bringing essential training, wellness, and performance functions together in one location. The stadium also accommodates University and community events, creating a lasting asset for both the baseball program and the campus as a whole.

University of Utah Spencer Fox School of Medicine

At the center of the University of Utah’s Health Sciences campus, a new School of Medicine Building is redefining how medical education, research, and clinical care come together. Rising along a key campus crest, the project establishes an academic focal point while revitalizing a previously understated campus entry and framing views of the Wasatch Mountains.

VCBO, in collaboration with The Yazdani Studio of CannonDesign, is designing the building as a hub for learning and discovery. Dynamic education environments include adaptive classrooms, a state-of-the-art advanced simulation center, a gross anatomy lab, and shared spaces that support both formal instruction and informal knowledge exchange. A multistory forum anchors the interior, providing a central gathering space for large presentations, events, and daily interaction among students and faculty.

Tucked between the existing hospital, nursing school, and medical library, the steeply sloped site rises more than 40 feet from south to north. The design responds with a series of outdoor terraces at each level, integrating the building into the landscape while encouraging student wellness, social connection, and learning beyond the classroom, with expansive views across the Salt Lake basin.

2025 Most Outstanding K-12 Large Project | Utah Construction & Design

2025 Excellence in Concrete - Educational | ACI Intermountain Chapter

2025 Award of Excellence K-12 Education | Associated General Contractors of Utah

Innovative Architecture for Innovative Education 

Deseret Peak High School is the second school in the state designed with the flexibility required to support future learning models. This design was a result of a hands-on collaborative planning process with involvement from Tooele County School District administrators, staff, faculty, students, and the VCBO architectural team. Utilizing a series of interactive workshops with the stakeholders, key design ideas including different size classrooms, flexible learning spaces, collaborative learning suites with maker space labs, and teacher office suites were developed.

With a focus on increased efficiency and overall project costs, the Tooele County School Board challenged VCBO to hit a utilization factor of 95% in the new high school prototype. VCBO achieved this goal by moving teachers from their classrooms and into teacher office suites designed to provide teachers with all of the amenities necessary for their continued success. Another key aspect to achieving this goal was to create three learning studio types of varying sizes. Another key design element was the safety of students and staff. Each compartmentalized learning suite is created to optimize daylight, transparency, and safety. The resultant design of the new high school is safe, energy-efficient, supportive of current and future learning models, and continues the goals of the District to enhance collaborative learning.

2023 IIDA Intermountain West Merit Award in Best Learn, Higher Education

Built for Innovation and Polytechnic Learning

Utah Tech University Science, Engineering, and Technology Building

Where innovation meets education, the SET Building equips Utah Tech students for the future of STEM. The facility houses advanced laboratories and classroom spaces for physics, chemistry, biology, geosciences, mechanical engineering, technology, and computer science, along with faculty offices and collaborative support areas.

Developed to address increasing demand for lab access and course availability, the SET Building enables more students to take critical classes when needed, accelerating graduation timelines and preparing graduates for careers in high-demand fields. The project scope also included the demolition of the existing Performing Arts Building and the demolition and repaving of the Whitehead Education Building. Designed as a High Performance Building, the facility emphasizes energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant comfort while creating an adaptable environment for discovery and innovation.

2025 Most Outstanding K-12 Project  | Utah Construction & Design

2025 Excellence in Concrete - Educational  | ACI Intermountain Chapter

Bringing two aging schools together into one future-ready campus, this elementary school was designed to be flexible, inclusive, and welcoming for every student. Developed through close collaboration with educators and specialists, the building prioritizes accessibility and neurodivergent-friendly design with sensory-supportive materials, adaptable furnishings, and inclusive play environments.

The architecture reflects the district’s vision of excitement and wonder. Castle-like forms, precast crenellations, and Tudor arch portals establish a memorable identity while framing courtyards for outdoor learning and gathering.

Inside, adaptable learning neighborhoods combine classrooms with collaboration zones, STEM areas, and small-group rooms to support diverse teaching styles and individualized learning. Daylight and transparency energize the interior, while bold color and stained-glass–inspired graphics guide wayfinding through four themed learning suites—Terra, Ignis, Ventus, and Aqua—creating identity and intuitive navigation throughout the school.

2021 Most Outstanding Restoration/Renovation Project of the Year | Utah Construction & Design

Scientific Precision for Science Education

Utah State University Noelle E. Cockett Life Sciences Building

Thoughtfully designed to address Utah State University’s growing demand for foundational biology courses, the Noelle E. Cockett Life Sciences Building is a flagship facility on the Logan campus. In conjunction with the adjacent Biology & Natural Resources Building, the LSB supports the science learning community and stands as a LEED Gold-certified example of sustainable and innovative design.

The building offers a dynamic mix of spaces tailored to inspire learning and foster discovery. Key features include a 350-seat lecture hall, 13 teaching laboratories, collaborative research labs, an outdoor teaching laboratory garden, and over 5,000 square feet of student study areas. The design integrates a five-story laboratory research tower with advanced vibration control alongside a four-story classroom and office wing that houses faculty offices, graduate student workspaces, and an interactive central commons. An informal atrium and on-site café provide additional opportunities for collaboration and connection, fostering a comfortable and inspiring environment.

The exterior cladding system blends brick, glass fiber-reinforced concrete panels, metal panels, and glass curtain wall to create a modern, enduring presence on campus. Distinctive features include a grand stair with precast concrete treads and a striking 30-foot art glass installation entitled Surface Tension. The building’s structural system was engineered to meet rigorous seismic standards, employing steel buckling-restrained braced frames in an innovative way to balance strength, stiffness, and architectural integration — ensuring the facility will serve students, faculty, and the broader community for generations.

Contemporary Resort Architecture Inspired by the Mountains of Baguio

Discover the Baguio Mountain Boutique Resort, a hospitality architecture project in Baguio, Philippines featuring resort design, master planning, and interior design by VCBO Architecture.

Baguio Mountain Boutique Resort | VCBO Architecture

A contemporary mountain resort in Baguio, Philippines that combines architecture, master planning, and interior design to create an immersive hospitality destination.

Located within the pine forests of Baguio, this boutique resort is centered around a natural spring and envisioned as a secluded retreat focused on rest, wellness, and rejuvenation. The mountainous setting fosters a strong connection to nature, offering fresh alpine air, forested surroundings, and a quiet, immersive guest experience.

Organized as a private enclave woven throughout the valley, the resort integrates amenities and guest experiences into the natural terrain. Wellness-focused features include a spa, swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, and an extensive network of hiking trails with yoga platforms and intimate gathering spaces positioned along the creek.

The 190-key resort includes a diverse range of food and beverage experiences, from specialty dining venues to more casual offerings such as a café and poolside bar. Additional amenities include outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and a speakeasy-style lounge designed to support a variety of social and restorative experiences.

The architectural approach draws directly from the surrounding mountain landscape and forest environment. Conceived as a contemporary interpretation of a mountain lodge, the design utilizes wood, stone, and glass to create layered, light-filled spaces that strengthen the connection between the interior experience and the natural character of the site.

This project was completed by FSC Architects prior to joining VCBO.

Changbaishan Preservation District Long Tang Real Estate Development LTD.

Four-Season Resort Village Designed for Mountain Living

VCBO designed the master plan for Changbaishan Chixi Ski Resort, a four-season mountain destination featuring a pedestrian resort village, mixed-use residential development, and outdoor recreation.

Changbaishan Chixi Ski Resort | Resort Master Planning | VCBO Architecture

A four-season mountain resort master plan that combines residential neighborhoods, a walkable resort village, retail, dining, and outdoor recreation within a forested alpine landscape.

Designed as a four-season mountain destination, Changbaishan Chixi Ski Resort brings together recreation, residential living, hospitality, and retail within a walkable alpine community. The master plan emphasizes a strong connection between architecture and the surrounding forest landscape, creating an environment that supports outdoor recreation throughout the year.

Curving roadways follow the natural terrain, slowing arrival and revealing views through the forest while minimizing the visual impact of development. At the center of the community, a pedestrian-oriented resort village creates an active gathering place where restaurants, cafés, bars, and boutique retail frame plazas and outdoor terraces designed for year-round activity.

Mixed-use buildings ranging from three to four stories combine retail and dining at street level with vacation residences and multifamily accommodations above, creating an active village environment from morning through evening. The compact scale encourages walking while supporting a vibrant public realm for residents and visitors.

Beyond the village core, the development transitions into quieter residential neighborhoods with single-family homes and a private clubhouse that offer a more secluded alpine experience. Open green spaces, including the central Villa Green, strengthen connections between neighborhoods while providing places for recreation, relaxation, and community events.

By combining residential, hospitality, and commercial uses within a landscape-centered master plan, Changbaishan Chixi Ski Resort creates an all-season destination that supports skiing, hiking, cycling, lakeside recreation, and outdoor gathering while celebrating the character of its mountain setting.

A Private Oasis of Modern Balinese Elegance

Conrad Bali Resort blends contemporary regionalism with Balinese architecture across 12.8 tropical acres, featuring 360 guestrooms, luxury amenities, and oceanfront hospitality design.

Conrad Bali Resort | Luxury Resort Architecture in Bali

Discover how contemporary regionalism and Balinese architectural traditions come together at Conrad Bali Resort to create an immersive luxury hospitality experience.

Conrad Bali Resort | Contemporary Resort Architecture in Bali

Set along Bali's southern coastline, Conrad Bali Resort blends contemporary regionalism with traditional Balinese design to create a luxury hospitality destination immersed in tropical gardens, lagoons, and ocean views. Occupying 12.8 acres, the resort brings together architecture, landscape, and water into a cohesive guest experience that emphasizes openness, connection to nature, and the rich cultural character of the island.

The resort features 360 ocean-view guestrooms organized around open courtyards, landscaped pathways, and tranquil water features. Rather than separating buildings from the landscape, the master plan weaves them together, creating a sequence of outdoor rooms and shaded walkways that encourage exploration while providing moments of privacy and reflection.

Amenities support both leisure travel and large-scale events. Guests have access to six dining and bar venues, expansive lagoon pools, a full-service spa and wellness center, tennis courts, a fitness center, and a jogging trail that winds through the tropical grounds. Dedicated conference facilities and celebration venues also position the resort as a destination for meetings, weddings, and special events.

Traditional Balinese architectural elements—including generous roof overhangs, natural materials, open-air gathering spaces, and carefully framed garden views—are interpreted through a contemporary architectural language. The result is a resort that responds to its tropical climate while providing an elegant, immersive setting that celebrates Bali's culture, landscape, and coastal environment.

Where Coastal Living Meets World-Class Hospitality

Explore the Cape Verde Integrated Resort, a 140,000-square-meter mixed-use waterfront destination featuring hotels, entertainment, residences, cultural attractions, and public gathering spaces.

Cape Verde Integrated Resort | Luxury Resort Master Planning | VCBO Architecture

A master-planned waterfront resort combining luxury hospitality, entertainment, residential living, and cultural attractions within one integrated destination.

Designed as a vibrant waterfront destination, the Cape Verde Integrated Resort brings together hospitality, entertainment, residential living, and cultural attractions within a 140,000-square-meter master-planned development. The resort combines multiple experiences into a walkable environment that encourages exploration while celebrating its coastal setting.

The development centers on a 5-star casino hotel featuring resort accommodations, gourmet dining, a fitness center, and a large pool that transitions from a daytime retreat into an active evening destination. Complementing the luxury hotel is an enclosed district inspired by historic walled cities, where visitors encounter a boutique hotel, wedding chapel, spa, convention center, national museum, serviced apartments, and pedestrian streets lined with shops, restaurants, and gathering spaces.

Along the shoreline, residential buildings, an office tower, and an exclusive clubhouse extend the destination beyond hospitality, creating opportunities for visitors and long-term residents to enjoy direct access to the waterfront.

At the heart of the master plan, Santa Maria Islet serves as the resort's signature landmark. Inspired by historic fortress towns, the island features elevated fort-style walls, ocean overlooks, boutique retail, cafés, restaurants, and lively public spaces that encourage guests to explore on foot while enjoying panoramic coastal views.

By combining hotels, entertainment, residential neighborhoods, cultural destinations, and public gathering spaces within a cohesive waterfront environment, the project creates a destination that supports tourism, recreation, and year-round activity while offering visitors a diverse range of experiences in one integrated resort.

Yunnan State-owned Capital Operation Co., Ltd 

Contemporary Resort Architecture Inspired by Hainan's Native Seabirds

Inspired by Hainan's native seabirds, this 250-room Curio Collection by Hilton resort features contemporary regionalism architecture, ocean-view public spaces, a conference centre, spa, and signature rooftop bar overlooking Yazhou Bay.

Curio Collection by Hilton Sanya Yazhou Bay Resort | Resort Architecture | VCBO

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