SHANGHAI, CHINA—URBN Hotels & Resorts is collaborating with Vanke, China’s largest residential real estate developer, to construct and operate what could be the most forward-thinking, sustainably-built and green-operated hotel in Asia. The 20,000-square-meter boutique hotel is part of a larger project which will become a 200,000-square-meter commercial, retail and residential development in the Sanlin district of Pudong in Shanghai, China. URBN’s $46.7 million project will include 55 hotel rooms, 50 URBN serviced residences, and 4,500 square meters of dining, wellness and art spaces.
Vanke has engaged URBN Hotels & Resorts to bring its philosophy of inspiration, sustainability and connection to Vanke’s first hotel project. “We are delighted to be cooperating with such an experienced and forward-thinking developer,” says Amina Belouizdad, director of URBN Hotels & Resorts.
URBN Hotels & Resorts is renowned for its award-winning first property in Shanghai’s Jingan district. The boutique hotel brand has been recognized as one of China’s leading edge hotels. The Shanghai property is China’s first carbon-neutral hotel, the property has won numerous accolades for its commitment to environmentally-friendly operational practices, use of recycled and reclaimed materials in construction, and support of the green movement through events such as the annual Eco Fair.
Assisted by Acclaimed Architect
Vanke and URBN are working together with Fumihiko Maki, the world-acclaimed Japanese architect currently working on the United Nations building and World Trade Centre Tower 4 in New York City, to design an innovative project with a strong commitment to sustainability throughout.
“The aim is to make this hotel go beyond sustainability…it will be the first positive-impact hotel in China,” says Jules Kwan, managing director of URBN Hotels & Resorts.
There are several ideas being developed which will be revealed over the course of the 18-month construction period. The hotel will increase the biodiversity of the site, and will discharge water that is cleaner than the water from the city’s water supply. The hotel will also be carbon-neutral, and will aim for LEED and China Green Star certifications. In addition, URBN Hotel Pudong will continue its green operations legacy by aiming to surpass the 35 percent energy savings target hit by the first URBN Hotel.
URBN Hotel Pudong will open in spring 2012.
Go to URBN Hotels & Resorts.
