Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects has begun work on a granite clubhouse and spa complex, which will be set in the centre of a lake in southern China to serve the residents of exclusive villas.

The complex by the Danish firm will comprise three granite-clad blocks with concave roofs, which will be linked at their corners to provide a 3,160-square-metre space.

The structures will be used temporarily as a sales office for the new development, which is located in the mountainous district of GaoYao, but will later be adapted to provide facilities for residents including an art gallery, spa and lounge.

Set on the edge of a weir that controls the lake level, it will be surrounded by water and connected to land by a narrow pedestrian bridge.

"By placing the clubhouse at the centre of the lake, visitors will become instantly connected to the site, surroundings and mountains," Schmidt Hammer Lassen partner Chris Hardie told Dezeen.

"The project aims to connect visitors to the beautiful landscape surroundings through a series of framed panoramic views," he added. "Initially the space will act as a gallery and sales pavilion, and later be adapted into an exclusive clubhouse and spa serving the residents of a new development of private villas."

The architects employed a Feng Shui expert to determine the orientation of the building on the site and the direction of its entrances.

Inside, a column-free layout will be used to open up views of the mountains, water and sky through floor-to-ceiling glazing.

"The design focuses on space, light, view and programme," said the team. "The sculptural project was designed in collaboration with a Feng Shui Master to respect angles of approach and its location on the site."

"The different spaces step together with the change in level making the building an integrated part of the lake, where terraces extend out from the interior as panoramic rooms," they added. "Its sculptural presence and qualities are marked by a calligraphically simple gesture."

The building will be divided into three parts defined by the concave roof sections, but the light oak floors and grey granite walls installed throughout will visually link the distinct areas.

Work on the project is now underway and expected to complete in early 2017.

Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects also recently unveiled a proposal for the world's largest waste-to-energy plant in Shenzhen and completed a new building for the International Criminal Court in the Hague.

Project credits:

Architect: Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects
Collaborating architect: Thomas Chow Architects
Structural engineer: Dress & Sommer, Stuttgart
Visuals: Luxigon
Model: Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects