Robert Trent Jones Clubhouse Changbaishan

The Changbaishan International Resort is a four-season recreation destination located in northeastern China’s Jilin Province and is home to three golf courses in addition to nationally-renown skiing.  Zehren and Associates provided design for the clubhouses and ancillary support buildings located on the Jack Nicklaus- and Robert Trent Jones-designed courses.

Located in a forested area just to the west of the main village, Robert Trent Jones designed two 18-hole golf courses interlaced with manmade lakes.  Zehren and Associates provided the design for the 9000 square meter Robert Trent Jones Clubhouse, a 30 - 40 lane stroke training (driving range) facility, prototypes for both a 100 square meter and 200 square meter midway house, a smoking cabin prototype, a gate house, and 1500 square meter maintenance facility.

The design of the clubhouse is semi-circular to allow for expansive views to both courses and adjacent manmade lakes as they wrap around the building.  The clubhouse features large timbers and towering vaulted spaces for dining and gathering—both before and after a round on the links—and expansive outdoor terraces to soak in the action on the adjacent greens.  The building utilizes local stone and timber to create a warm and inviting retreat while split-pitch roofs, flared rafter tails, and horizontal window mullions recall the heritage of the traditional Chinese buildings in the area.

The ancillary buildings are designed in the same vernacular as the clubhouse and provide ample opportunities for taking a break while enjoying the wonderful wooded setting and surrounding mountain views.  The buildings use natural materials and low roof profiles to balance with the landscape and complement the design of the main clubhouse.  Zehren provided full design services and consulted on the construction details and material selection at the Robert Trent Jones golf course facilities.