The Hong Kong-born architect helping Chinese get back to basics with one-of-a-kind retreats, and embrace co-working
Delphine Yip-Horsfield worked on several high-profile projects in China – such as Xintiandi and Shanghai Disneytown – before joining naked Group, the sustainable hospitality company founded by her South African husband
How did you get started? “After graduation I worked with American architect Ben Wood, to build Xintiandi, the Shanghai nightlife district developed by Hong Kong company Shui On Land. I was also involved in Shanghai Disneytown [a shopping, dining and entertainment complex that opened in June last year at the Shanghai Disney Resort] and the entertainment complex Shanghai DreamCentre [due to open next year].”
And naked Group? “My husband, Grant Horsfield, had moved to Shanghai to explore business opportunities, but became overwhelmed by the metropolis and missed the natural beauty of his homeland [South Africa]. He decided to create a lifestyle business developing retreats that are in harmony with the environment.
“The first resort, naked Home, was launched in 2007, followed by naked Stables, our signature resort, in 2011, and naked Castle in 2016. Five more resorts are under development: two in Suzhou [including naked Water, opening at the end of the year], plus three in Shaoxing [in eastern China], Chengdu and Chongqing [both in southwest China]. I joined the business three years ago.”
Tell us about your resorts. “Naked Home is a sustainable village in Moganshan, outside Shanghai. We restored 12 buildings using recycled materials, energy-saving systems and local craft skills. Local staff grow and cook the food, and guests can participate in tea picking and bamboo harvesting.
