Concept
The key concept was for the creation of a novel urbanism within the site, that radiates out to relate to surrounding parcels also slated for similar developments. Thus, conception of the first phase was oriented toward an eventual final composition of all parcels, linked by their shared urbanism—an urbanism in harmony with the natural environment to allow residents an experience of both realms seamlessly intertwined.
Cues were taken from the regional surrounding landscapes, with Chong Qing being sited within a mountainous and hilly terrain, marked by sub-tropical vegetation types. Hence, the design focus was for convincing relationships with the verdant hilly forests common in the area. This was translated into building orientation and siting, fenestration designs, landscape strategies, visual corridors, individual experiences and so on.
Although positioned as individual towers, each block is physically linked to their neighbour on the ground and intermediate levels via terraces, where such interstitial spaces function as social condensers, allowing residents opportunities to interact with one another and the environment. Private sky gardens on each roof allow residents the unique experience of enjoying sojourns under stars and foliage, immediately outside their doorsteps. Thus, the experience of nature was planned over several floors, and the experiential aspect was also similarly conceptualized from public to private, large to small scale encounters. This was manifested in the variety of units designed, comprising sky villas with private pools, landed villas fronting the lakes and terraces facing the mountains.
Context
The site is marked by topographical level changes of up to 50 meters, with nine hills scattered around within the boundaries. Buildings are placed around the periphery, with large water bodies introduced at lower points to serve as reservoirs collecting runoff from the built up areas.
Sustainability
In line with respecting the natural topography of the site, buildings were planned according to the existing ground levels, with minimal intervention in excavation or back filling. This mode of passive planning strives to adapt itself to existing conditions, versus traditional active planning which necessitates more site work. Thus, undulations in the landscape are reflected in the 'dance' of buildings in relation to each other.
Vegetation lost on building footprints would be replaced in the form of sky gardens and terraces, leading to a situation of increased biological density and variety per square meter, compared to before. Thus, the overall net gain in biodiversity and bio-density post construction could be fully enjoyed by residents. The large water bodies scattered around the site help lower ambient temperature during summer and carry references to Chong Qing's nautical heritage beside the Yangtze river.
Orientation of each block seeks to ensure maximum southern daylight into every unit, whilst avoiding over-shading effects from adjacent blocks, thereby reducing heating requirements during winter. Prevailing winds into the site also serve to influence placement of blocks and fenestrations, promoting naturally ventilated interiors.
Materials
Local materials are sourced for construction, from locally fired bricks and fittings produced in the surrounding districts to steel from local steel mills. In this way, transportation for building materials can be kept to a minimum, whilst reducing lag time for delivery of stock.
Challenges
Characteristic to the site is the level differences, and in this, presented the largest problem in layout and negotiation between the blocks. Moreover, local municipal regulations on setback and earthquake regulations restricted the number of blocks
allowed, yet the client's requirements on efficiency and number of units further complicated design planning. Within each unit, ventilation and views also presented strict criteria to be fulfilled. As such, the multiple layers of requirements came together at all stages of design, necessitating numerous iterations on the scheme before a satisfactory result was finally achieved.
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