Development of Suzhou 2017 WG47 Residential Building

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The project draws on the essence of Suzhou Gardens' layout design. It emphasizes a free-flowing courtyard andthe utilization and extension of the interior and exterior spaces. It adopts the core of Jiangnan architectural culture in modelling design. Every component of the building is going to be split, arranged and selected. The interaction between architecture and garden is also valued. Traditional and modern materials are reasonably matched to show the modern Zen spirit in landscape design.

Dimensions & Packaging

Land area: 37,909 square meters
Gross floor area: 22,745 square meters
Floor area ratio: 0.6
Building density: 39.00 percent
Greening rate: 30.00 percent

Tags

Oriental charm, Jiangnan classical garden, elegance, traditional architecture, China Railway, Construction Real Estate, metal, titanium zinc roofing

Production Technology

Roofing: Use more advanced materials like titanium zinc plates to replace small gray tiles because they lack the exquisiteness of upscale buildings.
Wood components: Use alloy components instead of the traditional fragile wood strips.
Doors and windows: Use alloy-framed and soundproof glass window of high air tightness to replace the traditional wooden sash.
Corridor pillars: Use stone as the base and metal as the body.
Foundation: Use traditional stone materials like before.

Design Challenge

The project acts as the pioneer in China that transforms the traditional Chinese-style villa into the innovative Chinese-style one. All facade components are upgraded from traditional wood to aluminum alloy components. The traditional small gray-tile roofing is replaced with titanium zinc plates but still keeps the original style. The challenge is that it has a long R and D period with high cost.

Project Duration

The project started in January 2018 and finished in December 2020 in Suzhou.

Operation Flow

The project aims to find out a new form of Jiangnan garden architecture that conforms to modern aesthetic taste, technical characteristics and spiritual core through arranging and analyzing the traditional ones. The house layout is evolving toward intensiveness and efficiency. The key is to create a space within limited area where people can live, play and appreciate by learning from the space organization method of the Suzhou Gardens.

Research

The construction of the plot shows the designer's memory about the ancient city, and is a heritage of history and culture. The design combines traditional and modern methods to renovate the nearly failing old town of Suzhou.
The project is sited at the heartland of Suzhou's old town, enjoying a unique location. The design draws on the architectural characteristics of Jiangnan buildings, aiming to create a high-end villa product worth of collection.

Inspiration

The project is in the center of Suzhou's old town. To its south lies the renowned and representative Jiangnan classical garden, the Humble Administrator's Garden. Its north is connected to a river and in its west sits the North Temple Pagoda. Thus, it enjoys an excellent location. Since the plot belongs to the key protected area of the cityscape, it will have a great influence on the construction and development of Suzhou's old town.

Image Credits

Photography: gad

Colors of Development of Suzhou 2017 WG47 Residential Building