Vanke Guangzhou
Program
/ Mixed Use: hospitality and retailLocation
/ Guangzhou, ChinaSize
/ 7,000 sqmClient
/ Vanke GuangzhouScope
/ ArchitectureStatus
/ Partly completed 2024Photographs
/ CreatArTeam
/ Carolyn Leung, Ben de Lange, Ruben Bergambagt, Ana Raluca Timisescu, Dave Chan, Wenmo LiuSuperimpose has proposed a sophisticated and inviting design for the clubhouse and retail podium facade of a 500,000 sqm residential development in the Chinese megacity Guangzhou, bringing a sense of luxurious boutique hotel to the project.
Top-tier Chinese residential developers like Vanke are increasingly recognizing that their target audience values quality of life above all else. As a result, integrating amenities typically found in high-end luxury hotels is becoming more common, helping to attract potential buyers in an increasingly competitive housing market.
The facade design for the first two to three levels of a high-rise development is a critical aspect of the building's overall design, setting the ambience for the entire development and serving as the first point of contact for visitors and residents. This project exemplifies how architecture can enhance living quality and introduce a human scale to high-density urban projects. To achieve the sense of luxury and the residents experience a sense of privacy, Superimpose proposed a fusion of modern, clean design with elements inspired by Guangzhou’s rich architectural culture.
The facade design of the development is characterized by a series of clean, white portals framing various programmatic elements such as the clubhouse, swimming pool, spa, tea-house, library, restaurants, coffee bar, post office, banks, and other supporting retail. These portals are dynamically and engagingly arranged, creating a sense of movement and energy that reflects the city's vibrancy. The modules are arranged in a pattern that creates visual rhythm, height variation to highlight key areas, and adds depth to the facade. The second and third floors feature partially covered terraces for the restaurants and coffee shops.
The entrance areas of the development reference the drop-off zones of luxury boutique hotels. A 5 meter high and 7 meter cantilevered canopy—drawing inspiration from the curving rooflines of Guangzhou’s ancient architecture—with a wooden board underside provides a warm welcome home to residents. This canopy is supported by a 'forest' of small columns that appear to 'flow' into a small pond beneath.
The entire entrance area is materialized with a darker and warmer material palette. The use of high-quality materials, such as golden anodized aluminum tubes, dark aluminum panels, and glass, adds to the sense of elegance and sophistication. The experience is further enhanced by locally inspired landscape features, creating a green and welcoming entrance to the project.
The recent completion of the first floors of the development has sparked immense interest. This response underscores the importance of rethinking residential design to meet contemporary desires for luxury and quality living.