Luxe Lakes Villas is a community of forty-six new residences situated on an island on a new urban lake in Chengdu, China. In this project, an urban typology is transformed to accommodate the lakeside views while also creating garden courtyards. Connected by waterways, the new islands create an urban density that is part of a larger central district, situating the project in a semi-urban condition. Our strategy for the villas is to rethink the row house typology by deforming each villa plan at its center. Each of the six villa types is pinched to create a new courtyard, allowing views from the street-side of each property and creating sinuous internal pathways with framed views of the natural surroundings.
In each villa, the movement through the residence is choreographed in relation to swerving skylights that bring natural light into the interiors. The major axis of the house links the street side with the lake side along a curving spine that hides, and then reveals, the view to the lake. [Creation of private courtyards] At each shift off the path, a view is framed, or a room with a view is discovered. The deformation of the main spine of the house defines public and private spaces, divides spaces by creating pathways, and directs views of the lakes and courtyard. The form of the villas is the result of these deformations and their corollary narrative intent. Together, the multiple villa types combine to create a new take on the urban typology, one that is adaptable to a hybrid site with dense housing in an organic framework.The houses are strategically sited, creating outdoor courtyards and breezes and views throughout the larger community. Private courtyards provide views for the street-side rooms to the ecology of the Lake.
Climate appropriate plants and ground cover are to be utilized, maintaining the porous condition of the site as a means of sustainability. The plant materials contribute to a local ecology in the community, as well as the larger environment of the new city. The garden and house are designed as an integrated whole, allowing the house to engage in its environment.
Energy-saving windows and doors, combined with strategic locations with respect to utilizing appropriate sun angles create a thermally stable environment. Energy-saving appliances and mechanical systems will be utilized throughout the project.
Credits
Chengdu
China
Confidential
06/2018
500 mq
Griffin Enright Architects
Design Principals; Margaret Griffin, John Enright, Design Team: Jian Huang, Christine Chow, Brian Harms, Lucia Bartholomew, Nanao Shimizu, Matheos Asfaw, Joe Carlos, Monica McKay, Kefilwe Mogorosi, Karen Kim, Aaron Ryan, Kiley Feickert, Evan Collins
Arch Exist Photography
Curriculum
Griffin Enright Architects is an award-winning, interdisciplinary Los Angeles-based firm with institutional, cultural, and residential projects built nationally and abroad. Griffin Enright Architects was founded by Margaret Griffin, FAIA, and John Enright, FAIA, LEED AP, as a collaborative design practice that explores new prospects for the built environment through their integration of architectural, urban, landscape, and interior design. Using focused, inventive, and strategic thinking, they pursue unexpected solutions to transform overlooked conditions into landmark projects through their expertise in construction techniques and community engagement.