archatlas:Xixi Wetland Estate David Chipperfield ArchitectsThe residential project Xixi Wetland
archatlas: Xixi Wetland Estate David Chipperfield Architects The residential project Xixi Wetland Estate on the outskirts of the Chinese city of Hangzhou is now complete. Xixi, a national wetland park, is a built landscape and an area of nature which has been shaped by man for over a thousand years. The omnipresent relationship between landscape, architecture, and water is key to the atmosphere in Xixi. This atmosphere has been integrated into a new development of apartment buildings. The buildings, in contrast to their green surroundings, appear as dark stone volumes embedded in a water garden. They are placed on a stone plinth that sits in the water, forming the base of a village group with various levels, walls and balustrades creating a sequence of outside spaces. The interiors are characterised by floating open spaces. Full-height windows allow for natural light and views over the water garden. Photography by Simon Menges Images and text via David Chipperfield Architects How do they control the mosquitoes?? And the mould? -- source link