Green Shore Residence Phase II in Guangzhou, China, is an architectural response to the relationship between the island and the city.
Developed by Fok Ying Tung Group, the project has recently won a 5-star honour for Best Residential High-Rise Architecture Guangdong Province, China in the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2021-2022, and a special mention for Excellent Architecture; Conceptual Architecture in the 2021 German Design Award.
Sitting at the tip of Luoxi Island in Panyu, near a riverside promenade, the project is embraced by the Pearl River on three sides enjoying expansive views of the stream. Eight towers of varying heights are arranged in pairs along the coast in a dynamic skyline, opening up wide viewing corridors between them.
Rather than treating the site on its own, our architects set their eyes on the wider urban landscape and took reference from waterfront cities from across and outside the country. The final design is one that tells the story of the era and embodies astonishing features of fine island living,
The façade features details such as flourishing tree boughs, in an attempt to bring some nature into the urban environment. Anodised aluminium panels are used for balconies while terrazzo is used to clad the ground-level structures for maximum visual integration with the outdoor greenery and outdoor seating area.
Because towers are arranged in pairs, adjacent towers share a common entrance lobby, offering access to loftier interiors and larger outdoor areas. By rotating the four towers, the architects open a 270-degree panoramic river view for most units, while keeping the transparent façade light and soft. A stilt design also generates better recognisability and a greater sense of arrival. Besides just being an entrance hall, the semi-open lobby houses children’s playgrounds, fitness facilities and green spaces, creating a communal relaxation area that lets in the breeze but keeps out the rain. The entrance is connected to a sunken garden, which doubles as a light well bringing fresh air and sunlight into the underground car park. Pedestrian and vehicular traffic are separated. Vehicular access is arranged on both sides of the site, allowing efficient circulation while keeping the ground level as a car-free walkable space.
The project also follows Green Building design principles and adopts sponge city designs contributing to the city’s overall sustainability and urban resilience. Generous greenery is placed throughout the programme such as landscaped gardens, lawns, sunken gardens. More than just beautifying devices, such vegetation helps collect rainwater for irrigation or domestic use. Solar panels are installed on the roof of the resident’s clubhouse to power the heated swimming pool with environmentally friendly energy.
Ricky Wang, Director, LWK + PARTNERSThe project has a double-deck rooftop sky garden with an infinity pool. Considering the long raining season of the Lingnan region, buildings are connected by all-season covered walkways.
Offering views and bright interiors for residents, the main living spaces facing the river are wrapped in curved floor-to-ceiling windows. Spacious curved balconies encourage people to enjoy peaceful moments with nature.