Introduction
The Jiangnan region is renowned for its cultural focus on education rather than nature, fostering an aesthetic temperament and poetic spirit that surpass mere practicality. This unique blend is refined, resilient, and gentle, nurturing the boundless imagination and creative talents of scholars and artisans throughout history.
Compared to the ethical culture of the Northern Central Plains, the temperament of Jiangnan culture is more readily expressed. It emerges from a harmonious integration of human sensory aesthetics, practical needs, and the beautiful natural environment.
Throughout this project’s design process, we revisit the integration of Jiangnan culture and traditional Chinese aesthetics into modern living environments. This involves not only seeking fragments of traditional culture in form but also addressing the inherent need for modernity—preserving historical evolution while embracing contemporary emotions to interpret the modern Jiangnan cultural spirit.
Creative Process
The design extracts the essence of Jiangnan cultural temperament and showcases Suzhou’s regional heritage through deconstruction and recombination techniques. Within the site, all building functional blocks are merged inwardly, forming a central courtyard space that reflects the traditional Chinese courtyard architectural culture.
▲ Concept generation
One corner of the building bends toward the water’s edge, harmoniously blending with the surrounding landscape. This design embodies the traditional Chinese philosophy of the unity between heaven and earth, rendering the entire structure light and elegant.
▲ Roof analysis diagram
The facade facing the open space features transparent floor-to-ceiling glass combined with dense, deep curtain wall columns. This design references the traditional wooden lattice framework while creating a seamless integration between interior and exterior spaces.
From within the courtyard, the bluestone-tiled roof with its rising and falling eaves frames a narrow strip of sky, creating a tranquil atmosphere that feels detached from the outside world.
Materials and Details
The exterior walls and roof are constructed using regional bluestone materials, reflecting the traditional gray tile aesthetic of Jiangnan architecture. The natural texture and antique elegance of the stone contrast beautifully with the light, transparent glass curtain walls, while stainless steel columns establish the structural rhythm of the main facade.
▲ Detail diagram
To reduce costs, the glass panels on the main facade were segmented thoughtfully. Stainless steel perforated plates were added at the joints to enhance the facade’s refinement and richness.
▲ Glass segmentation schematic
The stainless steel columns on the main facade feature a trapezoidal cross-section to appear slimmer. With an outer width of only 5 cm, grooves are cut into the surface to enhance the columns’ delicate and slender appearance.
Refined details and elegant, clear tones are reflected in the water, creating a soft and tranquil atmosphere. The crisp, sharp lines vividly express the building’s light and agile character.
Interior Space
The building’s exterior is clad in ultra-white, expansive glass panels that create a vast, transparent appearance. By day, the interior space blends naturally with the sunlit exterior, while at dusk, interior lighting gradually reveals a vibrant and beautiful environment visible from outside.
The blend of sturdy industrial metal panels with soft, flowing curves, along with the introduction of water-inspired patterns, evokes the charm of Jiangnan’s water towns. While preserving Jiangnan’s traditional aesthetics, the use of modern materials and techniques reinterprets its cultural temperament, infusing the space with deeper Eastern Zen meaning.
Project Drawings
▲ General layout plan
▲ First floor plan
▲ South elevation view
▲ West elevation view
▲ Detail diagram 1
▲ Detail diagram 2
▲ Detail diagram 3
▲ Detail diagram 4
▲ Detail diagram 5
▲ Analysis chart
Project Information
Project Name: Suzhou Swan Port · Huating
Location: Yizi Street, Taihu Lake New Town, Suzhou (Near Suzhou Bay North Metro Station)
Owner: R&F Group Hejing Taifu
Architectural Design: Shanghai Riqing Architectural Design Co., Ltd.
Design Directors: Song Zhaoqing, Jin Guangxian
Design Team: Shang Yule, Zhang Yiju, Yi Cong, Liu Xiaoyan
Owner’s Design Team: Yang Ye, Chen Qiang, Hu Yun, Ji Qing, Nie Haiming, Feng Jiasheng, Zhang Sichen
Architectural Construction Drawings: Enlightenment Design
Curtain Wall Design: Jiawei Curtain Wall Design
Curtain Wall Design Team: Guizu Baosheng, Angel Wang Yibo
Interior Design: WJID Dimensity Design
Landscape Design: Shanghai Wen Landscape Design
Building Area: 1,200 m²
Design Period: December 2018
Completion Date: September 2019
Architectural Photography: Schran Images & Pei Hao
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