The project is situated on a secluded hilly terrain at the edge of Tianhe Software Park in Guangzhou. Surrounded by horseshoe-shaped hills, the site boasts a picturesque setting with a lake view in front and mountains behind. The land features significant elevation changes and is narrow, elongated, and irregular in shape. Urban design guidelines limit the building height to 20 meters to ensure harmony with the surrounding mountains. Interestingly, the design team, having contributed to the area’s urban planning years ago, established this height restriction, which now presents a unique challenge.
△ General layout plan
The surrounding natural environment heavily influenced the design strategy. The building is divided into multiple square-shaped functional blocks, positioned on the ground and integrated into the green mountainous landscape. Transparent connectors act as hinges between these volumes, addressing layout challenges caused by the site’s irregular terrain and blending the architecture seamlessly with nature.
The design emphasizes a robust, solid architectural form reminiscent of a giant rock. This approach creates a harmonious contrast with the surrounding mountains and lakes while also meeting indoor lighting requirements.
The connecting sections of the building are dedicated to service functions such as entrances, restrooms, transportation hubs, and external staircases. These areas are designed as essential passageways for users. A “three-dimensional garden” concept introduces natural light, greenery, and diverse landscaping to foster vibrant public spaces for interaction.
Two primary office buildings are positioned on the east and north edges of the site, linked by a coffee shop on the ground floor. On the west side, service areas such as a cafeteria and sports facilities are located, connected by a corridor bridge spanning the central lake to the office buildings. This layout encourages IT professionals to break free from sedentary habits by promoting walking through open terraces, stairways, and bridges while dining, exercising, or taking breaks in this high-quality park environment.
The interior features a deliberately raw aesthetic, with columns, beams, and ceilings crafted from plain concrete. Mechanical and electrical systems are flexibly integrated beneath the ceiling, while enclosed areas like conference rooms are housed within independent boxes. This design prioritizes office space flexibility to accommodate future growth and adaptation.
The design expands the site’s existing natural water bodies into a series of interconnected lakes at varying elevations. These lakes collect rainwater from both the site and the surrounding mountains. The building volumes face the open water, leveraging the terrain and wind patterns to promote natural ventilation. The semi-underground parking utilizes the site’s elevation differences to ensure natural light and airflow while creating a floating architectural effect.
Design Drawings
△ Overall Axonometric Diagram
△ First Floor Plan of Building A
△ Second Floor Plan of Building A
Elevation of Building A
Section of Building A
△ First Floor Plan of Building C
△ Second Floor Plan of Building C
△ Elevation View of Building C
△ First Floor Plan of Building D
△ Second Floor Plan of Building D
Elevation of Building D
Project Information
Location: Guangzhou, China
Architectural Firm: Dongyi Architecture
Area: 56,000 m²
Year Completed: 2019
Photographer: Zhong Chen
Lead Architects: Xiao Yiqiang, Liu Suijie
Design Team: Xiao Yiqiang, Liu Suijie, Zou Yanting, Huang Lisi, Zhang Zeli, Huang Jin, Chen Dawen, Su Jing, Xie Ziying, Zheng Zexu, Li Genming, Liang Qili, Lin Yingjia, Hui Xingyu
Client: Guangzhou Boguan Information Technology Co., Ltd.
Structural Design: Guangdong Huacheng Architectural Design Co., Ltd.
Landscape Design: Guangzhou Dongyi Architectural Design Consulting Co., Ltd.
Construction: Zhongtian Construction Group Co., Ltd.
Partner: Guangdong Huacheng Architectural Design Co., Ltd.
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