The Longquan Mountain Mirror high-altitude platform, located at the highest point in Chengdu city, is designed to be “mobile,” “integrated,” and “scenic.” The design employs artificial techniques to engage in a dialogue with the vast natural landscape, ensuring the building does not abruptly stand out in the mountains. Instead, it appears as a raised surface, fluidly responding to the mountain’s form.
The building’s crawling posture primarily reflects the topography of the Chengdu Plain, establishing a strong horizontal extension. This horizontal relationship is formed by a series of continuous horizontal interfaces across varying elevation levels, creating an expansive, flowing plane.
As the design flows across the plane, numerous courtyards are enclosed to accommodate the varying height differences, resulting in diverse spatial characteristics. The positioning of each courtyard creates unique relationships with the surrounding landscape. The building’s rooftop, aligned with the site’s elevation changes, forms a winding pedestrian path that doubles as an open viewing platform nestled within the mountains.
The roof is paved with natural stones of various sizes. Over time, vegetation gradually climbs through the gaps between the stones, quietly transforming the building’s surface to resemble a natural mountain.
The continuous water feature beneath the roof, combining a landscape pond and a swimming pool, reflects the sky’s colors. The water’s edge seamlessly blends into the distant horizon. By situating the multifunctional hall and pool auxiliary spaces back from the water, the swimming pool enjoys an unobstructed, open view. The restaurant, surrounded by landscape pools, offers the same expansive visual experience, with its main structure extending beyond the mountain to enhance the view. Less prominent functions, such as logistics, are discreetly concealed under eaves or tucked away within the site.
The building itself stands out as a distinctive landmark. From certain angles, it resembles a spaceship or an otherworldly visitor ready for takeoff. Yet, it remains sufficiently integrated and softened to avoid disrupting the natural environment, blending like a surface fold or a flying bridge within the forest, subtly visible.
Project Drawings
Project Information
Architect: Zhuang Ziyu Studio
Area: 4,200 square meters
Project Year: 2023
Photographer: Su Shengliang
Manufacturers: Shanghai Xubo Building Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd., Nanjing Beilida New Material System Engineering Co., Ltd., Chengdu Biaomei Landscape Greening Co., Ltd.
Lead Designers: Zhuang Ziyu, Qi Zhengdong, Li Na
Architectural Design Team: Zhao Wei, Shi Yi, Li Yintong, Zhao Yu, Li Jing, Fan Hongyu
Interior Design Team: Zhao Xin, Sun Wutian, Cai Wei, Liang Chen, Ding Zhuliang
Structural Consultant: Peter Li
Soft Decoration Consultant: Xu Jiatong
Principal: Chengdu Tianfu New Area Investment Group Co., Ltd.
Construction Drawing Design: China Construction Fifth Engineering Bureau Third Construction Co., Ltd., China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd.
Interior Design: BUZZ Zhuang Ziyu Studio
Location: Chengdu
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