Xingyu stands as the largest and most prominent newly constructed cultural and leisure building along Chaichang Lane in Shaoxing. This area represents the first organic renewal zone within Shaoxing’s old city. It is located adjacent to the former residence of Qiu Jin, faces the historic Xianheng Hotel to the east, and offers views of Tashan Mountain to the north. After five years of renovation, Chaichang Lane has transformed into a vibrant cultural, commercial, and tourism district that seamlessly integrates these elements.
During the initial site survey, SpActrum observed that Chaichang Lane consisted of a complex mix of residential and industrial buildings spanning various historical periods, arranged in a seemingly disorderly yet authentic manner. To honor the site’s original character, SpActrum treats ordinary structures and officially designated cultural heritage buildings as inseparable, organic components of the environment. Preservation decisions are not based solely on heritage status but on a holistic approach that emphasizes both temporal and spatial continuity in the historical narrative.
Xingyu is situated on the south side of Chaichang Lane’s central axis. Previously, a four-story brick and concrete corridor-style building occupied this site and was the highest structure in the area. However, structural assessments deemed it unsafe and unsuitable for preservation. Consequently, the architect chose to demolish it and erect a new building of equivalent height. This new structure serves not only as architecture but as a three-dimensional spatial element that reshapes the entire renovation project’s spatial dynamics. It creates an elevated landscape linking sites from different historical eras and the city, uniting the past with the present.
Xingyu is designed to be fully accessible from all directions, featuring a complex network of pathways that connect every space. This design transforms Xingyu into a true aerial garden. The most striking design concept is its layered surfaces, where overlapping and intersecting planes create a composite environment of walkways and viewpoints. The building intentionally exists as a site in itself, blending architecture and landscape.
Upon completion, Xingyu towers at the southern end of the central axis of the site. The north side’s first to third floors are simple rectangular blocks, each featuring long folding doors on the north and south facades that open fully, merging the interior with the outdoor environment. The south side features a walkable surface that twists and stacks around a central open space, while the east side boasts a multi-tiered ramp system forming several observation decks.
The interior area of Xingyu Island covers just over 1,000 square meters. However, thanks to the outward-looking design of steps, ramps, and other elements that enclose these spaces, it offers exceptional vantage points to appreciate the entire site and cityscape. Surrounding Ming and Qing Dynasty courtyards, Republican-era residences, old mansions, and historic factories unfold gradually like scroll paintings, connecting these viewing platforms to create a multi-level, multi-dimensional panoramic experience.
Project Drawings
△ Model Diagram
△ General Layout Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Fourth Floor Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Detailed Drawing
△ Detailed Drawing
△ Exploded Diagram
△ Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
△ Axonometric Diagram
△ Streamline Analysis Diagram
△ Structural Schematic Diagram
Project Information
Architect: SpActrum
Area: 1658 m²
Project Year: 2022
Photographers: Judy (SHAD Ø OPLAY), Su Shengliang (Ziran Architecture)
Manufacturers: BeiLiDa, Jufeng
Principal Architect: Pan Yan
Design Team: Pan Yan, Li Zhen, Tang Yimeng, Li Ying, Chen Hao, Meng Xianglong, ShAil Paragkum Patel, Gregorio Soravito, Wan Jinyu
Construction: Hangzhou Xiaoshan Guangyu Construction Engineering Co., Ltd
Landscape Design: Shanghai Puhou Landscape Design Co., Ltd
Structural Design: Zhongwai Construction Engineering Design and Consulting Co., Ltd
Lighting Design: French Ante Lighting Design
Curtain Wall Design: Gonghe Design Group Co., Ltd
Steel Structure Installation and Construction: Shaoxing Jiagu Construction Co., Ltd
Steel Structure Manufacturing and Processing: Hangzhou Yongye Steel Structure Materials Co., Ltd
Function: Cultural architecture, public buildings, landscape & city
Client: Shaoxing Famous City Office, Kaiyuan Cultural Tourism
Location: Shaoxing
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