Mexico City and Berlin-based Zeller & Moye has won the international competition MOLEWA (Mount Lu Estate of World Architecture) to design new housing in Ruichang. Organized by UIA (Unión Internacional de Arquitectos) and Hua Yan Group, the competition received entries from more than 40 countries.
With an "innovative housing design that sets new standards in low-energy use," Zeller & Moye's "Flower Terraces" will be built in the heart of the circular Chinese city by 2016.
Read on to learn more about the competition-winning project.
From the architects: Referring to traditional Chinese housing motifs, the Flower Terraces arrange living areas as individual volumes around green outdoor spaces. The individually shaped apartments let the residents sense that they live in a unique "house," rather than a numbered unit along a corridor.
Architecture
Referring to housing traditional Chinese motifs, the Flower Terraces arrange living areas individually as volumes around green outdoor spaces. The individually shaped apartments let the residents sense That They live in a unique "house," rather than a numbered unit along a corridor.
The seasonal warm temperatures of Ruichang allow for private and communal life to happen not only inside but outside Also. The generous terraces Become comprehensive living spaces and an essential and characteristic element of the buildings.
Similar to overhanging roofs in historic Chinese houses, a series of cantilever slabs create protected outdoor areas in front of the apartments. Foldable wooden shutter elements clad all apartments not only to provide privacy to the interiors but also to protect from direct sun and to allow natural ventilation across the apartments.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a key element of the scheme providing a comfortable living environment at the lowest possible energy consumption. A LEED Gold rating is targeted by a series of steps including an energy efficient façade with overhangs against direct sun and individually operable shading elements; natural ventilation in all areas; the integration of low energy LED lighting & a ‘smart home system'; solar thermal panelling on the roof and heat exchange with the ground. Rainwater is collected and reused in the apartments.
Credits
Project Title: Flower Terraces
Competition: MOLEWA (Mount Lu Estate of World Architecture)
Award: Second Prize (no first prize given by Jury)
Location: City of Ruichang, Jiangxi Province, China
Area: Buildings: 18,000 m2, Park: 4000 m2
Program: Residential, Commercial, Public Pavilion, Communal Park
Architects: Zeller & Moye, team: Christoph Zeller (partner) Ingrid Moye (partner), Omar G. Muñoz, Emma Woodward
Engineering Consultants: ARUP London, team: Stuart Smith (director), Marc Easton, Tara Clinton, Philip Turner
