Text provided by the landscape architects Chengdu MaiWei Landscape Architecture Studio (MWLA). The project is located in the core area of Yuelu District, Changsha City. It is a spatial experiment of the design team on the landscape of high-density urban residential areas.
The design breaks away from the conventional separation between elevated ground floors and sunken plazas, reconstructing a “double ground floor” experience.
Both the upper and lower levels offer complete and immersive landscape settings, dissolving boundaries between architecture, landscape, and interiors to create a three-dimensional and continuous living environment.
With the theme “Floating Islands and Streams,” the design uses elements such as floating bridges, reflective water features, sunken seating areas, and planted zones beneath eaves to link upper and lower circulation flows, shaping a rhythmic and fluid island-like atmosphere.
As a cohesive spatial language, the islands take diverse forms—from floating landforms on water, to sculptures under the eaves, to stepping paths that appear to hover—seamlessly integrated with the planting system and material palette.
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Stone finishes, lighting, and architectural detailing are carefully unified, while glass curtain walls are selectively used to foster visual continuity and an artistic spatial quality.
The design liberates the landscape from its conventional role as an architectural accessory, forming a continuous narrative with both architecture and interior space.
The entry porch becomes part of the spatial experience, co-shaped by vegetation and sculpture to create a floating “Sky Tree” imagery.
The stream introduces a sense of movement and rhythm to the site; the floating islands function not only as a visual motif but also as usable spaces for socializing, recreation, and daily life.
This is an attempt to redefine urban residential living—not merely as a system of efficiency and order, but as a relaxed, nature-infused, and sensorially rich experience.
Amid these floating islands, a calm yet layered contemporary lifestyle takes shape.
Landscape Design: Chengdu MaiWei Landscape Architecture Studio (MWLA) (成都麦微景观建筑事务所）
Lead Design: Gan Weiwei
Chief Technical Engineer: Jin Liangliang
Design team: Ma Qing, Teng Long, Liao Jiawei, Yu Jia, Yang Huanluo, Zhong Jing, Yan Lisha, Liu Lijun, Lai Junhong, Wang Chao, Luo Tongyu, Pang Yongping, Yang Dan, Li Pin, Ma Shijie, Wang Qiong , Li Min
Soft Furnishing Design: Hunan Sense Design (湖南向生创景）
Sculpture Contractor: Wen Cui Artistic Extraction Technique (武汉文萃景观艺术工程有限公司）
Construction Unit: Guangzhou Hua Yuan Landscape Architecture (华苑园林-江林波团队）
Horticultural Contractor: Hangzhou Xichuan Art Landscape Design Co., Ltd. (杭州溪川艺术景观设计有限公司）
Photography Team: E-ar TARS, PrismImage
Video team: ChillShine
