Luxelakes C7 South Golden Bay Model Island: A Masterpiece of Low-Impact Landscape Design
Project Overview
Architects: MaiWei Landscape Architecture Studio
Landscape Design: MaiWei Landscape Architecture Studio
Area: 4,976 m²
Completion Year: July 2023
Location: Shuangliu District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Blending Architecture with Nature
The Luxelakes C7 South Golden Bay Model Island, designed by MaiWei Landscape Architecture Studio, redefines waterfront development in Chengdu’s Luxelakes District. Led by Gan Weiwei, the project embraces a low-intervention philosophy titled “Over the Wilderness”, harmonizing built forms with the site’s natural topography. Completed in July 2023, this 4,976 m² landscape seamlessly integrates residential, cultural, and commercial spaces while preserving ecological integrity.
Why This Project Stands Out
- Minimal land disruption – Original terrain preserved through subtle grading.
- Ecological continuity – Native vegetation and wetlands prioritized.
- Dynamic spatial transitions – From lakefront to meadows to elevated platforms.
- Future-proof flexibility – Adaptable for mixed-use programming.
Site Context & Design Philosophy
Location & Natural Advantages
Nestled in the Luxelakes core lake zone, the project occupies a peninsula-shaped site with undulating terrain and panoramic lake views. The design leverages:
- Complex shorelines for ecological diversity.
- Elevation changes to create visual depth.
- Existing wetlands as natural stormwater buffers.
“Over the Wilderness” Concept
Gan Weiwei’s team rejected excessive formal gestures, instead focusing on:
✔ Spatial clarity – Uncluttered layouts enhance user experience.
✔ Ecological memory – Retaining the site’s “wild” essence.
✔ Silent resilience – Architecture recedes, letting nature dominate.
“We aimed to retain the most vivid memory of the site, abandon redundant forms, and even abandon words.”
— MaiWei Design Team
Key Design Strategies
1. Terrain-Respectful Architecture
- Building Orientation:
- First structure offset 10° from the property boundary.
- Subsequent buildings rotated 30° to optimize views and spacing.
- Slope Adaptation: Steep lakeside slopes limited construction depth, prompting light-touch interventions.
2. Layered Landscape Zones
The design unfolds in a natural sequence:
- Open Lake – Unobstructed waterfront access.
- Soft Shoreline Wetland – Native plants for erosion control.
- Transitional Meadows – Informal gathering spaces.
- Stepped Architecture – Buildings embedded into hills.
- Elevated Platforms – Panoramic lookout points.
3. Sustainable Material & Planting
- Local vegetation blends seamlessly with the terrain.
- Permeable surfaces reduce runoff.
- Low-maintenance species ensure long-term viability.
Challenges & Innovations
Preserving Openness in a Constricted Site
- The narrow peninsula posed limited buildable area.
- Solution: Angled structures maximized sightlines and privacy.
Balancing Development & Ecology
- No landform alterations – Existing slopes dictated design.
- “Grown, not built” aesthetic – Architecture appears to emerge from the earth.
Future-Proof Flexibility
While primarily residential, the master plan accommodates:
- Retail & cafés
- Art installations
- Community events
This adaptive framework ensures relevance amid urban growth.
A New Benchmark for Ecological Design
The Luxelakes C7 South Golden Bay Model Island exemplifies how thoughtful landscape architecture can merge human needs with environmental stewardship. By prioritizing terrain sensitivity, spatial poetry, and future adaptability, MaiWei Studio sets a precedent for sustainable urban development in China and beyond.
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