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Hanlin

Landscape Design

JTL Studio Singapore

Completion Year

2019

Location

Chengdu, China

Developer

Dowell Property

Dialoguing with the Aesthetics of Nature, Reflecting Urban Living

Inspired by the poetic beauty of water in Xinjin, the design of Hanlin draws on the flowing lines and shimmering essence of the region’s renowned water culture. Using spatial techniques rich in traditional aesthetics, the project embodies a modern pursuit of natural beauty and harmony. The name “Jin” conveys the idea of crossing water and nurturing growth, symbolizing Xinjin’s historical connection to its rivers. Known as the “City of Water,” Xinjin is a place where five rivers converge, giving rise to the ancient Baodun civilization and its unique cultural heritage.
At Hanlin, the concept of water is artfully expressed, creating a living space imbued with a poetic ambiance reminiscent of the classical Chinese tune Flowing Water. The design is elegant and tranquil, offering simplicity, warmth, and depth. By capturing the rhythmic beauty of flowing water, the project celebrates the essence of Xinjin’s culture within an exquisitely refined environment.

Designing a Space for Modern Living
Residential spaces are vital to human life, and today’s homes have evolved to fulfill not just physical needs but also emotional and cultural aspirations. At Hanlin, water serves as a central design element, seamlessly integrating traffic flow and fluid aesthetics. Meandering streams connect pathways with flowing water shapes, avoiding monotony while adding texture and movement to the space. Stepping stones and interwoven greenery create smaller pockets of space, enriching the spatial layers and adding moments of delight.
Gingko trees play an integral role in blurring boundaries. Their linear planting arrangement creates a sense of order while softening the edges of enclosed spaces. The interplay between layered planting and natural textures brings a breath of nature into every corner, connecting residents to the outdoors in a thoughtful and harmonious way.

A Journey Through Hanlin
As visitors transition through the landscaped corridors towards the marketing center, a single-sided corridor directs their view towards a central lawn. Pergolas, with alternating solid and void sections, frame independent scenic views, blending sunlight and greenery into the landscape. This carefully crafted design creates a sense of ceremony akin to a luxury hotel experience, adding elegance to every moment of passage.
In the Water Courtyard, limited space is expertly utilized to frame views and strengthen architectural symmetry. The layout integrates an L-shaped pathway, linking the building to the surrounding greenery.

The landscape design of Hanlin is thoughtfully crafted around three key elements, each enhancing the residential experience and fostering a harmonious connection between nature, people, and community.

Children’s Dream, Children’s Joy
Designed as a dedicated space for children, this area encourages natural health, exploration, and social interaction. With a focus on creativity and safety, the design fosters play and imagination while supporting inclusive interaction. Universal design principles ensure accessibility for all, creating an environment where children can connect, learn, and grow through shared experiences.

Versatile Elevated Spaces
Beneath select high-rise buildings, elevated spaces are designed to meet the needs of residents of all ages. These multifunctional areas include indoor play zones for children, activity spaces for seniors, book lounges, and parent-child interaction zones. Each space is curated to encourage vibrant community living and promote meaningful connections within a thoughtfully integrated environment.

Outdoor Living Rooms
A defining feature of the landscape is the inclusion of sunlit outdoor living rooms, providing a year-round retreat for residents. Whether under the warmth of the sun or sheltered from the rain, these spaces are designed for relaxation, gatherings, and social interactions. Thoughtfully positioned within the landscape, they offer an inviting setting that seamlessly blends comfort with the natural surroundings, elevating everyday living.

Capturing the Poetry of Nature
At Hanlin, the beauty of the environment unfolds like a poetic scroll, blending the natural elegance of mountains and rivers with modern living. A striking curtain structure, inspired by droplets of water, forms a fluid and textured façade through parametric design. The cascading metal elements create dynamic patterns that shift with the changing light throughout the day, evoking a sense of a continuously unfolding landscape painting.
Whether observing rain, water, or sunlight, the Hanlin Demonstration Zone invites residents to experience a multi-sensory journey. The interplay of light and shadow, combined with the rhythm of flowing water, celebrates the rich cultural and ecological heritage of Xinjin.
By merging aesthetics and functionality, Hanlin transforms the urban living experience, offering a tranquil yet vibrant sanctuary that harmonizes people, nature, and culture.

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