Best of Residential Buildings
Designer / Agency
- VAAS(VAAS Architects Co., Ltd.)
Category
- Residential Buildings
Award
- 2024 Innovation
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PROJECT
DESCRIPTION
Moon Villa is nestled between the Zijin Mountain to the north and the Qinhuai River to the south, near the Qiqiao Weng Wetland Park. This prime location is a feng shui treasure, with mountains at its back, water at its front, and an ideal balance of yin and yang. To the west of the project lies a 24/7, multi-generational lifestyle service area, while the east hosts the Zheng He Foreign Language Primary School. Combining “West Market and East Learning,” it offers support for the elderly and education for the young, along with commercial facilities that meet material and spiritual needs. A lifestyle of 24-hour convenience, health rooted in nature, and the ambiance of education creates unparalleled advantages in location, amenities, and community resources for Moon Villa.
The overall planning of Moon Villa draws inspiration from the grandeur of Zhan Garden. At the urban scale, the residential area and the Qiqiao Weng Wetland Park to the south coexist as a "mansion and garden" duality, with the park serving as the community's backyard. The architectural layout reflects a balance of order and freedom, incorporating the hierarchical spatial arrangements of traditional royal mansions while integrating the enclosed openness of southern private gardens. Complemented by corridors, pavilions, and trees, the design controls the interplay of spaces, creating layered living scenarios brimming with charm. The internal spatial organization follows classical garden design principles, offering a six-tiered ceremonial homecoming experience: entering from the southeast gate to a welcoming courtyard that cleanses the spirit, progressing through tranquil water gardens and serene valleys, arriving at the lush central garden, and transitioning into the quiet and elegant courtyard gardens that lead to the residences.
The façade design of Moon Villa aims for a modern, de-stylized aesthetic that allows the architecture to blend harmoniously with the garden landscape. The design focuses on five key aspects: expansive volumes, elegant proportions, relaxed colors, premium materials, and meticulously crafted details, creating a sense of ease and comfort.
A significant feature is the use of sloped roofs, inspired by the architectural styles along the Qinhuai River. During the design process, it was noted that many riverside buildings in the region employed sloped roofs. This choice for Moon Villa not only responds to the local urban fabric and historical context but also reflects Nanjing’s traditional culture of waterfront living.
In managing the building's mass and proportions, the design employs pilasters to segment elongated volumes, reducing the sense of oppression. Slanted and angled stone pilasters further diminish the mass's weight, introducing dynamic shadow play and a lively façade expression.
Regarding color and materials, imported beige stone is used for large wall surfaces, imparting a natural and elegant texture that conveys both dignity and a relaxed charm. Bronze-patterned metal panels paired with large glass panes highlight a sophisticated, modern aesthetic. The sloped roofs are covered with imported dark gray ceramic tiles, ensuring that every material used throughout the building reflects the highest standards of quality.
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Agency: VAAS(VAAS Architects Co., Ltd.)
At the core of VAAS is an unwavering pursuit of architectural excellence that has fueled our growth since day one. From the nascent stages of China's architectural industry, we've been driven by a market-oriented, international design perspective focused on putting people first through our professionalism. Creating greater value for clients through thoughtful design is our raison d'etre. Under the guidance of our leadership team, we've assembled a full-service powerhouse of design experts with robust expertise and outstanding service delivery. Year after year, we deliver standout works for clients by maintaining strict oversight across the entire project lifecycle, never compromising on our lofty standards for architectural design. Through this disciplined, sustainable approach, VAAS has emerged as one of the most formidable and influential private architectural firms in the industry.
With over 300 projects under our belt spanning diverse styles, sectors, and scales nationwide, we blend design philosophy with specialized knowledge and cutting-edge technologies to create valuable assets. Our work aims to catalyze urban transformation, blaze new trails that elevate industry standards, and ultimately design a better future through the power of creative vision.
At VAAS, our partners work hand-in-hand to lead a full-service team singularly focused on addressing the unique local nuances and requirements of each project. While maintaining a globalized viewpoint, we strike a balance between honoring tradition and pushing innovative boundaries. We keep a finger on the pulse of urban and societal issues, continuously expanding our practice through pioneering technologies—all in pursuit of creating a cohesive workflow throughout every phase of the project.
Our firm is a multidisciplinary venture, bringing together elite talent that forms an integrated ecosystem spanning urban planning, architectural design, construction engineering, and strategic consulting. We've assembled a comprehensive brain trust with expertise across urban design, architecture, structural engineering, MEP, landscape, interiors, specialized consulting, and turnkey services. Throughout the design journey, we maintain a focus on quality control at every phase, fostering seamless collaboration between disciplines to deliver holistic solutions that ensure architectural excellence.