Design Concept
Centered on the idea of “a valley flowing into dreams, a shore where the heart rests,” the design draws on the natural hydrology of Xixi Wetland, allowing water to permeate the site and forming a landscape structured as a continuous scroll of mountains and waters.
The concept extracts “W (Wave)” as the site’s symbolic DNA, translating rippling water patterns into a unifying design language across all spatial scales. By weaving together Jiangnan poetic imagery, cultural refinement, and everyday living, the project creates an immersive, inhabitable landscape where one can wander, appreciate, reside, and play.
Core Landscape Design
1. Entrance Ritual Space
A progressive sequence of spatial layers is created through a landscape wall, spring fountain, and tiered water features, establishing a ceremonial entry experience. The wall inscribes the name “Ting’an Xiaolu”, marking the beginning of the dream narrative.
Green-toned sculptural elements and curved cascading stone water features guide movement through soft water curtains and warm lighting. Lantern motifs embedded in smaller walls reinforce the poetic atmosphere, leading residents into a tranquil, dreamlike realm.
2. Central Water Courtyard
A curvilinear swimming pool serves as the visual centerpiece, with a bespoke “W” pattern embedded at its core—glimmering like a sapphire within the courtyard under shifting light.
Natural rock waterfalls recreate a sense of wild water ecology, while a W-shaped illuminated pergola supports both daytime social gathering and nighttime atmospheric lighting.
A meandering hydrological axis interweaves real and constructed water systems. At its center, seating terraces are arranged among crane sculptures and rugged stones, evoking a poetic landscape of bridges over rippling water and lush vegetation along winding paths.
3. Children’s Play Landscape
A multi-age activity zone is designed with water curtains, slides, and swings, integrating natural water play with childhood exploration.
This vibrant setting brings poetic imagination into daily life, bridging tranquility and joy, and transforming the landscape into an accessible, lived experience of beauty.
Design Summary
The project integrates the ecological foundation of Xixi Wetland with the cultural imagination of Jiangnan, using water as structure, dreams as atmosphere, and “W” as identity to redefine waterfront living in Jiangnan communities.
Through a sequence of spatial experiences—ceremonial entrance, poetic water courtyard, and playful gardens—the design merges classical Chinese garden sensibilities with contemporary residential needs, achieving a balance of aesthetics and functionality.
Ultimately, it creates a refined, dreamlike, and family-friendly community landscape where residents experience poetic everyday life within Ting’an Xiaolu.
