Eco Factor: Mixed development with roof gardens and grey water recycling.
The world’s longest and one of the oldest canal, the Grand Canal has become the source of a design that won Allen Jack+Cottier a limited competition to design a mixed development. Resting on the bank of the Grand Canal in Suqian City, Jiangsu province, China, the development includes a five-star hotel, serviced apartments, villas, retail and golf course.
Looking into the need of using ecological component to reduce negative environmental effects of the site, AJ+C in collaboration with ASA Architects have included green features like roof gardens, water harvesting, reed ponds, grey water recycling and high energy efficient double glazing systems. The project focuses on intersection of waterway and hotel lobby and water is the key to moving through the site.
Water from the Grand Canal is drawn to the site through an artificial channel. The various intersection between water and buildings create different landscaped spaces that vary in textures and patterns. There are lower rise buildings that beautifully curve themselves in accordance to the flow of the stream from the Grand Canal. These structures architecturally expressed as contrasting elements to the mountains.