In the center of Tianjin’s new Eco City is the Serenity Cove residential Complex.  The project consists of 160 apartment units, 154 semi detached units, and 30 villas - altogether 883,000 SF of new construction on 31 acres.    Because the soil was highly salinated and polluted with industrial waste we had to create an innovative soil reclamation strategy that would allow us to populate the community with a rich variety of vegetation and wildlife. 

As the site was centralized we placed apartments at center and decreased density and height of built units to the perimeter.  Through berming the land from outside to inside, we created an artificial hilltown.  This approach accomplished many objectives.  First it allowed all inhabitants to enjoy unobstructed views.  Second, it created an incredible variety of community and park spaces.  Third, through formal variation coupled with natural materials and traditional building techniques the complex achieved a sense of history. 

Working closely with H.M. White Landscape Architects and Sherwood Engineers, we developed a system of rainwater management such that both local marine habitats and regionally popular plants and trees could coexist in the same complex – the former towards the base and the latter towards the center. The project utilizes rainwater functionally and aesthetically.  Roof structures capture and direct rain water to community gardens, fountains, and landscaped retention ponds used for irrigation and residential grey water consumption.

The Serenity Cove design encourages community interaction through the experience of nature within and around the built environment.  Through careful landscape and architectural design coupled with diligent civil engineering, the project healed a damaged site and created a multifaceted place for exploration, contemplation, congregation, and growth.