SWA was hired to help reclaim an abandoned quarry into an attractive residential village. The program called for 256du on 12.5 net acres, a density of 2.5 du/acre. The City of Larkspur required that 97 of the total units be family units. They defined family units as residences with two or more bedrooms and located not more than one level above grade. The City was very sensitive to livability issues related to this project. SWA’s approach was to freely reshape/sculpt the degraded site to maximize the site’s potential for the proposed residential use. The project required an interdisciplinary approach involving architects, civil engineers, geotechnical consultants, and horticulturists. SWA was the lead designer responsible for the site plan, overall building massing, site grading, and open space improvements. Following the schematic phase, the landscape architects played an important role in coordination with the work of the architect and civil engineer; and continued this effort throughout the construction process. The designer massed and sited buildings to maximize offsite view potentials. They created a pedestrian precinct within the development, which emphasizes the pedestrian connections and amenities. This was enhanced by restricting vehicles to the perimeter of the site. The team created a distinct identity within each courtyard cluster and prioritized access to outdoor space. Given the City’s desire to create 97 family units, the design integrates these units with non-family units via building clustering and shared courtyards.
Poly Vita Residential Community
Situated within Foshan’s emerging art district near the Nanhai Art Center, Poly VITA reimagines high-density residential living by drawing from the spatial traditions of Lingnan water town culture. The design translates the layered, processional quality of classical southern Chinese gardens into a contemporary community landscape, moving residents throug...
Stanford West Apartments
SWA placed a special emphasis on maintaining the riparian corridor with native planting, using consideration when dealing with the archaeologically sensitive areas of the site, as well as existing recreation trails and landscape amenities such as parks and play areas. The internal street grid and architectural and landscape elements are designed to recall the ...
Wuhan Liantou Center
Wuhan Liantou Center is a high-end residential development along the edge of the Yangtze River. Phase One of the project focuses on the display area, which houses the sales office and introduces potential residents to a sequenced, experiential tour of this forthcoming residential retreat.
The landscape design harmoniously integrates with the building’s ...
Elan The Presidential
At Elan the Presidential, residents are taken on a journey through the passage of water, cascading through multiple levels within the development before culminating at the central clubhouse and pool. Green spaces complement the water features, bringing nature into the site, with 60% of the development dedicated to open space and outdoor amenities.
Resid...