Arch-Age Design's Harmonious Blend with Nature

Xi’an Vanke Yan Ming Lake: A Masterpiece of Minimalist Architecture

The design's unique properties lie in its external appearance, which mimics the contours of the mountain and lake. The second floor houses an 18-meter-long viewing platform, formed through a spiral structure. The curved outer wall, akin to a series of blank canvases, allows nature to become the creator of architectural design. The use of a plain palette, along with light and shadows, creates a simple and pure world.

The realization of this design involved the use of fiber cement boards combined with weather-resistant steel plates for the exterior facade. This choice of materials not only broke the restraint of minimal sculpture form but also contributed to the sustainability of the architecture. The porous structure of the cement-fiber board aids in energy conservation, while the weather-resistant materials extend the lifespan of the architecture, reducing material waste and environmental pollution.

The project, which spans an area of 1338.4 square meters, was completed between April 2019 and March 2020 in Xi'an, China. The design team, led by Hu Zhiying, faced several challenges, including the demands for architectural shape, materials, spatial layout, and lighting. Despite these challenges, the team was able to create an architecture that not only calms but also provokes thought.

Backed by natural resources, the project blends community life with nature, creating a new city landmark. The transition space serves as a public area, providing a "shared and breathing space" that integrates leisure, green, and activity areas. The design's minimalism, inspired by the "Less Is More" philosophy, improves the quality of life for people in the Yanta District.

In conclusion, Arch-Age Design's Xi’an Vanke Yan Ming Lake is a remarkable example of minimalist architecture that harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings. The project, which won the Platinum A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2021, showcases the power of minimalist design and its ability to improve the quality of life.