Wenlan Mansion: A Harmonious Blend of Urban and Natural Living

Shanghai PTArchitects' Award-Winning Design Transforms Mountainous Terrain into a Vibrant Community

The design of Wenlan Mansion was inspired by the project's location in a mountainous area with varying elevations. The architect meticulously adjusted the area to create an orderly layout, connecting the functional units of the building with an interactive circling experience pathway. This pathway, coupled with a series of visual corridors leading to the urban area, forms a spatial guide perpendicular to the main street.

What sets Wenlan Mansion apart is its strategic location in the tourism section of West Mountain’s Dian Lake. With an open view and surrounded by rich ecological resources, the project leverages the height differences of the area and its surrounding landscape resources. The architect aimed to create vertical buildings that are both stylish and functional, building an open community that shares the urban neighborhood's vibrancy and the tranquility of nature.

The realization of this design was a complex process. The architect created multiple spaces to echo the undulating terrain of the West Mountain. The concept was derived from the architectural features of traditional courtyards in Kunming, characterized by axis symmetry and a front-back yard layout. This approach divided the site into three spaces: the cultural exhibition area, the water courtyard, and the private garden, creating a sense of order and beauty in the overall space.

Despite the challenges posed by the mountainous project site, such as large disparities in ground levels, complex geological conditions, and limited construction space, the design team managed to create a dynamic commercial area. The exhibition area utilizes the height difference to create a vertical cityscape, and commercial spaces are arranged along the streets facing the urban interface. Vibrant street corners are set up among the plots, offering a variety of commercial choices to meet different life scenarios, thereby creating a homely atmosphere in the residential community.

The Wenlan Mansion project, which started in March 2019 and was completed in September 2020, is a perfect example of how innovative architectural design can transform a challenging landscape into a vibrant community. Through detailed research on materials and construction methods, Shanghai PTArchitects has created a serene and poetic atmosphere that offers residents a unique homecoming experience.