Slab Hill: A Harmonious Blend of Architecture and Nature

Greentown China Holdings Limited's Innovative Lifestyle Lab

The design of Slab Hill is a dialogue with nature, an exploration of how architecture can mimic the natural world. The project's inspiration came from the desire to create a deep connection with nature in an urban setting. The design team used the smallest structural unit in the construction process as the basic spatial unit, building up the architectural form with a certain "self-similarity". This approach mirrors the natural growth of a living creature, responding to the laws of nature.

What sets Slab Hill apart is its innovative use of architectural forms and structural expressions. The designers restored a certain "self-explanatory" nature of the basic unit, creating an artificially reconstructed non-daily experience of the landscape. This was achieved through the organizational growth of the unit, the complex implantation of multi-functions, and the superimposed penetration of landscape and greenery. The design dispels almost all interior walls, creating a highly free, flowing spatial reorganization.

The realization of Slab Hill was a meticulous process. The designers used GRC material texture for the umbrella units, choosing earthy colors that are close to nature. Through several stages of computer simulation, 3D printing, and physical prototyping, they were able to precisely control the horizontal texture, achieving a cascading texture. The glass curtain wall is supported by T-beams as the keel, with all interior partitions clad in mirror stainless steel. This design choice emphasizes the extended display of the glass surface while minimizing the presence of the rods.

The project, which started in January 2021 and finished in August 2021, was located in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. The design team faced several challenges, including the site's lack of context due to its location between two main urban roads and a planned high-density neighborhood. However, they overcame these challenges by creating a small heterogeneous "hill" - the "Slab Hill".

Slab Hill is more than just a building; it's a lifestyle lab that redefines the relationship between architecture and nature. It is a testament to the designers' ability to create a naturally grown building that breaks away from everyday construction practices. The project was awarded the Golden A' Architecture, Building, and Structure Design Award in 2022, a testament to its innovative design and impact on the world of architecture.