The plans for this self-sustained development design comprised a five-star luxury hotel, residential, retail, urban village and parklands. It embraces the local terrain of mountains, tropical flora and water systems.
The city of Shenzhen is one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Developed in the late 1970s the population is mostly young adults and families.
The tropical climate of Shenzhen influenced the design. LAVA embraced the local mountainous valleys and natural water systems by integrating an artificial water mass. Subtropical flora, dense jungle foliage and rice terraces create a lush environment. The existing greenery on site is recycled and integrated into the building design. Full hanging foliages flow from the exterior of the buildings, integrating nature and the built environment.
Sustainable features include water collection that feeds the gardens and solar reactive louvres that respond to the sun's direction and keep the building interior cool.
Integrated transport systems including cable cars connect each of the buildings, making the site car-free. At ground level, connectivity is facilitated through timber footbridges and paddleboats on the lake.
