Slab Hill Lifestyle Lab is a new architectural prototype that intends to extend the new lifestyle to a larger audience by utilizing a unique building shape that allows people to feel as if they are in the forest. The design, which has a cluster of umbrella-shaped modules, is inspired by natural fractal geometry, in which the tiniest elements cluster and expand into intricate structures. The structure was designed to develop and extend in the same way that a live organism would if it were subjected to the rules of nature. The fractal process in this example, reacts to the superposition of human demands, such as circulation, planting design, and spatial functions. Target 01 of place and prototype: staggered canopies and fully-glazed volumes elevate the building’s visual experience. Responding to the flat and highly urbanized surroundings, it fitted the site with an artificial ‘slab hill’ to create a more suburban setting. Just like the building modules, umbrella-shaped structure units fit together to form the inserted hill. Aside from its bionic characteristics, this shape has strong rational properties that make it ideal for architectural projects. The final outcome is a cluster of 45 staggered canopies spaced two meters apart on all sides. Fully glass volumes fill the part of space between the modular sections, providing an integrated indoor-outdoor visual experience. Part of the umbrella units infiltrates the interiors as ceiling components and wall extensions for enhanced architectural grandeur. Furthermore, the mix of modular versions and glass facades creates a one-of-a-kind light-and-shadow dynamic that seems to continue on forever. Target 02 of innovations of materials and construction: earth-toned and textured materials meet lush greenery. The umbrella units were made of Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) that was painted in earthy tones for a more natural look. The team went through 3M-workflow of mapping, modeling, and mock-up to carefully manage the horizontal texture and achieve a cascading pattern in order to determine the most optimal GRC texture density. The final texture is created using the technique of horizontal slicing, in which line width and angle are modified according on the tilt of the GRC plate. Meanwhile, T-beams hold the glass curtain wall, while the keel and internal partitions are covered in mirror stainless steel. The continuous, disappearing indoor interface emphasizes the prolonged presentation of the glass surface while weakening the presence of the rods. The components are concealed within the joint recesses of the GRC by the curtain wall crossing with the umbrella, guaranteeing excellent structural integrity and purity. The staggered height arrangement and flat slab shape of the umbrellas also offer ideal conditions for the natural flora overlay. The structure stands out as a dichotomous volume, with an artificial palette of earthy hues that intertwines with natural green hills, thanks to cladding and planting on the exterior and roof. Terrazzo flooring in earthy tones, copper screens, oak furniture, and bookcases in the same color scheme can be found inside. An abundance of indoor vegetation softens the overall design while elevating the slick rooms within. Target 03 of Sustainability: reconnect with nature and have a symbiotic relationship with it. Each slab contains planting area, which is combined with indoor green plants to create a rich and diversified ecosystem. As a result, the building's cooling is reduced, and adequate ventilation and daylighting are created, reducing artificial energy usage. The roof forest also serves as an ecological rainwater recycling system, which benefits the surrounding flora and soil. All of these things will help with carbon sequestration in cities. The inside vegetation functions as an extension of the outer landscape, exuding an overall dramatic and fluid spatial experience that takes guests closer to nature, thanks to the extremely translucent glass curtain wall and reflecting stainless steel. It is not just a man-made structure, but also a modern natural place in the city, where we seek to encourage and inspire people to reconnect with mother nature again.
Founded by Meng Fanhao and Zhu Peidong, line+ is a diversified emerging design firm with international reputation. Currently, it has offices in Hangzhou and Shanghai. "line" is the boundary, based on architectural design, and "+" aims to break through the clear boundaries of traditional industries, take "space empowerment" as the core strategy of research and creation, and respond to the existing problems of urban and rural areas in the current era, so as to realize the value iteration and release of architecture in social, economic, cultural and other fields.