China-based architecture firm DuShe Architecture Design has completed the Gusu Aristo Villa in Suzhou, China. The Gusu Aristo Villa is located at the center area of Suzhou, next to the Surging Wave Pavilion. 

The requirement of 0.64 on plot ratio heavily limited the planning and zoning of the site. Upon that, how to keep the traditional urban texture continue with such limitation was a big challenge. The designer wanted it to be more than just a residential community, but also a multi-functional neighborhood with artistic spirits.

The landscape on the west side provides a possibility for a traditional garden experience. This garden creates a whole landscape system with the neighborhood. Instead of forcing the impression of tradition on visitors with some iconic items like rockery, the design group wants the space to speak for itself.

"For the manufacture of the roof, we replaced roof tiles with titanium zinc plate in order to create a lightsome and elegant look. Besides, compared to the traditional roof tiles, this titanium zinc plate with standing seam system is better at waterproof and heat preservation," said the studio.

The curve of the roof also need to be precisely calculated to an inch, which showed the high level of detail control of designer. White wall is one of the most important features of traditional southern architecture. In Gusu aristo villa, to keep the finish layer smooth, the architects grounded stone waste into powder and mixed with crack-sealer. 

For the main walls, the architects chose Portuguese white sandstone, a series of problems such as waterproof and heat preservation, cost control and long-term maintenance were taken into account, so the final seam was changed to glue.

Project facts

Architects: Lingkege wangqianlan  

Landscape: Zhuyufan Studio

Location: Suzhou, China

Area: 2,9799m2

Project Year: 2016-2017

All images © Zhangyong, Su Shengliang

> via DuShe Architecture Design