The construction for Shimao Riverfront mixed-use development is well underway. Designed by EID, this large mixed-use project is located near the interchange between the airport express highway and Qiantang River Bridge Crossing. It emerges as a critical urban node for the city of Hangzhou, best known for its picturesque West Lake, tea farms and birthplace of E-commerce giant Alibaba. Consisting of soaring twin towers at height of 280 meter, this project anchors a newly developed riverfront district. It includes office towers, an apartment building, retail annex and a park for public use. The design of Shimao Twin towers is intended to establish an identity for the emerging district of Riverfront, while creating an iconic gateway into the city center. The abstracted curvilinear pattern on tower surface animates the façade, reflecting the dynamics of Qiantang River. Wrapping around with milky white glass, these twin towers are further delineated with vertical articulations, creating a kinetic surface effect. The overall effect of the facade is that of a pristine form that captures an ever-evolving display of refracted light, evoking an imagery of surging tide, a hydrogeological phenomenon frequently occurred in the region. The Shimao Twin Towers provide 370,000 square meter of new office, residential and retail space. This development is organized as a group of 5 buildings, forming an open public space to stimulate casual gathering, encounter and exchange. Tower A and B are centerpiece of the development, accommodating office and residential use. The 3 storey annex provides retail space and amenity to serve the complex and neighborhood. The horizontal undulating façade of the annex takes form of the river, providing a pedestrian friendly and permeable interface. The roof terrace at upper level further extends out to engage the landscape, blurring the boundary between the architecture and landscape. A sculptural connecting piece serves as a canopy to link the two towers at the base, creating a pedestrian friendly walking experience.
In collaboration with New York based structure engineering firm LERA, the slender twin towers employ a composite structure system with outrigger trusses coupled to mega columns and diagonal-braced frame, optimizing the structure for maximum efficiency and resulting a slender form. Designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, the twin towers are clad in self-shading aluminum fins and high-performance glass, while reducing both glare and solar heat gain. The construction for Shimao Riverfront has commenced since October 2015, completion expected in 2018.
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