in the new central business district (CBD) of changzhi, china, superimpose architecture has completed ‘Y-loft city’, a development of three residential towers. geared toward generation Y — or so-called millennials — the new loft apartments focus on affordability, quality of life, and breaking with cookie-cutter residential typologies. 

superimpose architecture shapes three residential towers in changzhi designboom

images by creatAR

 

 

changzhi is a fourth tier industrial city in shanxi province that’s facing rapid urbanization and currently has around three million inhabitants. this recent intervention forms part of a greater masterplan for changzhi CBD, which is also designed by superimpose. when approaching this residential project, the architects convinced both the client and government to deviate from conventional, european-style developments in favor of a striking architectural expression that appeals to a younger generation. 

superimpose architecture shapes three residential towers in changzhi designboom

 

 

spanning a total built area of 50,150 sqm, the three new towers combine a mixed-use program of both residential and retail. superimpose responded to the brief in both macro and micro scale with simple tools to improve usability, liveability, general appearance, and connectivity with the other sites within the masterplan. 

superimpose architecture shapes three residential towers in changzhi designboom

 

 

the layout plan intentionally opens up to the surrounding buildings. the towers are rotated, shaped and positioned to afford uninterrupted views from every living space while maximizing natural light to the apartments. light and bright materials are used to contrast with the dull surrounding developments.

superimpose architecture shapes three residential towers in changzhi designboom

 

 

a loft-concept is applied in order to achieve more living space per square meter and balconies are added to each residential unit, giving the tower a unique identity and providing inhabitants with valuable outdoor space. 

superimpose architecture shapes three residential towers in changzhi designboom

 

 

keeping the construction budget low was key to achieving an affordable development for generation Y buyers. by using the balconies as sculptural elements, the project could refrain from expensive façade materials. for the elevational treatment, superimpose opted for a simple yet refined material palette of white with contrasting dark aluminum window frames and panels, together with slightly reflective glass. the balconies are clad with white perforated aluminum.

superimpose architecture shapes three residential towers in changzhi designboom

 

 

the general layout of the project has a Y-shaped axis. this strategy connects the project to other sites and 15 former bearing factories nearby, which were built in 1945 and are owned by the same client. the factories have significant historical and cultural value to changzhi. as part of the masterplan, superimpose preserved these factories from planned demolition. by transforming this area into a regional cultural hub, the architects aim to reinstate and enhance the community value of the surrounding buildings.

superimpose architecture shapes three residential towers in changzhi designboom

 

 

overall, Y-loft city questions how to develop residential areas in rapidly growing third and fourth tier cities in china. ‘can new residential projects be more attractive and take inspiration from the quality of life and community, rather than only focusing on profit-making models. what else can architects do for the evolution of the residential community? how should designers and clients collaborate and cherish existing cultural resources to create a new social life, new integrated communities, and a new normal in the chinese hinterland. this is a challenge superimpose will continue to explore in the future’,  say the architects. 

superimpose architecture shapes three residential towers in changzhi designboom

superimpose architecture shapes three residential towers in changzhi designboom

superimpose architecture shapes three residential towers in changzhi designboom

superimpose architecture shapes three residential towers in changzhi designboom

superimpose architecture shapes three residential towers in changzhi designboom

 

 

project info:

 

name: Y-loft city

program: residential and retail

location: changzhi, shanxi province, china

client: changzhi changsheng real estate co., ltd.

design company: superimpose architecture

partners in charge: carolyn leung, ben de lange, ruben bergambagt

architects: carolyn leung, ben de lange, ruben bergambagt, pablo gonzalez gonzalez, xie huimin

building area: 50,150 sqm

height: 100 m

status: completed

construction period: 2018 – 2021

building materials: thermal insulation composite wall paneling for façade and perforated aluminum for balconies

photography (completed): creatAR

photography (construction): marc goodwin

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lynne myers | designboom