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2024 GFD 🏆 Awards

Gold Winner | Future High Rise Residential Tower | Yinzhu Yao

The building site is strategically located at a unique site, serving as a gateway between the city and the suburban area. It marks the beginning of the urban landscape, standing at the end of a chain of high-rise buildings on the city’s edge, and echoing the architectural heritage of the old town that initiated this progression. Together with its surrounding high-rises, the building forms a prominent focal point above the railway station.

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Gold 🏆 Winner
Global Future Design Awards 2024

Future High-Rise Residential Tower
Residential Architecture (Multi-Family Concept)

Firm
Yinzhu Yao

Architect/Designer
Yinzhu Yao

Design Team
Yinzhu Yao

Location
Ningbo City, China

Country
China

Photographer/Copyright
©Yinzhu Yao

Website
N/A

Instagram
N/A

As is well-known, luxury residences in Switzerland, particularly in Zurich, are characterized by modern, minimalist designs with clean geometries and meticulously planned layouts. Every detail is thoughtfully considered, from architectural elements to furnishings, which exude a refined sense of style and functionality. Furthermore, most high-end residential buildings in Zurich do not exceed six stories, often featuring elongated floor plans with ample space on each level. The challenge lies in developing new, future-oriented housing on the city’s outskirts, where space is limited, without losing the unique characteristics that define the local architectural identity.

Given the constraints of the limited site, the design focuses on achieving a balance between simplicity in form and comfort in living. The architectural approach is streamlined, ensuring that the building integrates harmoniously with its surroundings while providing a modern, comfortable living experience for its residents.

Based on the field trip research in Zurich, balconies play a significant role not only functionally in housing, by extending indoor living spaces, but also aesthetically, by contributing to the façade’s overall design. Curved forms are rare; instead, the design emphasis is on clean, straight lines that create a simple yet elegant appearance. These balconies are sometimes arranged in regular, aligned patterns, and at other times in staggered formations, adding complexity to both the external appearance and the interior floor plan requirements. The building design offers flexibility to residents through its thoughtfully planned balcony options. The west-facing units feature open double-height balconies, providing an expansive outdoor space with panoramic views. Residents have the option to select this configuration if they desire an open-air experience. For those who prefer a more enclosed environment, the east-facing units present two alternatives: double-height enclosed balconies or standard glass balconies on different levels. This design approach caters to varied preferences while ensuring that all residents can enjoy the breathtaking cityscape.

The different unit types are strategically interspersed and rise in a harmonious pattern, creating a dynamic yet cohesive structure. The façade’s simplicity in layout and geometric precision contributes to a clean, orderly aesthetic, enhancing the building’s overall architectural appeal.