This proposal for a residential clubhouse is located at the heart of the Sino-Singaporean Tianjin Eco-City. The scheme will provide restaurant, leisure, sport and retail facilities for the Serenity Cove residential development and is the result of a collaborative agreement between the governments of China and Singapore to jointly develop a socially harmonious, environmentally friendly and resource-conserving city.
Rather than creating one monolithic building, the design separates the functions into three distinct pavilions – one for eating and drinking, one for sport and wellbeing and one for retail, sales and supporting services. Each of the pavilions relates to an outdoor space, creating a series of courtyards featuring water, planting, spaces to sit and places to exercise.The three pavilions are joined by a spine which runs north-south along the site and houses the lobby and principal circulation, but also provides informal seating areas for activities such as reading. A canopy runs above the full length of the spine which shades the glazed rooflights. Symbolising the environmental aspirations of the project, the canopy supports an array of PVs and solar water tubes which generate electricity and hot water for the building.Each of the pavilions has a highly insulated facade, with openings towards the best views.
The facades are surrounded by a timber screen which gives shading to the windows and creates a play of light and shade. The plan depth and orientation are designed to allow the pavilions to be naturally ventilated during summer and autumn and to maximise natural light. Slab heating and cooling is provided to make best use of the thermal mass of the building. Rainwater is collected and recycled, while green roofs and landscaping encourage biodiversity and reduce the ‘heat island’ effect. Finally, a field of horizontal wind turbines is located at the entrance to the site, announcing the point of arrival and providing further energy for the building. It is envisaged the scheme will achieve Eco-City ‘Platinum’ and China Green Building three star level.
