Court / China
The courtyard pattern is one of the oldest urban forms. The typical Chinese home is such an example. Offering protection from the outside and peacefulness on the interior. Courtyard schemes also benefit from the opportunity of being a dense/low rise form of providing accommodation with public/private space that is not overlooked/shaded creating a low rise area which is relaxed and tranquil.
Court follows this elementary urban form creating courtyards for living around the edge of the site, at only 7 storeys the feel of the urban realm is that of landscape and pavilions. The middle of the site is maintained for a large water feature surrounded by trees where individual houses are located. The low level blocks, heavy planting and central water feature offer a place of tranquillity and wellbeing in all locations on the site.
The treasure chests including the hotel functions and the teahouses located on the central water feature are glazed and then shaded with a golden filigree facade made of copper sheet. The facade is CNC cut to produce a pattern which filters light, the pattern cut into the panels is an abstracted urban plan of Windsor. Over time the copper will patinate and create a beautiful depth of greens, golds and black. The facade will glow bright oranges and yellows at dusk creating magical moments for inhabitants and guests.
