2026 | Professional

French Design Awards Platinum Winner

China Merchants & CTG Investment · One River Mansion

Entrant

MAXI Landscape Design Studio

Category

Landscape Design - Residential Landscape

Client's Name

CHINA MERCHANTS SHEKOU HOLDINGS

Country / Region

China

The project transforms the entrance and main circulation areas of a riverside residential community into a refined, immersive homecoming experience. Inspired by the flowing patterns and shifting shadows of the river, as well as traditional garden techniques, the design integrates “bringing the river into the garden” as its core concept. The landscape emphasizes elegance, luxury, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a ceremonial journey from the municipal sidewalk to each unit.
Multiple sensory and spatial elements enhance the experience along the path. Water features, elevated spring cascades, secret gardens, shaded corridors, and interactive observation decks break the monotony of long walks, reduce visual fatigue, and encourage exploration. Materiality and paving patterns change segment by segment, from dark gray granite to lighter paving, while distinctive trees and stone arrangements identify individual unit entrances, enhancing recognition, sense of belonging, and territorial identity. The sounds of flowing water, fragrant plantings, and layered planting microtopography enrich the sensory experience, while undulating terrain adds vertical spatial interest and depth.
Practical challenges, including elevation differences, stormwater management, and the integration of fire-fighting access platforms, were systematically addressed through intercepting ditches, paced node strategies, and visual integration techniques. These solutions harmonize functional requirements with aesthetic quality, ensuring safety, accessibility, and comfort.
Sustainability measures are embedded throughout the design. Permeable pavements and rain gardens manage stormwater efficiently, while native and low-maintenance vegetation reduces irrigation needs. Intelligent soil moisture-controlled irrigation, energy-efficient lighting, solar-powered fixtures, and the use of local and recycled construction materials minimize environmental impact. Modular, maintenance-friendly water features and lighting, together with predominantly evergreen plantings, reduce long-term property management costs.
Overall, the design achieves a luxurious, ecological, and culturally resonant riverside environment, balancing privacy, ceremonial progression, human comfort, and harmonious integration with nature, while providing a coherent and immersive journey that connects the city, landscape, and home.

Credits

Chief Designer
Li Zhao
Chief Designer
Liu Jun
Chief Designer
Li Yanping
Chief Designer
Wang Yongxu
Assistant Designer
Yang Yu
Assistant Designer
Liu Linjiang
Assistant Designer
Zhu Zhenzhen
Assistant Designer
Deng Yushi
Assistant Designer
Lin Xinyu
Assistant Designer
Mou Yanting
Assistant Designer
Lv Chuan
Assistant Designer
Lin Guodong
Assistant Designer
Zheng Hong
Assistant Designer
Feng Rui
Photographer
E-ar TARS
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