in china, john friedman alice kimm architects (JFAK) has created a human-scaled neighborhood of detached villas surrounded by water and vegetation. located in chengdu, the scheme is conceived as a new residential model that engages the landscape with organic forms. the project exists in contrast to the country’s enormous housing blocks that also seek to attract newly prosperous potential residents.



all images courtesy of john friedman alice kimm architects

designed for middle to upper class single families, the ‘peace creek villas’ are part of a larger development called ‘luxe lakes’. LA-based firm JFAK employed a consistent and contemporary material palette of stone, concrete, wood, and glass. organic forms that curve in both plan and section create a sense of continuous flow, while simultaneously channeling views and providing privacy. all of the development’s 43 units sold in one day — before construction work even began.



the human-scaled neighborhood comprises 43 detached villas

‘we wanted to offer a new kind of experience, something more organic and based in natural forms, even anthropomorphic at times,’ explains john friedman principal of JFAK. ‘the clients wanted us to do something different. they gave us the freedom to explore — not just for the sake of doing something new, but rather to find a unique model that would resonate with how people might want to live in the new china.’



the development is surrounded by water and vegetation



the scheme is conceived as a new residential model for both the region and the country



the architecture engages the landscape with organic forms



the project exists in contrast to the country’s enormous housing blocks



the villas are designed for middle to upper class single families



the residences are part of a larger development called ‘luxe lakes’



all of the development’s units sold out before construction work even began

project info:

location: chengdu, sichuan province, china

design period: 2010 – 2012

construction period: sept. 2013 – october 2015

interior floor area: 3,000 sqf – 4,500 sqf each unit, 43 units in total

land area: 3.5 acre

architect: john friedman alice kimm architects

principal-in-charge: john friedman

project designer: shuang xu

project architect: claudia kessner

project team: alice kimm, jessica sano, garrett belmont, yikai lin, jili huang, eddie park, kyung chung

structural engineer: local design institute with wide horizon group

MEP engineer: local design institute with wide horizon group

civil engineer: local design institute with wide horizon group

landscape architect: fei huang, famous garden (master plan); pamela burton & co.

client: wide horizon group

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save