Landscape Architect Articles

Palatial Residences by the Yellow Sea02-15-18 | Feature

Palatial Residences by the Yellow Sea
Landscape Architecture by Lifescapes International, Newport Beach, Calif.

At the residential Phoenix Palace in Dalian, China, the 105' long custom glazed hand-carved ceramic tile fountain by Craig Bragdy Design represents a coral reef and Dalian's connection to the Yellow Sea. At the Denbigh, Wales studio, artists created the designs onto a sheet of clay by hand. The mural was then cut into pieces and the vivid blue hues, green tints and orange colors applied, along with "precious metals." Lacebark pines, parterre gardens and clipped Winter Gem boxwood hedges flank the pool.

What's that well-worn old tongue in check expression about home ownership? Ah yes, "A man's home is his castle."

Well, if that man happens to live at the new exclusive multilevel residences in this featured project, you might want to change the last word of that ironic phrase to "palace."

Phoenix Palace is a residential project in Dalian, China. Dalian Hongwei Real Estate Co., Ltd. has several projects in the surrounding area, but Phoenix Palace is the most luxurious property in their portfolio. The exclusive multilevel residences include ground-level units with private gardens; upper level units feature the most all-encompassing views of the fountains below.

Phase one is complete and selling, with residents taking possession in 2018. Phase two will be complete in spring 2018, while phase three is only in early stages.

Dalian, China (pop. 6.7 million) is a major seaport in southern Manchuria and the southernmost city on the Liaodong Peninsula. In the West, Dalian was known as Port Arthur. The Russians occupied the peninsula in 1897. At the Chinese port of Dalian the Russians constructed a naval base for their Pacific fleet and later completed a rail link to the port. During the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05, the Japanese seized the port.

The exquisite master plan boasts a French classical style with beautiful courtyard gardens and seven majestic fountains. The exclusive community abuts the Phoenix Peak mountainside. Each terrace garden is made more special by the grade changes and elevations that create natural vantage points for stunning views.

From the moment you enter through the magnificent arched gateway and make your way to the Phoenix Palace roundabout you feel the grand scale of the property. Elaborate paving and granites of different finishes make up the hardscape, and the carved limestone and marble fountain makes quite an impression.

Inside the property the courtyard gardens surround various "neighborhoods."

The 14,000 sq. ft. courtyard water garden comprises pools and fountains inspired by classical motifs, decorative tapestries and chateau ceiling designs. The colors, dimensions, patterns, symmetry and attention to detail of the custom marble mosaics are riveting. The water garden has graduated levels and even seating areas within the pools to relax and enjoy the visual splendor.

Just beyond the custom ornamental metal gate, separated by carved limestone columns, lies a 105' long custom-designed, hand-carved clay tile fountain, surrounded by rich parterre gardens and clipped hedges. The underwater reef motif of the pool, played out in resplendent hues of blue, green and orange, was designed and fabricated by Craig Bragdy Design to symbolize Dalian's Yellow Sea portage. Stingrays and tropical fish, many species chosen by ownership, "swim" throughout the length of the glazed ceramic tiles.

At the end of the main pool/fountain is a 14,000 sq. ft. water garden. This central courtyard provides compelling views for those living in the residential towers. Inspired by classical motifs, decorative tapestries and chateau ceilings, the custom patterns are mimicked in the hardscape and water garden. From above the view is beautiful, but the water garden also has graduated levels of height to allow for picturesque appeal to those on the ground. There are seating areas within the fountain for guests to relax and enjoy the visual splendor.

The fountains are all custom marble mosaics that stand in as works of art when the fountains are turned off in the winter months.

The residential courtyards and walkways offer carved limestone and marble hardscapes and sculptural ornament of hand-carved limestone.

The pavilions, grand staircase, and archways are all made from carved limestone. Everywhere you turn, you are greeted with another visual masterpiece of textures and patterns.

Uplighting adds dimension and depth to the shapes and contours of the gardens and fountains, as well as giving radiance to the blue and green hued tiles at dusk. The fish designs in the main fountain seem to shine against the phosphorescent glow.

Phoenix Palace provides plenty of areas to relax or stroll. Throughout the property, paths lead to courtyard gardens, gathering areas under structures and shade gardens. Urns and balustrades line the walkways, and flourishing ginkgo trees abound for beauty and shade.

The motor court roundabout and entry gate welcome you to Phoenix Palace, the most luxurious residential property in the Dalian Hongwei Real Estate Company's portfolio. The exclusive community boasts a French classical style with beautiful courtyard gardens and seven majestic fountains.

A Massive Grade Challenge
The biggest site challenge was the massive grade differences within the property. "That negative turned out to be a positive because it allowed us to create more depth and drama to the design," explain the landscape architects of Lifescapes International. "It allows people to experience more vantage points and appreciate the site. This also allowed us to create a visual backdrop and portals that helped frame views."

The arrangement of the site allowed the landscape architects to design various gardens environments throughout the property and "neighborhoods" / gathering areas for different activities.

Lifescapes International was responsible for the entire exterior design: fountains, balustrades, archways, main gate, custom limestone fountains, pavilion, grand staircase, gardens, planting design, carved sculpture, pottery and tile work.

Elaborate paving and granites of different finishes make up the hardscape, coupled with a 3-tiered carved limestone fountain with a marble mosaic basin.

Lifescapes International Team
Project Director
-Peter Yen Sr.: Principal, Director of Asia Projects
Designers
-Andrew Kreft, Exec. Sr. Principal/ Director of Design
-Adam Kober, Principal/ Project Designer
- Roger Voettiner, ASLA, Exec. Sr. Principal / VP of Design/Horticulture
Project Management
-JoAnn Kusano-Millman, Sr. Project Manager
-Genaro Diaz, Project Manager
-Genaro Diaz, Project Manager (SketchUp:)
-Ferry Gunawan, Sr. Principal (Model Dept. Director)