The Fragrant Hills Opus

In Beijing’s Fragrant Hills district (“Three Mountains and Five Gardens”), this rare low-density project has an FAR of 1.05 and four-storey layouts. Close to, but not on, a mountain, it is embraced on one side by Fragrant Hills and on three sides by parkland. Its six principles are guided by the aesthetics of the Song dynasty: spirit, form, colour, rhythm, material, and void. Nine-ridge roofs with dragon-scale tiles and a custom hanging fish motif symbolise success. Sky-blue Ru ware ceramic panels and elegant gold aluminium trim blend nature with Eastern charm.