Greentown Rose Garden sits on the banks of Wuchang Wetland in Future Sci-Tech City, representing Hangzhou’s third Rose Garden after Jiuxi and Yunqi. Inheriting the classic French architectural language and low-density ambience of Greentown’s Rose Garden series, the project revisits the typology of Beijing Imperial Garden. Beijing Imperial Garden was also designed by GOA. The project integrates contemporary craftsmanship and living programmes to craft a romantic waterside palace.

Situated on a peninsula bordering the wetland and surrounded by water on three sides, the site boasts around 300 metres of river frontage and scenic surroundings. Rooted in classical French planning principles, the design establishes a 200-metre north‑south public axis as the backbone of the masterplan. Spaces unfold in layered progression, infused with the essence of Oriental gardens and rich spatial variation. The sequence comprises the main entrance, forecourt, central woodland-spring axis and rear central courtyard, with tree groves, wall fountains and arcades appearing in succession to form a dignified arrival experience. From the southern end of the woodland-spring axis, an approximately 300-metre east-west lifestyle axis extends outward. Layered garden poetry guides visitors toward the waterfront to discover this secluded waterside haven.

Built upon this disciplined spatial framework, the façade follows the classical compositional rule of “three vertical divisions, five horizontal bays”. The street elevation emphasises vertical proportion, capped by a generous pitched roof with clean, crisp lines. The main entrance takes cues from Palladio’s Villa Rotonda. Its monumental volume is articulated with pediments, pitched roofs and Ionic columns to reinforce the ritual of arrival. The primary cladding is beige limestone quarried in Portugal, while Egyptian beige marble is specified for public zones, entrance carvings, cornice mouldings and water features along the central axis. Carefully selected materials deliver a solid, enduring tactile quality.

Beyond built form, the project boasts a compelling cultural and artistic core. The name “Fontaine” evokes waterside habitation and echoes the design ethos of the Palace of Fontainebleau. Architecture exists in harmony with nature, and ornament is integrated into daily life. Culture and art are not superficial motifs, but vivid, omnipresent expressions. Alongside the lush landscape, GOA has created roughly 2,800 m² of clubhouse space beneath the public axis. Within it, a 42-metre art gallery is naturally lit by a water-feature glass ceiling and accommodates exhibitions and events. Adopting a curatorial approach, bespoke original artworks are deployed to organise circulation and sightlines, fostering an in-depth dialogue between art, architecture and people. Here, the spirit of French humanism permeates the space, breathing timelessly through light and shadow.