“ Senior living is an elevation of the everyday—never detached from the vibrant rhythm of the city, but a deliberate distillation of life's essence when the freedom to choose is finally ours. ” — Zhang Xun

With the philosophy of “everyday life as healing,” GOA addresses the residential challenges of an aging society through Taikang Community Zhe Garden. Situated in Xiaoheshan, Xihu District, Hangzhou, the master plan accommodates approximately 1,300 senior living units, seamlessly integrating independent living apartments, a rehabilitation hospital, a clubhouse, and comprehensive support amenities. Breaking away from the isolated model of conventional eldercare institutions, the design envisions the senior living community as a vessel for daily life—enabling seniors to maintain their autonomy and lifestyle richness through genuine connections with nature, neighborhood, and the city.

The master plan redefines the boundary between the community and the city through a “front street, rear residence” framework. Low-slung dynamic podiums meet the urban edge at a human scale, organizing public amenities along street-like proportions to introduce urban vitality and foster an open, lively neighborhood atmosphere. Within the community, a central courtyard acts as the landscape core, linking the clubhouse, inner courtyards, and riverside greenways into a progressive, garden-stroll spatial experience. These spaces not only host residents' daily routines but also cultivate opportunities for connection—between people, and between people and nature.

Drawing inspiration from the settlement typology of traditional Hangzhou dwellings, the podium design translates heritage through modern materials and tectonic logic. Articulated, folded rooflines interlock with clear geometric rhythm, delivering a crisp, ordered silhouette. The podium façade pairs light warm-toned stone with timber-patterned metal louvers and warm-gray moldings, achieving a restrained yet comforting elegance. In harmony with the podium, the towers feature a warm-toned palette articulated through a delicate, woven façade technique, together crafting a warm, well-ordered, and welcoming living environment.