Galaxy Mansion, Xi'an

Inspired by the island landscapes of Palawan, the project reimagines resort living within the urban fabric of Xi’an. Rather than following the prevailing hotel-inspired or contemporary Chinese residential models found in the surrounding developments, the design introduces a distinct island-resort atmosphere shaped by marine scenery, tropical planting, and immersive spatial experiences.

Organized around a landscape framework of one belt, one axis, one loop, and nine destinations, the community unfolds as a continuous journey. Residents move through a sequence of gardens, water features, leisure spaces, and island-inspired scenes that gradually transform the experience of everyday homecoming into a relaxing retreat. Pine green, mint teal, and natural stone tones establish a calm visual identity, while materials such as Phantom Blue granite, Bvlgari Green marble, Cuban Green granite, and Indonesian merbau wood reinforce the character of a refined resort environment.

One of the project's primary challenges was the extensive area occupied by fire-access routes and fire-safety zones. Instead of treating these requirements as constraints, the design incorporates them into sports, recreation, and landscape spaces, allowing functional infrastructure and daily activities to coexist seamlessly. At the same time, achieving an authentic island atmosphere in Xi’an’s inland climate required careful selection of climate-adaptive planting and landscape elements.

Olive trees, Chinese tallow trees, red maples, areca palms, and layered flower borders create a rich planting community with year-round interest. Sustainable measures, including a circulating water-treatment system and modular activity facilities, support long-term environmental performance and operational flexibility.

The project demonstrates how a highly constrained urban site can be transformed into a resort-oriented residential landscape, bringing the spirit of island living into everyday life and offering residents a distinctive sense of escape within the city.