The project is on Luxe Lakes CPI Island, which is located on the east side of Luke Island in Luxe Lakes Ecological City, Chengdu. This complex represents a non-standard commercial cluster transformed from a group of villa model homes. Building W13, previously one of the many Luxe Lakes villa model homes, has been reformed into the Snowpeak Chengdu Luxe Lakes store.

After analyzing the existing building conditions, our design began by stripping away the original building's exterior and retaining only the core structure. We re-planned the building's functional zoning, added a rooftop stage for hosting events, reorganized the circulation, and added a new iconic staircase to access the rooftop.

Next, we analyzed the irregular architectural space and language of the model room and reformed the building's irregular architectural space and language to create a cohesive space. On the facade, we organized the building's uneven and protruding surfaces into iconic showcasing interfaces for the merchants. We used large-scale, high-rise facades made of innovative materials to showcase the commercial and promotional aspects of a building. To balance the irregular surfaces created by cutting the original columns, we added vertical structures in elevation, unifying the facades' overall language and rhythm. Given the building's unique location, we needed to evaluate each facade carefully, and providing different facades with distinct appearances, transforming the building from a model home to a unique commercial retail space.

Finally, we expanded constructions rhythmically. To accommodate the merchants' growing need for space, we needed to expand the original site with new construction. The building is located facing towards the central lawn's main facade, hence the design needs to carefully consider the visual experience of people in the lawn, and the needs to blend into surrounding landscape while having a distinctive character. After mapping the existing building's outline and landscape curves, as well as multiple rounds of discussion about alternative plans, we designed the new addition in an elliptical shape, forming a multi-layered arc variation that surrounds the public lawn in the front.

Due to the limited budget for this architectural renovation, we tried to maximize the use of the original building's structural components and outlines for the exterior additions, using mainly metal corrugated panels, gray and textured cement coatings, and glass curtain walls. The relatively simple and low-key material treatment also matched the merchant's style and allowed the building to blend better with the surrounding landscape. The utilization of the platform, open facade, expansive vistas, all above contribute to the spirit of Snowpeak as an outdoor brand.

Snowpeak (Building W13) is the first building visitors see when entering CPI Island from the south. It has become the first impression for many visitors to CPI Island. As a visitor gradually descends the entrance ramp, one will see the building's facade, which is concealed by the surrounding trees. The structure is low-lying yet prominent. Viewing from the central lawn, the building stands at the highest vantage point, overlooking the lake. Its distinctive design not only makes Snowpeak stand out, but also sets the tone for the overall experience of the CPI Island development.