The brief for the MOLEWA International Competition organised by Creativersal in Ruichang, Jiangxi was to create 20 architecturally significant, flower themed townhouses, for a new city overlooking an ocean of blooms.

The design was required to be sustainable, so that these buildings have their own ecosystem, giving energy and breathing life back into the environment. ‘Anthelia’ was inspired by our Australian heritage, and the underwater flowers of The Great Barrier Reef. All interiors are double height, 180m2 spaces which maximises natural light. Acting as respiration for ‘Anthelia’, we utilised a hydronic system and ground-coupled heat exchanger, with water loops throughout to pro-vide heating and cooling systems. Combined with photovoltaics, rainwater collection and careful specification we would meet Passive House and LEED certification standards. The common landscaped areas contain reflective pools and a photovoltaic tree canopy. These solar ‘trees’ were drawn from the reef’s Mushroom Coral. Not only beautiful but functional designs, the trunks are covered in a vertical garden and provide light during the night. They actively harvest water, bringing in enough energy for all 20 homes and the club house.