Charting a new course for Shenzhen’s waterfront
The future of construction isn’t just vertical – it’s cultural, coastal and conscious. Few projects capture this evolution more powerfully than K11 ECOAST, a bold new district rising along Shenzhen’s Prince Bay. Blending architecture, public art, retail and resilience, the development is more than a design icon. It’s a case study in how vision, technology and sustainability can coalesce into lasting civic value.
As the Greater Bay Area continues to accelerate as a global hub, K11 ECOAST sets a new benchmark for cultural placemaking. From concept to completion, RLB played a key role in bringing this complex, multi-use project to life, ensuring commercial outcomes were matched by environmental ambition and aesthetic precision.
An architectural odyssey
Anchored by four core elements – a retail and cultural destination, multifunctional art space (K11 HACC), a premium office tower (K11 ATELIER) and a waterfront promenade – K11 ECOAST reflects both Shenzhen’s maritime past and its creative future. Inspired by the form of a great vessel, the design references the site’s connection to the sea while embracing global architectural and artistic talent, including David Chipperfield, OMA and Sou Fujimoto.
RLB collaborated closely with this world-class team to develop a high-performance delivery model. Our cost management services supported the project’s scale and sophistication, helping to translate an ambitious vision into a buildable, sustainable reality.
Circular thinking in action
K11 ECOAST is one of the largest clusters of LEED Platinum pre-certified buildings in the Greater Bay Area. Sustainability was embedded from the outset through the use of recycled materials, ice storage cooling systems and ‘sponge city’ infrastructure that filters rainwater and improves flood resilience.
Materials weren’t just sustainably sourced – they were strategically selected. RLB collaborated with international designers to identify corrosion-resistant, high-performance finishes for the coastal site, including recycled glass, honeycomb stone and terracotta. Our team used proprietary databases and global benchmarking to provide the client with accurate, defensible cost comparisons, reinforcing our commitment to delivering value through data.
Delivering in a disrupted world
Major builds in today’s environment demand more than technical expertise – they require strategic foresight, creative agility and trusted partnerships. Despite global market disruptions, K11 ECOAST stayed true to its purpose. For RLB, that meant navigating cost volatility, supply chain risk and sustainability criteria simultaneously – all while maintaining the integrity of the original design.
“K11 ECOAST Art and Cultural District by the Sea anchors Shenzhen’s future as a global creative powerhouse,” says Tom Zhang, Director, RLB Mainland China. “Just as great ships are built to withstand the tides, this landmark is designed to stand the test of time.”
Cultural capital for the future
With 228,500 square metres (2,460,000 sq ft) of gross floor area and a development value of ¥10 billion (US$1.4 billion), K11 ECOAST is more than a waterfront precinct. It’s a cultural capital project, where art, commerce and community converge. The development is already being hailed as a new gateway for international exchange and a milestone in the evolution of creative cities.
From recycled aluminium cladding to public art by Phyllida Barlow and Monika Sosnowska, every detail of K11 ECOAST reflects a commitment to circularity, context and collaboration. As RLB continues to work on transformative projects across Asia and beyond, this development reminds us that the most powerful innovations are those rooted in place, shaped by people and designed to last.
The future of the built environment lies in holistic thinking, where sustainability, culture and commercial value intersect,” Tom Zhang reflects. “K11 ECOAST is a landmark of that future and we’re proud to have helped navigate its course.
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