K11 ECOAST Art and Cultural District by the Sea
Like a great ship ready to set sail, K11 ECOAST rises on Shenzhen’s Prince Bay as a beacon of culture, commerce and creativity. With its striking design evoking a vessel at port, the development is a tribute to Shenzhen’s maritime heritage and a bold statement of its future as a global cultural hub. Starting a phased trial operation in April 2025, this world-class development is anchored by four key assets: the K11 ECOAST retail and cultural landmark; the K11 HACC multifunctional art space; the K11 ATELIER office tower, and a landscaped waterfront Promenade. Overlooking the cruise terminal, maritime museum and Shenzhen’s sparkling Prince Bay, K11 ECOAST is a new gateway to the international exchange of trade, ideas and culture.
Engaged by our client from concept to completion, RLB was honoured to play a pivotal role in shaping this architectural gem. Our team provided expert cost management to ensure that K11 ECOAST delivered on a bold vision – blending cutting-edge design with commercial viability – without compromising on quality. The project’s scale and complexity, combined with its commitment to sustainability, demanded innovative cost strategies to balance ambition with precision.
At a glance
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ClientNew World Development (NWD) and China Merchants Shekou
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ServicesCost Management & Quantity Surveying
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sectorMixed Use
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LocationShenzhen, China
Steering ambition towards reality
Engaged by our client from concept to completion, RLB was honoured to play a pivotal role in shaping this architectural gem. Our team provided expert cost management to ensure that K11 ECOAST delivered on a bold vision – blending cutting-edge design with commercial viability – without compromising on quality. The project’s scale and complexity, combined with its commitment to sustainability, demanded innovative cost strategies to balance ambition with precision.
K11 ECOAST Art and Cultural District by the Sea anchors Shenzhen’s future as a global creative powerhouse. Just as great ships are built to withstand the tides, this landmark is designed to stand the test of time. RLB is proud to have navigated the challenges of this project, helping Shenzhen embark on a new maritime era.Tom Zhang Director, Mainland China
K11 ECOAST’s design draws inspiration from its maritime surroundings, with sweeping curves and grand, ship-like forms creating a sense of movement and openness. The development’s coastal promenade extends the city’s urban fabric into the water, creating a seamless connection between land and sea.
K11 ECOAST has the largest cluster of LEED Platinum pre-certified buildings in the Greater Bay Area.
The project incorporates the “sponge city” concept, where innovative drainage and greenery systems absorb and filter rainwater.
ECOAST: eco-development plus coastal conservation
Biodiversity and ecological balance are on display with 100% of plant species local to the Shenzhen area.
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228,500m2
of gross floor area
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$10b
development cost
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50
architects and artists contributed to the project.
People making progress together
Among the creative visionaries behind K11 ECOAST are British architect David Chipperfield, Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas’s OMA and Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto. British sculptor Phyllida Barlow and Polish installation artist Monika Sosnowska were commissioned to create public works, alongside a roster of celebrated Chinese artists.
The giant wheel of K11 ECOAST is anchored by Prince Bay. The exterior materials must meet requirements for corrosion resistance and wind pressure performance. RLB actively participated in discussions with international designers, ultimately deciding on materials such as custom-made recycled glass, honeycomb stone, and terracotta panels to perfectly showcase the giant wheel’s effect.
“The project is dedicated to integrating a sustainable and circular lifestyle into this waterfront cultural and art district. The project utilizes recycled aluminum panels, recycled glass, and ice storage cooling equipment to reinforce the green and environmental theme, promoting a sustainable and circular way of living. The RLB team leveraged its database and research to provide the client with reliable and authentic comparisons for pricing.”
Anchored in ambition, powered by vision
RLB has collaborated closely with the client and a stellar team of creatives and visionaries to navigate market fluctuations, supply chain challenges and ambitious sustainability goals. Weathering the storms of global disruptions, K11 ECOAST has remained true to its extraordinary vision – for a new cultural and retail landmark worthy of this fast-growing coastal city in South China.
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