The River Heights Residences, housing 10,000 people within a 6,460,000 sf residential development, prioritize collective form over individual towers, resulting in a unified and articulated skyline of mini-towers. This innovative design enhances both living standards and density compared to neighboring projects. Essentially, a single building has been divided into smaller, offset portions in both plan and elevation, creating distinct mini-towers topped with roof gardens. The precise offsets of each tower are carefully calibrated to optimize cross-ventilation and natural light while maintaining density. The resulting silhouette resembles the self-organizing skyline of a city.

In China, 70% of new building construction is for residential purposes, yet apartments remain unaffordable for many. Despite the high-end appearance of River Heights, its apartments are priced below the average cost of housing in Taiyuan. This affordability is due to the project's density and the absence of decorative excess. Most units are compact 3-4 bedroom apartments, maximizing functionality in a smaller footprint.

Residential towers often suffer from poor design quality, particularly in China, where developers frequently rely on superficial architectural embellishments to convey value rather than embracing simplified, thoughtful design. River Heights, however, emphasizes uniformity through repetition and controlled façades. Ornamentation is limited to a strict grid organizing the glazing, balconies, and A/C units, creating a cohesive visual effect. This unity is especially noticeable at ground level, where the buildings blend into the background, allowing the surrounding green spaces and sunken plazas to take center stage.