The project is distributed across five levels: two below grade, and three above ground. The upper unit is more private, with an elder suite, two children’s bedrooms, and a generous master bedroom on the top floor. In contrast, the lower unit is configured as a completely open space with a living room on the ground floor; while the basement, lit by a number of light wells and sunken courtyards, accommodates a kitchen, dining area, chess room, and reception room.
Working within the constraints of the pre-existing architectural structure, the area of each single storey is 100 square meters. Numerous load-bearing walls previously rendered the space narrow and lacking in natural light. In response to the former condition of the building, the designer has replaced the original staircase leading to the basement with a sunken courtyard, punctuated by feature wall integrating subtly dripping water facing the main space, creating a unique sense of inside and out.
Internal walls and partitions are used as sparingly as possible, allowing selected furniture and floor and ceiling details to become focal points in defining various spaces, in addition to a series of translucent screens.
On the first floor, an asymmetrical screen greets those entering the space, angled in such a way as to allow only partial views into the space, effectively creating an air of spatial anticipation. Here, residents are also greeted by a Pop Medusa Occasional Chair by Versace, its placement and presence blurring the line between functional object and artwork.
Defined by smooth curves and circular shapes, the ceilings recall the rounded forms of clouds. More significantly, the basement is illuminated by a series of skylights and courtyards enclosed with glass walls, which allows the residents a connection to the constantly changing outdoor light. Above one circular skylight is a koi pond, while below is the sculpture “Spring Up: Dance to the Wind”, which alludes to a dreamscape of fish flying above into the sky. In accordance, the space echoes and interacts with dense greens and water-related elements.
Circular Baroque-inspired ceiling light fixtures extend downward, bringing to life a design philosophy of 'elegant detailing and beautiful finishes, accentuated by art'. The wall decoration of Versace white polished porcelain combines with a bespoke painting by artist Lin Xueming and patterned carpet to evoke abstracted natural scenery within an interior space. At one end of the living room, an artwork entitled The Cycle by T.K. Chu, is placed directly across from a piece entitled Red Medusa to form an intriguing relation and atmosphere.
Taking the nearby Qinhuai River as an additional starting point for the design, water is abstracted into numerous textures and details, such as the ceiling lamp inspired by liquid forms, and the evocative sculpture hung from the ceiling on the 1st basement level. When sitting in the dining room, residents can overlook living green walls of vertical plantings through a full-height window to the north.
On the other side of the house, there is a glass coffee table set within the sunken courtyard, where the hostess can enjoy afternoon tea with her guests. The table, with an integrated circular skylight which offers a view to the level below, allows the hostess to greet her husband in the garage downstairs.
The 2nd basement floor is designed to be a place for relaxation and enjoyment, accommodating a tea room, cellar, garage, and reception room, all suited to unwinding, collecting ones' thoughts, and gathering with friends. The textured floor incorporates a water-like pattern, and is present throughout from the reception room to the tea room, creating an effective visual connection.
The garage, adjacent to the reception room, is intended to function as a showroom, where the resident can modify his customized car, or simply put it on display. Natural light is afforded through the circular skylight, along with the surrounding internal lights, creating a unique spotlight centred on the car.
Through the efforts of the design team, the completed urban villa is a cosmopolitan, multi-functional living space that embraces family living and serves as a sophisticated space for a wide range of social events and functions.