journal
Photography: Cai Yunpu
18 / 10 / 2024
A poetic dialogue between southern Chinese and modernist aesthetics. Lake Tai Villa is the latest project by designer Zhang Haihua.
Next to the famous Tai Lake in Jiangsu province, one of Zhang Haihua's most recent works is a piece of art painted in detail. Covering over 1,000 square metres, the property revolves around a large central courtyard, surrounded by a covered walkway and bordered by several pools.
In this project, the boundaries between inside and outside dissolve so that anyone who walks around the building quickly discovers no imposed circulation routes. Every time an 'end' is reached, a surprising and unexpected path opens up.
At Lake Tai Villa, the designer decided on a minimalist architectural aesthetic. By carefully modulating the levels of transparency through large windows, each space is individually defined while interconnecting with the others. Every room has numerous variations in proportions, atmosphere and materials, providing a pleasant experience for anyone moving around the house.
In keeping with structural minimalism and the concept adopted in this project, Zhang Haihua simplified the selection of materials used in the interior design. This choice resulted in a cohesive visual unity, enhancing architectural flow in the various spaces. The organic materials, natural tones and wood veneer texture give the rooms a comfortable and elegant ambience.
From the very first moment, there are various architectural elements designed to arouse curiosity, inviting people to explore and discover the house. Next to the main living room, the designer designed an adjacent corridor with a lower ceiling height to emphasise the centrality of the space. The different heights and shapes create a fascinating rhythm and a sense of freedom in the rooms.
For Zhang Haihua, it was essential to create some areas that contrasted with the openness of the spaces while maintaining fluidity between the interior and the patio. The height of the windows was planned in detail to provide the right amount of privacy for the residents while still considering the view to the outside.
Water is an essential presence in the project. A series of different aquatic elements offer the house a distinct sensory richness. The exterior is also marked by a sizeable modernist-style walkway connecting all areas of the house - visually and spatially - and providing a perfect relaxing space.
Through a profound interpretation of the cultural heritage of the ancient water towns of the Jiangnan region, Zhang Haihua's work adapts and reimagines the spirit and aesthetics of the poetic life of Chinese writers resulting in timeless architecture, unrestricted by style or trends - as a work of art brushed freehand with detail, elegantly fusing contemporary forms and ancient charm.
In this project, the boundaries between inside and outside dissolve so that anyone who walks around the building quickly discovers no imposed circulation routes. Every time an 'end' is reached, a surprising and unexpected path opens up.
At Lake Tai Villa, the designer decided on a minimalist architectural aesthetic. By carefully modulating the levels of transparency through large windows, each space is individually defined while interconnecting with the others. Every room has numerous variations in proportions, atmosphere and materials, providing a pleasant experience for anyone moving around the house.
In keeping with structural minimalism and the concept adopted in this project, Zhang Haihua simplified the selection of materials used in the interior design. This choice resulted in a cohesive visual unity, enhancing architectural flow in the various spaces. The organic materials, natural tones and wood veneer texture give the rooms a comfortable and elegant ambience.
From the very first moment, there are various architectural elements designed to arouse curiosity, inviting people to explore and discover the house. Next to the main living room, the designer designed an adjacent corridor with a lower ceiling height to emphasise the centrality of the space. The different heights and shapes create a fascinating rhythm and a sense of freedom in the rooms.
For Zhang Haihua, it was essential to create some areas that contrasted with the openness of the spaces while maintaining fluidity between the interior and the patio. The height of the windows was planned in detail to provide the right amount of privacy for the residents while still considering the view to the outside.
Water is an essential presence in the project. A series of different aquatic elements offer the house a distinct sensory richness. The exterior is also marked by a sizeable modernist-style walkway connecting all areas of the house - visually and spatially - and providing a perfect relaxing space.
Through a profound interpretation of the cultural heritage of the ancient water towns of the Jiangnan region, Zhang Haihua's work adapts and reimagines the spirit and aesthetics of the poetic life of Chinese writers resulting in timeless architecture, unrestricted by style or trends - as a work of art brushed freehand with detail, elegantly fusing contemporary forms and ancient charm.