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#RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS

Study in Chiaroscuro: Purified Residence in Nanjing, China

Sometimes projects are perfectly described in their titles. Such is the case for Purified Residence, a private residential villa in Nanjing, China, which was designed by Wei Yi International Design Associates and completed in November 2016.

This 740 square meter home, which also boasts the addition of more than half its size (400 square meters) of outdoor space, was tailor made to suit a family with children intent on holding on to past memories while upgrading to a brand new environment within which to create new ones.

To accomplish this goal, the design team headed by designer, Shin-Yuan Fang, focused on developing each floor of the home as a separate dedicated space while at the same time keeping a common, minimalistic design thread flowing throughout. Hence, upon entry to the main floor, residents and guests are greeted by the sedate simplicity of ample sunlight from the large window facing the courtyard and the predominantly white color scheme. This is then offset by notes of gray in the brushed, gray-stained oak veneer of accent walls, as well as black touches such as the black leather and chrome sofas.

This same effortlessness is reflected in the choice of all furnishings and elements which bear the same stamp of essential and thoughtful design and a light and airy countenance. Of these, two stand out: the first is the most noticeable, a large BOX (as the designers describe it) which takes up the center of the floor, essentially dividing it into sections (living areas, reading room, kitchen and dining rooms) while also summing up the life sensibilities of the family with its featured quote about "love." The other element, or rather elements, are the chandeliers crowning the décor, one hovering like a halo above the table in the open-plan kitchen/dining area, while the other illuminates the staircase leading towards the other floors like a multipronged star.

A walk up the flight of stairs reveals the same simplistic yet thoughtful design through modern furnishings with touches of homeliness such as the white piano. But here the uncomplicated, predominantly white and gray color way - also seen in the Italian Carrara marble bathrooms - is punctuated with earthy notes and warm, oak flooring. Meanwhile, sage green, brick red and shades of gold gently shade the rooms creating a cozier, soft environment for the children of the family, since this storey is dedicated to their growing-up needs and lifestyle.

Finally, the basement floor is a grown-up affair featuring deeper shades of gray and predominantly black throughout, then broken up by bold, colorful artworks which create juxtaposition with the minimal furnishings, adding texture and depth to the understated space. However, just as with the rest of the house, a quiet almost elemental feeling of Zen is palpable and encouraged, enveloping the resident family and their guests in all the effortless elements that turn this house into a home.

In the basement, a quiet almost elemental feeling of Zen is palpable and encouraged.

Study in Chiaroscuro: Purified Residence in Nanjing, China

Details

  • Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
  • Wei Yi International Design Associates

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