Time's Narrative

The "Time's Narrative" project is a unique villa located in Yixing City, designed to harmoniously blend modern and traditional Chinese aesthetics, catering to the diverse preferences of a family of six spanning three generations. This design journey began with the challenge of merging the female owner's love for modern design with the male owner's inclination towards traditional elements.

Design Philosophy:

Our approach was to create a space that transcends specific styles, focusing on natural materials like light-colored tiles, neutral-toned teak veneer, and natural travertine textures to enhance the spatial quality. These elements, derived from nature, construct a warm and inviting home that coexists harmoniously with the environment, allowing residents to experience the essence of Chinese culture within a modern aesthetic framework.

Architectural Transformation:

The original building, with its beige cultural stone and red brick facade, suffered from water damage due to the lack of weep lines. We addressed this by redesigning the exterior with a more streamlined color scheme and improved waterproofing. The original north-facing entrance lacked a welcoming foyer, which we resolved by expanding the grey space and adding an aluminum canopy, creating an art collection corridor that enriches the entrance and living area.

Indoor-Outdoor Integration:

Surrounded by a private garden, the villa's previous layout obscured the southeast light and garden views with complex walls and windows. We removed non-load-bearing walls and integrated the outdoor grey space into the interior, installing large floor-to-ceiling windows and slim-frame sliding doors. The addition of canopies and terraces not only floods the space with natural light but also blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, integrating the residents with nature.

Spatial Flow:

The design features a meandering circulation route that connects the major functional spaces on the first floor, creating a dynamic and engaging living experience. The blend of modern and traditional elements throughout the villa offers a timeless living experience, reflecting different moments in time.