Yanan Monsion: A Modern Interpretation of Traditional Courtyard Living

Residential House Designed by Chunlei Sun

For the local culture of Yan'an, including the long history and the contemporary aesthetic, the designer's choice is only the continuation of the endogenous cultural blood, which is to create the Yan'an courtyard to understand the physical and spiritual double value of "Yan'an house", and to combine them into one.

Chunlei Sun, the renowned designer, has brought to life the Yanan Monsion, a residential house that beautifully blends traditional Chinese courtyard living with modern design elements. This project, covering a total of 800 square meters, is a testament to Sun's commitment to creating a concise, vivid, interesting, and harmonious atmosphere within a courtyard setting.

The Yanan Monsion stands out from other courtyard designs due to its unique interpretation of space, light, and circulation. Sun has carefully considered the spatial relationship, light and shadow changes, and the seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. The result is a design that captures the essence of the traditional courtyard while embracing contemporary aesthetics.

The main materials used in the Yanan Monsion are natural stone and wood, which add a touch of warmth and authenticity to the space. Sun's attention to detail and dedication to craftsmanship are evident throughout the design, creating an environment that is both luxurious and inviting.

One of the key challenges faced by Sun was striking a balance between traditional and modern elements. While many modern courtyard projects deviate from the traditional form, Sun managed to seamlessly integrate the basic language of the traditional courtyard with modern architectural techniques. The result is a design that pays homage to the past while embracing the present.

The Yanan Monsion is not just a physical space; it is an experience. Sun has transformed the interior into a poetic plot that seamlessly blends with nature, inviting residents to immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings. The design fosters a sense of cohesion, stability, belonging, and harmony among generations of families, making it an ideal living experience.

The Yanan Monsion project began in April 2018 and was completed in April 2019, both in Yan'an. It is a testament to Sun's deep understanding of the local culture and his ability to translate it into a contemporary design that resonates with people from all walks of life.

Chunlei Sun's Yanan Monsion has received widespread acclaim and recognition. In 2020, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving the quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.

With the Yanan Monsion, Chunlei Sun has not only created a stunning residential house but also a testament to the enduring beauty of traditional Chinese courtyard living. This design is a true masterpiece that seamlessly blends the past with the present, offering residents a unique and unforgettable living experience.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Chunlei Sun
Image Credits: Image #1: Creator Chunlei Sun, Purple Sand Museum, 2019. Image #2: Creator Chunlei Sun, Book Pavilion, 2019. Image #3: Creator Chunlei Sun, Book Pavilion, 2019. Image #4: Creator Chunlei Sun, Landscape, 2019. Image #5: Creator Chunlei Sun, Dining Room and Living Room, 2019.
Project Team Members: Chunlei Sun Jianyuan Cao Changyong Bai Haibo Tang
Project Name: Yanan Monsion
Project Client: Chunlei Sun


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