Soleil Levant: A Modern Integration of Chinese and European Design

A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

This project, designed by Jianchao Liu, draws inspiration from Claude Monet's "Impression of Sunrise" and combines traditional Chinese elements with modern European aesthetics. With its unique color palette and integration of different cultural styles, Soleil Levant showcases a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.

The design of Soleil Levant revolves around the concept of light and color. The use of ocean blue as the main color creates a serene and calming atmosphere, while the addition of warm Hermes orange adds a touch of vibrancy. The interplay of pale purple, slight red, blue-gray, and orange-yellow colors creates a relaxed and cohesive tone throughout the space.

Jianchao Liu, the designer, took the owner's request to heart and transformed the old building into a spacious modern villa. By integrating traditional Chinese architectural elements with western modernist aesthetics, the design achieves a perfect balance between the two styles.

The open and symmetrical living space of Soleil Levant features a dynamic mix of stone, fabric, and metal, adding an artistic touch to the interior. Neutral colors such as camel, ivory, milk curry, black, and carbon gray were carefully chosen to create a sense of advanced luxury. The result is a space that exudes understated elegance and cultural richness, perfectly aligned with the modern spirit.

Spanning an impressive area of 820 square meters, Soleil Levant offers ample space for the owner's needs. The design maximizes the advantages of the location by expanding the interior and adding functional areas. Elaborate courtyards and terraces connect the interior and exterior, allowing for a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.

One of the highlights of Soleil Levant is the grand French windows that introduce natural green scenery and abundant light into the rooms. This creates a sense of openness and allows residents to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature. The integration of the outdoor elements enhances the overall living experience, making Soleil Levant a truly unique and inviting space.

The project, located in Changsha, China, is set to be completed in July 2021. It was designed to meet the specific needs of the owner, an elite returning from studying in the U.S. Seeking a blend of Chinese and Western styles, the owner desired a simple and modern home with clear functional divisions. The original building, however, did not meet these requirements, prompting the designer to make significant changes to the layout.

Overcoming the challenges posed by the building's age and cultural fusion, Jianchao Liu successfully created a design that reflects the owner's vision. Soleil Levant is a testament to the designer's ability to seamlessly blend different styles and create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Soleil Levant has been recognized for its exceptional design and was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2021. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate innovation, practicality, and adherence to professional and industrial standards. Soleil Levant's integration of tradition and innovation, along with its attention to detail and quality, make it a standout in the world of interior design.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Jianchao Liu
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Jianchao Liu, Soleil Levant, 2020. Image #2: Photographer Jianchao Liu, Soleil Levant, 2020. Image #3: Photographer Jianchao Liu, Soleil Levant, 2020. Image #4: Photographer Jianchao Liu, Soleil Levant, 2020. Image #5: Photographer Jianchao Liu, Soleil Levant, 2020.
Project Team Members: Jianchao Liu
Project Name: Soleil Levant
Project Client: Jianchao Liu


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