Yangfu: A Private House that Blends Tradition and Modernity

A harmonious fusion of culture and nature

A traditional Chinese family with four generations live in the courtyard house. The owner is an elder in his sixties who loves traditional culture. The owner has a wish for many years, hoping to find a place to feel the charm of nature, inherit traditional ideas, and utilize this place as a bond of family affection to live with his descendants and enjoys the happiness of the family.

This is where Yangfu, a private house designed by Wei Zhang, comes into play. With its unique blend of tradition and modernity, Yangfu offers a space that not only serves as a residence but also as a reception area and a small private art gallery. The design of Yangfu revolves around the idea of cultural inheritance and the creation of a harmonious living environment for multiple generations.

The design process of Yangfu started with the architectural transformation of the courtyard house. The outdoor spaces were carefully planned, with the inclusion of building mountains, ponds, and the planting of flowers and trees. These elements not only enhance the natural beauty of the surroundings but also create a tranquil and serene atmosphere.

Inside the house, the interior decoration reflects the traditional classical charm while conforming to modern living standards. Solid wood, copper bars, marble, and decorative leather wall panels are used to create a sense of elegance and luxury. Traditional hand-made wood carving, stone carving, and metal forging techniques are employed to add intricate details and showcase the craftsmanship.

The functional layout of Yangfu is designed to cater to the needs of residents of different ages. Each individual has their private space while also enjoying the benefits of a fusion lifestyle. The corridor acts as a connecting element, linking the entire house together. The reception and residence areas are relatively independent, allowing for privacy and convenience.

One of the highlights of Yangfu is the presence of a small private art gallery. The owner's half-life art collections are displayed in a professional exhibition mode, allowing guests to appreciate the beauty of Chinese art and culture. This space adds a touch of sophistication and serves as a testament to the owner's passion for traditional art.

The Yangfu project, which began in Hangzhou, China in December 2017, is set to be completed in Shaoxing, China in January 2020. Throughout the design process, the team faced various challenges, including the need to balance modern comfort and privacy with the preservation and exploration of traditional garden culture. The landscape design took into account the terrain and the relationship between plants and buildings, creating a harmonious blend of nature and architecture.

Yangfu has been recognized for its outstanding design and creativity. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2021. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Wei Zhang
Image Credits: Wei Zhang
Project Team Members: Zhang Wei
Project Name: Yangfu
Project Client: Wei Zhang


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