Chuan Villa: A Minimalist Retreat in Shenzhen

A Zen-inspired residential house designed by Dickson Xie

Inspired by the tranquility of Japanese Zen tea ceremonies, Chuan Villa in Shenzhen offers a minimalist retreat away from the city noise. Designed by renowned architect Dickson Xie, this residential house embraces simplicity and spirituality, creating a harmonious living space that promotes relaxation and introspection.

Located in the serene Dapeng Peninsula on the East coast of Shenzhen, Chuan Villa is a testament to the power of minimalism. The design concept revolves around the Zen thought of "everything is in nothing," stripping away all artificial decorations and returning to simplicity. The result is a space that exudes elegance and purity, allowing residents to find solace in the absence of clutter.

The 720-square-meter villa features an open and airy living room, where natural light floods in through the ceiling made of special environmental protection materials. This design choice not only brightens the space but also creates a sense of transparency, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. The light extends all the way to the tea room corridor, inviting residents to immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere.

The interior of Chuan Villa showcases a seamless blend of modernity and minimalism. The guest dining room on the lower floor breaks away from traditional Chinese round tables, opting for a straight-line design that connects the entertainment and dining areas. The use of low gloss gold metal and marble adds a touch of sophistication, while curved elements soften the overall aesthetic, creating a harmonious balance between strength and softness.

The master bedroom continues the linear spatial design, with palm wood floors and beige and hemp walls. A Japanese hand-painted silk painting adorns the head of the bed, skillfully outlining the sense of space hierarchy. The clean and simple base is enlivened by the natural landscape visible through the window, creating a vibrant and energizing atmosphere.

One of the design highlights of Chuan Villa is the movable wooden grid, which adds a delicate and nimble touch to the space. This feature aims to release the exhaustion of busy residents, providing a tranquil and peaceful environment that promotes harmony and respect. The villa's design is a testament to the power of simplicity in creating a space that nurtures the soul.

Chuan Villa was a project that started in March 2017 and was completed in November 2019, all within the city of Shenzhen. The design team, led by Dickson Xie, included Luowang Li and Fucheng Zhou, who contributed their expertise to bring this minimalist retreat to life.

This exceptional design has been recognized with the prestigious A' Design Award in 2021. The Iron A' Design Award is bestowed upon well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Chuan Villa's minimalist aesthetic, attention to detail, and commitment to creating a harmonious living environment have earned it this esteemed accolade.

Chuan Villa is a testament to the power of minimalism in creating a serene and harmonious living space. With its Zen-inspired design and focus on simplicity, this residential house offers a retreat from the chaos of modern life, allowing residents to find peace and tranquility within its walls.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Dickson Xie
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Kevin, Chuan Villa, 2019. Image #2: Photographer Kevin, Chuan Villa, 2019. Image #3: Photographer Kevin, Chuan Villa, 2019. Image #4: Photographer Kevin, Chuan Villa, 2019. Image #5: Photographer Kevin, Chuan Villa, 2019.
Project Team Members: Dickson Xie Luowang Li Fucheng Zhou
Project Name: Chuan Villa
Project Client: Dickson Xie


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