Rebuilding the Depth and Elegance of Shili Yangchang: A Residential House Design in Haimen

Connecting Contemporary Materials with the Past

Inspired by the western styles that remain in the Shanghai Concession, designer Nic Lee brings a touch of nostalgia to the residential house design in Haimen. By using a combination of serpentine, marble, walnut, brass, and other contemporary materials, Lee creates a space that pays homage to the exquisite classics of the 1950s and 1960s.

In order to rebuild the depth and elegance of the alleys and houses of Shili Yangchang, the designer chose materials that connect with the past while adding a contemporary twist. The use of serpentine, marble, walnut, brass, and other materials creates a soft and delicate space that evokes a sense of nostalgia. The design aims to capture the poetic and artistic conception of Chinese gardens, while also incorporating the noble colors and material textures of the old Shanghai western styles.

The layout of the design is rhythmic and carefully planned to commemorate the bustling Shanghai of the past. Each element is thoughtfully placed to create a visual overture that transports residents back in time. The use of serpentine and marble, with their natural textures and colors, adds depth and richness to the space. The addition of leather and walnut walls and furniture brings warmth and a touch of luxury to the design.

The design team at Waterfrom Design has successfully brought together historical elements from both Chinese and Western cultures. The result is a space that is both familiar and enchanting, capturing the essence of Haimen's rich history. The use of materials full of historical sentiment adds a layer of authenticity to the design, creating a space that is truly unique.

The residential house design spans an area of 195m2 and includes a living room, dining room, kitchen, study area, master room, bedroom, and bathroom. The materials used include white paint oak, walnut veneer, red and black oak skin paint, fumigated oak, oak flooring, plain white marble, green serpentine, stainless steel, beige wall covering, and dark red leather.

By returning to the purest form of residence, this design creates a space that is hidden from the hustle and bustle of the city. The prosperity of old Shanghai is scaled into the material, defining the behavior of each field in volume. The flow line of the space builds depth and creates a certain ritual-like humanistic texture.

The design project took place from May 2019 to August 2019, with construction taking place from February 2020 to April 2020. The location of the design is Haimen, China.

Waterfrom Design's residential house design in Haimen is a testament to the beauty of blending contemporary materials with the past. By carefully selecting materials and creating a rhythmic layout, the design captures the essence of the bustling Shanghai of the 1950s and 1960s. It is a space that not only provides comfort and functionality but also tells a story of history and culture.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Nic Lee
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer LU FEN-FANG, Partial of Style, 2020. Image #2: Photographer LU FEN-FANG, Partial of Style, 2020. Image #3: Photographer LU FEN-FANG, Partial of Style, 2020. Image #4: Photographer LU FEN-FANG, Partial of Style, 2020. Image #5: Photographer LU FEN-FANG, Partial of Style, 2020.
Project Team Members: Designer:Nic Lee Designer:Richard Kuo Designer:Wilson Designer:Lucy Lin
Project Name: Partial of Style
Project Client: Nic Lee


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