One Villa: A Modern Interpretation of Traditional Chinese Architecture

SIA Design's One Villa Wins Silver in A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award 2022

The project, which started in December 2020 and finished in April 2021, is situated facing a river and nestled against a mountain, offering beautiful natural landscapes. The design draws inspiration from traditional Chinese philosophy that advocates the harmony between nature and human. This philosophy is reflected in the symmetrical layout, simple and pure lines, and Chinese-style spatial order of the villa.

The architecture of One Villa features concise yet lively lines, and delicate, elegant tones. The slightly curved roof, made from metal roof panels, is a modern interpretation of traditional roofs. The overall building appearance inherits the charm of traditional Jiangnan architecture, characterized by blue walls, dark grey tiles, and bronze-colored metal grilles as well as door and window frames.

The spatial pattern of One Villa is composed of three layers of space, including a front gateway, a middle transitional space, and a back courtyard. The gateway leverages a symmetrical layout, and is unfolded in a horizontal manner, featuring golden ratio proportions. The main building volume takes cues from the proportions of Xunyang Tower's two-storey loft, a famous tower built in Jiujiang in the Song Dynasty, and uses modern materials to respond to the solidness and void of traditional architecture.

The design team, consisting of Wu Jieyuan, Wu Yuanchao, Zhou Yan, Miao Jing hong, and Lin Xin, faced the challenge of creating a livable, enjoyable, and tranquil living environment for modern urbanites. They overcame this by redefining modern lifestyle through the creation of ideal secluded living spaces, making residences as ideal as the "Peach Blossom Shangri-la" depicted by Tao Yuanming, a renowned ancient Chinese poet, and as the "Utopia" by Plato.

One Villa is a Chinese cultural gem, playing an important role in Chinese traditional culture and educational history. The project draws on the spatial order of Bailudong Academy in Lushan, and reinterprets it in a contemporary context. The design creates a picturesque space that combines both ancient and modern charm, and presents a natural, elegant lifestyle.

The project's unique features and design excellence led to it being awarded Silver in A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2022. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.