Shanshuiheyue Ronghe Guangzhou: A Prototype House Embracing Nature and Oriental Aesthetics

Creating a Poetic and Elegant Retreat in the Heart of Guangzhou

For a long time, Guangzhou has been known as the "Millennium goat city, Pearl of Southern China," with a rich history and a blend of Chinese and Western cultures. Inspired by the city's pursuit of a slow life and its regional context, Zhijun Zhong, the designer behind Shanshuiheyue Ronghe Guangzhou, has crafted a two-in-one spatial model that embodies a leisurely, poetic, and elegant holiday and life. This prototype house reflects the return to an "oriental poetic life" and the desire for spiritual enrichment.

The Shanshuiheyue Ronghe Guangzhou project is a physical model room situated in the scenic area of Zengcheng District, Guangzhou. Surrounded by mountains and picturesque landscapes throughout the year, this location offers a natural advantage. Building upon this, the design embraces a natural and wild aesthetic, seamlessly integrating the space with its environment. The tranquil setting, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, encourages a slow and secluded lifestyle, immersed in the beauty of nature.

The unique properties of this design lie in its extensive use of natural materials such as rocks and wood finishes. These textures, shaped by the passage of time, tell stories and convey the profound changes in nature. The basement tea table, for instance, is crafted from a single piece of natural travertine, a modern and sought-after natural decorative material. By incorporating these elements, the design not only connects with nature but also pays homage to its beauty and significance.

Spanning 321 square meters, Shanshuiheyue Ronghe Guangzhou stands as a testament to the designer's meticulous research and attention to detail. Zhijun Zhong, a native of Guangzhou, possesses a deep understanding of the city's culture and characteristics. To ensure the project aligns with the needs of the local residents, the designers conducted extensive surveys within the vicinity. Additionally, they drew inspiration from Chinese historical buildings, paintings, and poems, infusing traditional aesthetics into the design.

The completion of Shanshuiheyue Ronghe Guangzhou in July 2022 marks a significant milestone in the exploration of traditional Chinese art. With a total of five floors, each with a limited area, the challenge was to maximize functionality while embodying artistic creativity and oriental artistic spirit. Departing from the traditional cultural influences that often resulted in rigid and complex designs, this project showcases a harmonious blend of professional artistic cultivation and deliberate consideration of human habitat, all while embracing contemporary aesthetics that emphasize nature.

Shanshuiheyue Ronghe Guangzhou has been recognized for its excellence, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2023. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon designs that demonstrate exceptional creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Zhijun Zhong
Image Credits: Zhijun Zhong
Project Team Members: Zhijun Zhong
Project Name: Shanshuiheyue Ronghe Guangzhou
Project Client: Zhijun Zhong


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