Reviving the Golden Age: Zhijun Zhong's Xiangxin Huzhou Songyuanli

Blending Tradition and Modernity in an Aristocratic Chinese Mansion

The Xiangxin Huzhou Songyuanli, located in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, is a testament to the aesthetic evolution of Chinese society. Drawing inspiration from the traditional "Huizhou architecture" characterized by white walls and black tiles, the design aims to respect tradition while introducing a modern aristocratic lifestyle. The project is a reinterpretation of the "Aesthetics of China," combining elements of the new era to create a narrative that harks back to the Chinese modern era.

What sets this design apart is its successful fusion of classical British expressions and Chinese aesthetics. The interior is adorned with gold and silver wares and antique paintings, creating a sense of grandeur reminiscent of the industrial age. The furniture, made from local silk products from Huzhou and designed in collaboration with BIZZOTTO, a world-leading furniture brand, reflects quality and craftsmanship.

The design also pays homage to Chinese culture by incorporating traditional Chinese dark engraving techniques, traditional handicraft embroidery techniques, and Jiangnan gardening techniques. This 696 square meter mansion is not only a private residence but also serves as a prototype house for public viewing, balancing the owner's preferences with the audience's design preferences.

The project, completed in May 2022, is based on research into the westernization of the Yangtze River Basin area in the 1930s and 1940s. The design draws inspiration from the "Ambilight" decoration popular among the aristocratic circle at the time, integrating it with traditional interior layout styles to create a unique interior decorative style.

One of the challenges faced in the design process was the preservation of traditional culture in an era of rapid technological development. The solution was a "cross-border fusion" model that integrates traditional culture with contemporary lifestyles and combines Chinese and Western design features. This approach has resulted in a design that is both universally appealing and exclusively pertinent.

For its outstanding design, the Xiangxin Huzhou Songyuanli was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2023. This prestigious award recognizes top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. Zhijun Zhong's design is a testament to this, showcasing a remarkable level of excellence and introducing positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.