Su Zhou: A Seamless Blend of Oriental and Western Culture

A Modern Suzhou Residence that Captures the Essence of Tradition and Innovation

Feng Guoqiang and Chen Yan, the creative minds behind the Su Zhou residential house, have successfully merged the elegance of traditional Suzhou architecture with the sophistication of modern Italian design. This unique fusion creates a space that embodies the spirit of a Modern Suzhou, offering a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western cultures.

The designers aimed to provide an authentic Suzhou experience for visitors from around the world. To achieve this, they incorporated furniture and lamps imported from Italy, while still maintaining an Oriental ambiance. The result is a flawless combination of simplicity and grace, painting a picture of a Modern Suzhou.

The design team employed innovative techniques to realize their vision. The use of lightweight steel keels and plaster plates in the living room and dining room walls created a level and elegant appearance. The plaster boards were sprayed with a nozzle, ensuring a completely even surface. Decorative recesses and lines were also incorporated into the walls and ceilings, with metal brackets installed to maintain clear and straight lines.

Paying meticulous attention to detail, the designers implemented strict size requirements for materials. For instance, the vertical wooden grills in the living room were designed with only one seam, level to the ceiling of the lower floor, creating a visually pleasing aesthetic. In the gym located in the basement, two mirrored walls were seamlessly installed, with no visible seams, measuring 3.5*2.3(m) and 3.3*2.3(m) respectively.

The Su Zhou residence not only showcases stunning design elements but also offers a functional and interactive experience. The white color scheme, inspired by traditional Suzhou architecture, allows for easy future renovations and maximizes natural interior lighting through reflection. The garden features various species of local flowers, easily accessible for the owner to arrange and create their own floral displays.

The design process for the Su Zhou residence began in May 2014 in Shanghai and was completed in January 2015. Construction and furnishing were finalized by June 2016. Throughout the project, the designers drew inspiration from the book "Treatise on Superfluous Things" by Ming Dynasty scholar Wen Zhenheng, which emphasized the elegance and solemnity of Suzhou homes.

Overcoming challenges posed by limited direct sunlight, the designers strategically utilized the color white on the walls and floors to maximize natural light reflection. This not only fulfilled functional requirements but also paid homage to the local architectural culture of Suzhou.

The Su Zhou residence seamlessly blends oriental and western cultures, creating a space that effortlessly accommodates both international and local lifestyles. Whether adorned in the trendiest Italian fashion or a traditional Suzhou Cheongsam, visitors will find themselves perfectly at home in this exquisite design.

This exceptional project, created by Feng Guoqiang and Chen Yan, was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2018 for Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design. This prestigious accolade recognizes designs that exhibit outstanding creativity, resourcefulness, and technical skill, contributing to improvements in quality of life.