Hongkai Eastern Verve Club: A Fusion of Traditional and Modern Design

Creating a Relaxing Space with Chinese Cultural Influences

Located beside the River Qu in Xi’an, Hongkai Eastern Verve Club offers a choice to enjoy a great day with friends. The design brief for this 2500 square meter space was simple and concise: "Traditional, modern, fusion design." The designers at Ricky Wong Designers Ltd took on the challenge of creating a relaxing environment that blends Chinese contemporary artworks and traditional decorations with modern furnishings, resulting in a space that offers both comfort and a quiet ambiance.

In this design, the social area of the club is situated on the ground level, where the garden is located, while the entertainment areas are located on the underground level. This layout allows visitors to experience the traditional style that the client wanted to convey. To pay homage to Chinese ancient architecture, pendant lights inspired by traditional designs are used in the lobby. The main material used throughout the space is nature logs, which complement the gray stone and create a warm atmosphere.

The center of the lobby features a special ceiling made with historic wood, creating a visually dynamic atmosphere reminiscent of an inverted traditional Italian vaulted brick ceiling. A beautiful chandelier made from hand-blown, cut crystal glasses enhances the sense of comfort and relaxation. The first floor also includes an elegant mini bar, ancient paintings, and art decorations, connecting the collection of art to a beautiful day in a relaxed environment.

The basement of the club is divided into different private spaces, including a gymnasium room, chess room, meeting room, and swimming pool. The underground space is characterized by white and gray tones, creating a contrast with the warm tones of the ground floor. Simple and white sofas, marble tables, and modern humanoid decorations provide a calm base for the space. Structural elements such as the wave-shaped ceiling in the swimming room define the experience of the new space.

Hongkai Eastern Verve Club offers a comfortable space where people can relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or a light meal during their leisure time. Marble staircases hidden on both sides of the club create a transition from public to private spaces. The first floor provides a spacious communication zone for drinking, socializing, and immersing in ancient culture. The basement offers customers a more private space for exercise and maintaining their health.

The project, located in Xi’an, China, was completed in 2008. The designers at Ricky Wong Designers conducted extensive contextual research on design culture in different countries to effectively realize the concept of blending traditional and modern elements. The challenge of creating diversified yet interconnected interior spaces with different tones and materials was overcome through exquisite design skills and a disruptive thought process.

Hongkai Eastern Verve Club is a testament to the successful fusion of traditional and modern design, creating a unique and inviting space for visitors to relax and enjoy. The use of Chinese cultural influences, contemporary artworks, and traditional decorations adds depth and character to the club, making it a truly memorable experience.

Image Credits: Ricky Wong Designers Ltd.

Awards and Accolades: This design was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2018. The Iron A' Design Award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. This award highlights the integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, contributing to a better world.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Ricky Wong Designers Ltd
Image Credits: Ricky Wong Designers Ltd.
Project Team Members: Ricky Wong Designers
Project Name: Hongkai Eastern Verve Club
Project Client: Ricky Wong Designers Ltd


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