Private Courtyard Clubhouse: Redefining Traditional Chinese Ink Arts

A Contemporary Blend of Nature and Passion

The project, located at 9 Dingzhang Lane in the Xicheng District of Beijing, is a one-floor and one-basement structure that mimics the antique quadrangle courtyard. Situated in the city center where land is scarce and prices are exorbitant, the building, known as "the dragon eye," inherits the history and culture of Beijing's old days.

The most distinctive feature of the project is the bar, which takes inspiration from Chinese opera makeups. The space is adorned with curved linear pendants and a layered lighting system, creating an atmosphere suitable for both business and social banquets. The plain ceiling, decorated with metal mesh mimicking a landscape, echoes the ink painting idea. The activity hall features a large fireplace with a contemporary oil painting above it, representing a harmonious blend of traditional Chinese ink painting and contemporary appreciation.

The technical specifications of the project include a total area of 2205 square meters, with a height ranging from 2.5 meters to 4.7 meters.

The design team, led by Chief Design Director David Chang, includes Roy Liang, Mandy Liang, Jinhai Lin, Janet Lu, Qiannan Wu, Mary Feng, Shiyu Lu, and Jiewen Hou.

The VIP reception room exudes the conciseness of the Ming Dynasty, with a carpet adorned with Chinese paintings to create a solemn atmosphere for hospitality. The private dining room features a feature wall covered in ink painting wallpaper, flanked by screens displaying ink and wash paintings. Classical floor lamps and warm-toned seat cushions contribute to a delightful dining atmosphere. The guestroom is elegantly decorated with subtle touches, except for some wooden stripes, creating a plain and elegant ambiance.

The design project commenced in March 2014 and was completed in September 2017 in Beijing, China. Throughout the construction process, the designer aimed to maintain the original style of the old building while integrating convention and innovation. The blue brick, wood, and black tiles perfectly capture the flavor of ink wash painting. The flourishing pomegranate tree in the courtyard adds to the charm, depicting the changing seasons.

One of the creative challenges overcome in this design was the preservation of the original wooden structure of the roof, which already created a unique ambiance when lit appropriately. To enhance this effect, the first-floor wall is largely covered in ivory white, reminiscent of the void intentionally left in Chinese paintings, symbolizing the sky, water, and distant landscapes, representing the traditional implicit Chinese philosophy.

The Private Courtyard Clubhouse is a testament to the fusion of traditional Chinese architecture and contemporary design. The essence of nature and the passion of ink dance playfully throughout the space, reminding us of the beauty within traditional Chinese calligraphy.

This design was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2018 in the category of Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design. This prestigious award recognizes designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.