Shanghai Bay: A Poetic Living Experience

A Bow-Shaped Residence and Private Club by Isabelle Zhao Peng

With its prime location near one of Shanghai's most iconic landmarks, Shanghai Bay offers a fresh perspective on the concept of a residence. The owner, a film investor and representative of a new trendy group, sought a living space that would provide a sense of distance from daily necessities while embracing a poetic living style.

Spanning 1200 square meters, Shanghai Bay seamlessly combines the functions of a residence, workspace, recreational area, and social hub. The design prioritizes smooth circulation, allowing for easy movement between private and open areas. Delicate boundaries create flexible spaces that adapt to the needs of the inhabitants.

The bow-shaped layout of Shanghai Bay, with its long edge facing the West Bund, resembles a natural gallery. This design choice invites the master of the residence to explore the space while enjoying varying views of the surroundings.

Materials and decorations were carefully selected to maintain a neutral, calm, and multipurpose interior. Marble, wooden veneer, glass, mirror, wallpaper, and black stainless steel were incorporated to create a harmonious blend of textures and finishes.

Shanghai Bay consists of two units, each measuring 530 square meters, along with a gallery spanning 180 square meters. The total area of the residence and private club is 1240 square meters.

The design of Shanghai Bay encourages interaction among its inhabitants. Different groups of people can gather in various rooms, whether it be relaxing in the living room, enjoying the balcony, engaging in serious discussions in the study room, or coming together in the gallery to appreciate city views, movies, and wines. This dynamic interaction creates a vibrant atmosphere that cycles between moments of activity and calmness.

The project, which began in May 2016 and concluded in November 2017, was realized in Shanghai. Extensive research was conducted to understand the lifestyle tendencies of the owner, including interviews, conversations, and observations of personal belongings. This research informed the design choices and ensured that the residence truly reflected the owner's preferences and habits.

Shanghai Bay presented several challenges, including the need for a flexible space that could accommodate individuals, family, friends, and business partners. The design also aimed to establish a smooth circulation that seamlessly connected private and open areas while considering the relationship between the interior and exterior. Attention to detail was crucial in selecting materials and implementing construction technologies.

Shanghai Bay, with its bow-shaped layout, transparent partitions, and emphasis on simplicity, redefines the concept of a residence. It offers a poetic living experience that transcends daily necessities and embraces a natural gallery style. The design, created by Isabelle Zhao Peng, represents a harmonious blend of luxury, modernity, and customized living.

Image Credits: Zhu Hai

Intellectual Property Notice: Copyrights belong to IK design, 2018

Awards and Accolades: Shanghai Bay was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2019. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.