Funky Villa: A Garden Restaurant Lounge Designed by YunHai Zhao

Unveiling a Unique Blend of History and Modernity

Inspired by a historic residence built during the Republic of China, YunHai Zhao and his team transformed the space into Funky Villa, a garden restaurant lounge that seamlessly combines old-world charm with contemporary design elements. The design team spent two years meticulously practicing and adjusting the concept, ultimately achieving a style that exudes nobility and uniqueness.

The standout feature of Funky Villa is its irregular shape, which extends into every corner of the space, creating intimate and private dining areas. The white marble countertops adorned with flowers, copper lamps on the ground, and the red lighting at the bar all contribute to the romantic ambiance and cater to the refined tastes of the guests.

One of the highlights of Funky Villa is its fully open terrace, surrounded by lush flowers and green plants. As twilight sets in and the stars begin to twinkle, the terrace becomes the perfect spot to immerse oneself in the romantic atmosphere. The original small space was ingeniously utilized, with a roof corridor and an open garden created to provide a serene escape for visitors.

The realization of Funky Villa involved the use of materials such as steel structures, white marble, and an abundance of flowers and greenery. The project covers an area of 365 square meters, offering ample space for guests to enjoy their dining experience.

Located in Nanjing, China, Funky Villa opened its doors in October 2017 after two years of meticulous design and planning. The project aimed to seamlessly blend the historic architecture of the Republic of China era with the demands of a modern commercial city. The result is a harmonious fusion of history and contemporary aesthetics, inviting guests to savor delicious food while immersing themselves in the traces of the past.

YunHai Zhao and his team faced numerous challenges during the design process, particularly in incorporating new features and details into the historic building. However, their perseverance paid off, and the red, white, and black color scheme emerged as a defining element, perfectly capturing the essence of nobility and uniqueness.

Funky Villa has been recognized for its outstanding design and creativity, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2019. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that showcase ingenuity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving the quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.

With its captivating blend of history, modernity, and a touch of romance, Funky Villa stands as a testament to YunHai Zhao's exceptional talent and vision. It offers a truly unique dining experience, where guests can indulge in delectable cuisine while being transported to a bygone era.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Zhao Yunhai
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer YunHai Zhao,Designer,2017. Image #2: Photographer YunHai Zhao,Designer,2017. Image #3: Photographer YunHai Zhao,Designer,2017. Image #4: Photographer YunHai Zhao,Designer,2017. Image #5: Photographer YunHai Zhao,Designer,2017.
Project Team Members: Pitt Zhao and Jacky Xie
Project Name: Funky Villa
Project Client: Zhao Yunhai


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Funky Villa  IMG #5

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