Horizontal and Vertical

Born of this earth, tradition’s spirit has become the very marrow of our modern lives. And so, the calligrapher’s pursuit of the horizontal and the vertical becomes our guiding principle, while the painter’s lyrical flow reveals the very pathways of wisdom. The hallmark of this two-story abode’s design is seamlessly blending Eastern essence into daily life.

The designer relocated the staircase to the ground floor’s former kitchen, thereby combining the kitchen and dining areas into one unified space. This division created a social and recreational zone on the south side, featuring Western and Chinese kitchens, a bar, a living room, and a tea/flower arranging table. A screen opposite the sofa and a projector in a hidden compartment above the oven provide audiovisual capabilities in the living room. On the north side, two combined rooms offer a flexible study/tea room or bedroom, exemplifying sustainable design. The second floor, housing bedrooms and living space, provides a tranquil counterpoint to the ground floor’s dynamism.

Exposed，interweaving concrete beams in the living room embody the ‘horizontal and vertical’ principle. Like calligraphic strokes, these intersecting lines throughout the home enhance its structure and framework. The designer also allowed the home’s character to emerge through layers of texture: teak floors and natural marble evoke the essence of ‘harmony with nature,’ while silk screens, rosewood furniture, and jade sconces, in their daily use, awaken the imagination to an elegant life.

Lines and materials give the space form and character, while details enhance its charm. In the kitchen and dining area, replacing a bar with a dining set and island transforms the experience from casual lingering to deeper conversation. A lowered, concealed faucet emphasizes the island’s integrity, which, in turn, creates a gallery-like illusion, inviting contemplation. With these touches, the designer subtly transitions between Western and Eastern lifestyles, reshaping everyday experiences from fast-paced to leisurely.

Objects in the home transcend mere function, guiding life’s unfolding. A root carving by the stairs naturally slows one’s pace. A specially designed bathroom incense burner creates a tranquil atmosphere for solitude. The space, with its clear structure and unhurried pace, explores contemporary humanistic living through thoughtful design.