Cover A curved black fascia gives dramatic definition to the ceiling in the living room
A curved black fascia gives dramatic definition to the ceiling in the living room
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In Beijing’s Changping district, PING Design breathes new life into Wangfu Mansion, a formerly cramped traditional villa
In the populous suburban district of Changping, north of Beijing, China, a traditional villa has been transformed into a contemporary haven for its new homeowner–a tech entrepreneur who founded a software company after returning from his studies abroad.
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Spanning 3,444 sq ft, the two-storey residence initially presented significant challenges, with a dark and cramped layout that was unsuitable for modern lifestyle needs.
This prompted the homeowner to engage interior design studio PING Design for a dramatic makeover, whose deepened relationship with the client helped inform the design process for the home.
Above PING Design founder and chief designer Zhang Ping, MEP consultant Kang Zheng, and project designer Yang Xiunan
PING Design founder and chief designer Zhang Ping, MEP consultant Kang Zheng, and project designer Yang Xiunan
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“It is an intensive journey, which begins with addressing the homeowner’s basic needs according to his daily routine before we delve into more profound emotional inclinations and aspirations,” shares Zhang Ping, founder of PING Design.
“In every project we take on, our goal is to fulfil the client’s lifestyle requirements and to achieve a highly personalised living environment,” he adds. “By arriving at a deep understanding of our clients’ preferences, our team is able to create tailored interiors that satisfy all functional, spatial, aesthetic and psychological conditions.”
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Above A dramatic makeover opened up the previously dark and cramped layout
Above Red accents bring vibrancy to the home with its predominantly dark walls
A dramatic makeover opened up the previously dark and cramped layout
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Smart reconfiguration
The first order of business was a bold architectural decision to incorporate the original outdoor veranda into the ground floor’s interior through the addition of a new external wall with floor-to-ceiling glazing.
This modification created a seamless connection between the ground-level spaces, including the living room, the dining room and the kitchen, thereby evoking a refreshing sense of openness and transparency.
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A curved black fascia gives dramatic definition to the ceiling in the living room, which also features a musical corner with Ligne Roset’s pink Ruché armchair and footstool by Inga Sempé lending a sweet touch
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The abundance of natural light enabled the design team to experiment with a bold interior palette and contrasting architectural elements, adding weight and elegance to the space.
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This design approach is exemplified in the living room, where a curved black fascia provides dramatic ceiling definition against the glass wall that follows the original structure’s arc; this offset colour creates subtle boundaries between the spaces while maintaining a coherent visual flow.
“Here, the homeowner can draw, play the piano, meet friends and listen to music; be completely alone and immersed in one’s deep state,” Zhang muses.
Above A refreshing sense of openness and transparency permeates the ground-level spaces
A refreshing sense of openness and transparency permeates the ground-level spaces
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Above A bold interior palette adds solidity and elegance to the kitchen
Above Interiors fulfil various functional, spatial and aesthetic conditions
A bold interior palette adds solidity and elegance to the kitchen
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Adjacent to the living room is a versatile zone that serves various purposes: it can be a reading room, a creative workspace with partners, or a gathering space among friends and family.
A canted ceiling creates a gap along one side, housing recessed lighting accentuated by a golden-yellow surface, which Zhang describes as “when illuminated, resembles a ray of light tearing through the dark sky.”
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Holding space
Above This corridor skylight brings in breeze and natural illumination
Above Dark wood and ambient lighting for a warm, luxurious mood
This corridor skylight brings in breeze and natural illumination
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The upper floor, where the master bedroom and guest room preside, demonstrates equal thoughtfulness in attention to architectural detail.
Natural light and ventilation flow through the corridor skylight, while the upper-floor landing features an unexpected twist: a bold red steel backdrop that doubles as a play structure for the homeowner’s cats.
“Visually, it presents a strikingly modern architectural addition to the space while also providing nooks and crannies at a scale appropriate to cats, adding a sense of fun and energy to the space around it,” Zhang explains.
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Above The freestanding bathtub sits before a large curved window to offer views of the rear garden below
The freestanding bathtub sits before a large curved window to offer views of the rear garden below
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Above The removal of a narrow mezzanine created generous vertical space
Above A square of daylight peeks through this structural cut-out
The removal of a narrow mezzanine created generous vertical space
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In the master suite, the removal of a narrow mezzanine created a generous amount of vertical space. The taller layout now features a reshaped roof structure with elegant curves, while the original arched window lets the morning light filter in.
Besides that, a freestanding bathtub sits before a large curved window to offer views of the rear garden below, where the homeowner is “afforded a pleasant experience each morning, surrounded by vibrant colours and comfortable materials and textures,” Zhang reflects.
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Secret garden
Above Space-defining garden walls and stepped stone tile areas
Space-defining garden walls and stepped stone tile areas
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The home’s design narrative expands into the rear garden, where the consistent elements, materials, colours and forms finally culminate to unite the indoor spaces with the outdoor for an overall cohesive environment.
The modern forest garden blends natural landscaping with architectural elements, featuring space-defining garden walls, stepped stone tile areas, and a sunken, covered fire pit.
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A blend of lush landscaping and architectural touches characterises the expansive rear garden
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Meanwhile, illuminated concrete benches and a minimalist black water feature add contemporary touches while maintaining harmony with the natural elements; a natural extension of the interior spaces that allows for a deeper connection with nature despite the home’s urban setting.
“Whether it’s for socialising or simply to relax and unwind after a long day, the garden becomes part of the fabric of the homeowner’s everyday experience, subtly yet powerfully enhancing the quality of life,” Zhang concludes.
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Credits
Photography: Zheng Yan
Celeste Goh is a senior writer covering architecture and design. Based in Malaysia, she reports on emerging architectural and home design trends, as well as insights by local and international architects and interior designers.
Previously, she covered men’s lifestyle, fashion, music and entertainment.
