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The owner, an art gallery operator with an extensive collection of modern art and antiques, is deeply enamored with the timeless beauty of Oriental aesthetics, particularly drawn to the Huizhou architecture. They believe its beauty transcends trends. Thus, the design eschews trendy techniques, focusing on black-tiled white walls with subtle Ming Dynasty-inspired window adornments to evoke the ambiance of ancient dwellings. The exterior features large white walls creating a canvas for play of light and shadows, while windows resemble scrolls, either vertical or grandly horizontal, harmonizing with the ever-changing mountain climate, framing picturesque views indoors like dynamic ink paintings.
The site is situated on the southern edge of the city, within a well-established hillside villa community at an elevated position. Accessible via a winding mountain road approximately 7 kilometers uphill from the bustling city roads, the northern side of the site faces an 8-meter road at an altitude of about 460 meters. Flanked by existing villas on the east and west sides, the southern exposure remains unobstructed due to its elevation, offering an unchanging panoramic view of a 180-degree ecological conservation area filled with lush greenery. This ensures long-term environmental stability.
While the site enjoys a sunny southern exposure, most large windows are oriented southward for optimal views and privacy. However, in the high-temperature, rainy subtropical monsoon climate, summers can still feel uncomfortably hot. Besides calculating an equivalent window-to-wall ratio, double-glazed windows and operable vents are installed to regulate temperature. Inside, the sloped roof of the top floor is insulated, with planned interior sliding glass doors for added flexibility. Outside on the ground floor, pergolas with wisteria vines, lawns, and plantings cool the space, while bamboo groves on the north side moderate the wind around the entrance. Indoors, electric underfloor heating is installed in key living areas to combat extreme winter cold and mountain humidity.
Due to the terrain, the architectural site is organized into two platforms of varying heights. Access is from the north side, leading to the higher platform (2F), with the lower platform (1F) situated below. Both platforms are connected internally by a lift and externally by outdoor stairs on the east side. The main building features a black-tiled sloped roof and a U-shaped layout reminiscent of traditional Chinese courtyard houses, with living spaces surrounding open windows and traditional Chinese-style lattice windows on three sides. Rooms on the southern side feature expansive panoramic windows showcasing stunning mountain views. Primary spaces are centrally located on each floor, with secondary spaces flanking the east and west wings. Vertical narrow windows in the U-shaped facade provide ventilation and natural light while ensuring privacy and minimizing interference with neighbors, creating a secluded environment. Additionally, a few storage and primitive greenhouse spaces are nestled along the slope to meet various needs. A narrow courtyard on the south side adds greenery. By carefully integrating natural surroundings while isolating from artificial elements, the design creates a serene ambiance, echoing the modern beauty of Huizhou architecture.
The villa embodies a non-luxury approach, free from trendy vocabularies, yet embraces the timeless aesthetic of Huizhou architecture. Beyond serving as a residence, it functions as a living gallery, greatly enhancing its commercial value. With captivating views and versatile spaces, it attracts numerous friends for gatherings.
Founded in 2010, HWC Architects & Associates seamlessly integrates urban planning, architecture, and interior design with a pure concept. We strive to create spaces with a futuristic essence, embodying the idea of technology concealed within nature.
