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Ping Zhang's Orient Original Residence presents a sophisticated double-height living space where charcoal-toned upholstered seating occupies the immediate foreground, its L-shaped sectional…

Orient Original Residence by Ping Zhang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Bronze A' Design Award in Interior Space and Exhibition Design Competition Category.


BronzeInterior· 2026

Orient Original Residence

by Ping Zhang

Client: Ping Zhang

Bronze A' Design Award Winner in Interior Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About Orient Original Residence

Orient Original is a residential interior design for a 500 square meter home in Beijing, China. A sunlit underground atrium forms the center of the plan, linking two lower levels and blurring the boundary between above and below ground. The sunken area can serve as a tearoom, a lounge or a cinema. A glass roof, glass brick walls and mirrored panels increase daylight and widen the sense of space. Dark wood veneers meet light timber and natural stone. Custom furniture and storage support daily family life and social gatherings.

The Recognition

About the Bronze A' Design Award

Orient Original Residence is a Bronze A' Design Award winner, a highly prestigious recognition granted to outstanding designs distinguished by creativity, ingenuity, and astuteness. Bronze winners are amply skillful and strikingly creative artifacts that authenticate the vast experience, imagination, and resourcefulness of their designers. Orient Original Residence is expected to be a highly regarded, admired, and cherished object that is notably professional and innovative. This Bronze A' Design Award-winning design incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology, and is excellent for its attention to detail. Orient Original Residence splendidly satisfies needs, touches desires, charms feelings, and appeals to curiosity.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties
A sunlit underground atrium is the project's highlight, blurring boundaries between above and below ground. The sunken area flexibly transforms into a tearoom, lounge, or cinema. Black tones anchor spatial strength, while warm timber softens contours. Light and shadow act as the language of space, balancing order and freedom for everyday living.
Dimensions & Packaging
The residence spans 500 sqm. Key areas include a tearoom, dining spaces, living room, bedrooms, and multifunctional zones. The layout balances daily family needs with social gatherings, achieving comfort, flexibility, and spatial cohesion.
Tags
Daylight, atrium, flexible space, light and shadow, timber, serenity, ease, family life, spiritual belonging, poetic dwelling
Production Technology
The project uses a glass roof and glass brick walls to maximize daylight, with mirrored panels extending spatial perception. Dark wood veneers contrast with light timber textures and natural stone, creating balance between strength and softness. Custom furniture and storage emphasize both function and aesthetics, highlighting the interplay of material and light.
Design Challenge
The original B2 space was narrow and dim, so the south side was expanded to improve daylight. The vertical connection between B1 and B2 was opened, creating interaction between the two levels.
Unlike traditional layouts, the ground floor living room was removed and transformed into a multifunctional leisure space for the owner, while dining and kitchen activities were shifted to the B1 area.
Research
The study focused on urban women's lifestyles and emotional needs. Through interviews and observation, the team identified "serenity and ease" as the design goal. Iterative spatial experiments refined the approach, resulting in a home that accommodates both daily routines and inner reflection, proving the synergy of light, material, and lifestyle.
Inspiration
The project draws inspiration from the owner's desire for tranquility. Natural light, timber, and the passage of time form the core elements, shaping a 500 sqm home that embodies serenity and cultural depth. The space evolves with daily life, becoming a reflection of the resident's soul and a place of spiritual belonging.
Project Duration
The project is located in Beijing, China. Design began in May 2022 and was completed in December 2023.
Operation Flow
The design emphasizes adaptability and interaction: the sunken zone shifts from tearoom to lounge to cinema, while the dining area supports both daily meals and family gatherings. Changing daylight transforms atmosphere, offering residents layered experiences and a resonance between nature, time, and emotional states.
Image Credits
Photos by: HANMO VISION | YI GAO

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