If Design · CLIENT: If Design
Lake Sense is the interior design of a low density stacked villa of 515 square meters, located beside a lake in Wuhan, China. A private courtyard of about 200 square meters extends the living areas outdoors. Engineered light wells bring daylight into the underground level. Floor to ceiling glazing links the interior with the courtyard and the lake view. Stainless steel, marble, wood veneer and textured paint form layered surfaces. The plan draws on traditional courtyard living and supports both family life and social gatherings.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This 515 square meters low density stacked villa redefines urban lakeside living by integrating Oriental cultural aesthetics with modern metropolitan functionality. Through light wells, a 200 square meters private courtyard, and seamless indoor outdoor transitions, the design resolves underground lighting constraints while balancing luxury and intimacy. Material contrasts and multi dimensional spatial scenarios establish a refined yet experiential residential paradigm.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Total Area: 515 square meters
Private Courtyard: approx. 200 square meters
Typology: Low density stacked villa with underground level
Key Features: Light well daylight system, large scale floor to ceiling glazing, hollow wall detailing, integrated storage systems, intelligent lighting control, aromatherapy system
Primary Materials: Stainless steel, marble, metal, wood veneer, textured paint - Tags
- Lakeside Residence, Oriental Aesthetics, Light Well Design, Low Density Villa, Indoor-Outdoor Integration, Cultural Contextualism, Luxury Residential Design, Courtyard Living, Contemporary Minimalism
- Production Technology
- The project employs stainless steel, brown wood veneer, beige textured paint, marble, and metal to construct layered tactility. Light well engineering introduces vertical daylight penetration to underground spaces. Custom-built storage systems, integrated wine cabinets, aromatherapy systems, and intelligent lighting control enhance spatial efficiency and user experience. Precision detailing ensures material durability and long term structural performance.
- Design Challenge
- The main challenge was resolving insufficient underground lighting while maintaining luxury and spatial intimacy. Cultural interpretation without superficial replication required careful balance between tradition and modernity. Structural constraints and urban density limited spatial expansion. Through light well systems, glazing strategies, and refined material layering, the project successfully unified nature, culture, and contemporary residential performance.
- Project Duration
- The project started in April 2025 and finished in January 2026 in China.
- Operation Flow
- The spatial flow transitions naturally from public to private zones. The integrated living dining area supports both daily family use and social gatherings. Light wells bring daylight into the underground level, enhancing comfort. Floor to ceiling windows connect the courtyard and lake views to interior spaces, allowing residents to experience seasonal changes, light variation, and spatial transformation in everyday living.
- Research
- This project is based on applied spatial-cultural research exploring how Oriental courtyard living can adapt to contemporary urban villas. Through site analysis, daylight simulation, and lifestyle mapping, the design examined lighting efficiency and functional adaptability. Findings show that integrating light wells with cultural spatial strategies significantly improves underground usability and residential comfort, offering a sustainable model for high-end urban housing.
- Inspiration
- Inspired by Wuhan's dual identity as the cradle of Chu Culture and a modern industrial hub, the design draws from the Yangtze Han river ecology and South Lake's tranquil scenery. The philosophy of "Oriental Seclusion, Future Elegance" merges traditional courtyard living with contemporary lifestyles. Cultural heritage, natural rhythm, and metropolitan vitality collectively informed the spatial narrative and aesthetic direction.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Photographer Chuyituzi, One Thousand Degrees Image, Lake Sense, 2026.
Image #2: Photographer Chuyituzi, One Thousand Degrees Image, Lake Sense, 2026.
Image #3: Photographer Chuyituzi, One Thousand Degrees Image, Lake Sense, 2026.
Image #4: Photographer Chuyituzi, One Thousand Degrees Image, Lake Sense, 2026.
Image #5: Photographer Chuyituzi, One Thousand Degrees Image, Lake Sense, 2026.
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