Ping Zhang · CLIENT: Ping Zhang
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.
Press Kit
- 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. - 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.
- 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.
- Image Credits
- Photos by: HANMO VISION | YI GAO
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