Orient Original Ukwakhiwa Kwangaphakathi Kwendawo Yokuhlala by Ping Zhang

Orient Original Ukwakhiwa Kwangaphakathi Kwendawo Yokuhlala by Ping Zhang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award in Ukudizayina Ingaphakathi Competition Category.

IbhulonziIngaphakathi· 2026

Orient Original Ukwakhiwa Kwangaphakathi Kwendawo Yokuhlala

by Ping Zhang

Client: Ping Zhang

Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award Winner in Ingaphakathi Category

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The Design

About Orient Original Ukwakhiwa Kwangaphakathi Kwendawo Yokuhlala

I-Orient Original ingumklamo wangaphakathi wendawo yokuhlala yekhaya elingamamitha-skwele angama-500 eBeijing, eChina. I-atrium engaphansi komhlaba ekhanyiswa yilanga yakha isikhungo sohlelo, ixhumanisa amazinga amabili aphansi futhi ifiphaza umngcele phakathi kwaphezulu naphansi komhlaba. Indawo eshonile ingasebenza njengegumbi letiye, indawo yokuphumula noma ibhayisikobho. Uphahla lwengilazi, izindonga zezitini zengilazi kanye namaphaneli anezibuko kwandisa ukukhanya kwemini futhi kunwebe umuzwa wesikhala. Ama-veneer okhuni omnyama ahlangana nokhuni olukhanyayo netshe lemvelo. Ifenisha eyenziwe ngokwezifiso kanye nezindawo zokugcina impahla kusekela impilo yansuku zonke yomndeni kanye nemibuthano yokuzijabulisa.

The Recognition

About the Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award

Orient Original Ukwakhiwa Kwangaphakathi Kwendawo Yokuhlala iwinile uMklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award, ukwaziswa okuhloniphekile kakhulu okunikezwa imiklamo ephawulekayo eyehlukaniswa ukudala, ubuhlakani nobukhali bengqondo. Abawinile beBhulonzi yimisebenzi enobuchule obukhulu nedala ngokumangalisayo eqinisekisa isipiliyoni esibanzi, umcabango nobuhlakani babaklami babo. Orient Original Ukwakhiwa Kwangaphakathi Kwendawo Yokuhlala ilindeleke ukuba ibe yinto exatshwa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo, enobungcweti obuphawulekayo nezinto ezintsha. Lo mklamo owinile uMklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award uhlanganisa izindlela ezinhle kakhulu ebuciko, esayensi, ekuklameni nasebuchwepheshe futhi uhamba phambili ngenxa yokunaka kwawo imininingwane. Orient Original Ukwakhiwa Kwangaphakathi Kwendawo Yokuhlala iyanelisa izidingo ngokumangalisayo, ithinta izifiso, iheha imizwa futhi ikhanga ukufuna ukwazi.

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