Design Company: Jishang Space Design
Area: 1,000 m²
Design Year: 2020
Year: 2023
Photography: Hanmo Visual – Ye Song, A‘xuan
Design Director: Ding Linji
Designers: Xu Lin
Construction: Guo Laisheng
Collaborative Brands: VELUX, Wenzhou Weber Building Materials, Wenzhou Runbo Home Museum, Wenzhou Ruiji Intelligent Lighting, Wenzhou Honglian International Sanitary Ware, Royana, FULA
City: Wenzhou
Country: China
River Island Villa, a residential building designed by Jishang Space Design in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China, seamlessly integrates natural surroundings with sophisticated architectural elements. The design, led by Ding Linji, transformed a traditional European-style building into an open, flowing space that connects indoor and outdoor environments. Situated on a river island and surrounded by water and mountains, the villa reflects the spirit and form of its natural environment. Completed in 2023, the villa features extensive use of natural light, fluid spatial arrangements, and minimalist interior design. The design captures the deep energy of nature, expressing inner experience and creating an architectural representation of an ancient picture scroll depicting the sources of heaven and earth.
The original 1000㎡ building, designed in a traditional European style, was overly divided and disconnected from its natural surroundings. Ding Linji introduced significant changes to the structure and facade, opening up closed spaces to meet functional needs and create flowing sightlines and circulation. Large windows enhance the integration of indoor and outdoor environments. The project was planned and designed in 2020 and completed in January 2023.
The entrance hall, defined by richly toned teak panels, serves as a transitional space for residents. Inside, oak floors and wood veneer walls create a natural sense of warmth and comfort. Tall, narrow windows offer dramatic views of the exterior landscape, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. Consistent proportions and material combinations define the space, allowing residents to focus on daily life. The structure dictates the shape and layout, defining functional areas and creating a spatially layered beauty derived from pragmatic logic. Open and adaptable spaces accommodate changing needs, creating a beautiful and flexible home.
Every aspect of the villa is meticulously designed, employing exquisite craftsmanship to create a minimalist interior of aesthetic refinement. The result is a living environment with a rhythm that evokes idyllic feelings and emotions. The structural system allows the villa’s spaces to open up for multifunctional use, with a spacious layout that allows air and light to flow freely, bringing outdoor ambiance into every room. Fresh air and natural scenery integrate with the interior, creating a place of serene connection and continuity. In the dining room, floor-to-ceiling windows open to fill the room with the sounds and fragrance of nature.
The villa’s fluid space arrangement allows for open and closed alternations. Open doors blend rooms with the environment, while closed doors create independent, comfortable spaces. On the second floor, large windows illuminate the living room with natural light, offering views of the river and mountains. The spiral staircase acts as a sculptural element, expressing the beauty of structure and order, seamlessly integrated into the space. The scissor staircase connecting the second and third floors is a visual focal point, demonstrating contemporary staircase design diversity.
The tranquil master bedroom offers an intimate and comfortable resting space. Elegant walls reflect soft sunlight, creating a contemplative atmosphere. White translucent curtains add a subtle touch to the interior. The study and tea room serve multiple roles, conveying cultural tastes and providing spiritual comfort. The study frames poetic scenery through high windows, while the tea room offers a Zen calmness and space for meditation and cultural display.
The skylight extends space from the basement to the upper floor, creating visual richness and closeness to nature. It serves as both a practical tool and a medium for spiritual sustenance, filling each space with vitality and tranquil contentment. The basement, finished with a micro-cement, includes a gym, bar, and lounge area. Natural light improves the brightness and creates an attractive atmosphere. The outdoor courtyard features modern lines, recessed lighting, and vegetation, centered around a fire pit. The villa offers an ideal living environment for modern families to slow down, relax, and connect with nature.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
