Located at the base of Fangshan in Huangyan, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China, Ming Villa is immersed in centuries of cultural depth. Here, WJ Studio centres the design on the courtyard, blending the restraint of Eastern aesthetics with the vitality of contemporary living. The spaces reveal a quiet elegance, offering poetry in the rhythm of daily life.
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- Photo credit: Zhang Jianing
The foyer’s corridor system acts as a gentle prelude to returning home. It is not a simple passageway, but a multifunctional space for art, storage, and the transition between indoors and out. Here, the living room becomes a living frame for the landscape. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows open fully to the courtyard, drawing in rockeries, greenery, pavilions mirrored in water, and drifting clouds. Even the play of light and shadow inside shifts softly with the wind. Wood veneer sets a grounded tone, complemented by a jade backdrop that diffuses soft light and converses with the stone flooring. A custom armchair upholstered in DEDAR’s vintage tiger-stripe fabric introduces a refined touch, balancing artistry and comfort against the garden view. A jade dining table, with its delicate sheen, evokes the sense of reunion central to Chinese family life. An extendable kitchen island adds flexibility and thoughtfulness, transforming the dining area into a shared space for meals and moments.
Approaching from the ceremonial foyer on the level below, the glow of wall sconces washes gently across the wood panels, filling each step with warmth and anticipation. The living hall, anchored by a jade wall and arched fireplace, infuses the space with elegance and warmth. A crane-patterned rug and supple leather sofa convey taste without words. Whether for animated conversations with friends or quiet discussions with business partners, the atmosphere adapts with ease.
In the tea and wine lounge, a long table stretches beneath soft light, bringing together jade and metal alongside a collection of fine vintages and curated artworks. The whiskey room offers another private retreat. Old photographs and the crackle of vinyl recall familiar streets and everyday scenes, becoming natural openings for memory and conversation.
The living quarters offer a dedicated space tailored to each family member: a tranquil retreat for the parents, an artistic sanctuary for the daughter, and a lively haven for the son. Between the children’s rooms lies a multifunctional activity area, both library and music lounge. Opening onto a balcony, it extends into a terrace lush with greenery, inviting nature into daily routines.
The master suite is arranged with a gentle rhythm: a sitting area and sleeping zone divided by a Chinese-style screen, offering separation without breaking openness. Here, time slows—whether reading or enjoying tea at the desk, it is a place for quiet solitude. Separate walk-in closets and a four-fixture bath reflect refinement and attention to detail. The expansive terrace draws nature into daily life, letting the outdoors flow seamlessly into the home.
