Island Heron No.1 by BDSD Boundless Design: Cozy Villa Uniting Nature

This page is also available in the following languages:🇷🇺🇺🇦🇫🇷🇩🇪🇪🇸🇵🇱🇨🇳

Luxurious modern house with neat architecture illuminated at dusk, featuring clean lines, large windows, and contemporary design elements for upscale residential appeal.

Located in the lake villa area of Huzhou, China, Island Heron No.1 is a visionary residence designed by BDSD Boundless Design. Completed in 2023, this spacious home of 1,800 m² (19,375 sq ft) serves as a sanctuary for its owners—a place where time slows down, stress fades away, and nature becomes the central element.

A Home Created in Harmony with Nature

Surrounded by mountains, forests and water, the house was conceived by its owner, Mr. Lin, as a private retreat from urban hustle and bustle. The architects responded with a project that unites architecture and landscape, creating an ongoing dialogue between the built environment and the natural world.

From rustic yet modern façade to organic courtyards and panoramic windows, the house represents a 'container for observing nature'—a vessel for presence and self-reflection.

Architectural Update: Simplicity with Substance

Although the plot originally had an unfinished villa, BDSD redesigned the structure to enhance transparency, flow and atmosphere. The architecture prioritizes:

Clean, horizontal lines
Earthy-toned materials
Simplicity of form and decorative elements

At the entrance, a half-wall made of rubble stone filters the view while creating privacy without barriers. New windows and large glass panels fill the interior with natural light and frame views of the garden, internal lake and sky.

The transparent foyer acts as a light threshold between the outside world and the tranquil interior.

The Courtyard as the Heart

The heart of the house lies in its multi-functional courtyard, organized into distinct zones:

Dining terrace
Lounge with fireplace
L-shaped pool with an endless edge
Leisure garden

The pool visually connects with the lake beyond, enhancing spatial openness and inviting contemplation. A path winds through the landscape ensuring seamless movement between zones. As night falls, subtle lighting transforms the house into a glowing sanctuary, reflecting on the calm water.

Interiors: Sculptural, Minimalist and Immersive

The interior, designed with a sculptural sense of tranquility, emphasizes dark tones and natural textures. Black dominates the main palette, contrasting with soft light, vertical window slits and natural accents. Each element—from curved staircases to monolithic stone tiles—is intentional and expressive.

Key features:

Black sculptural staircase, which visually strengthens the space
Full-height windows, dissolving the boundary between interior and exterior spaces
Minimalist kitchens and bathrooms with luxurious scale and tactile perfection
Furniture from Nobilia and carefully selected lighting, balancing boldness with gentleness

Bedrooms offer a contrast to the dark common areas. Warm beige, soft grays and textured elements create sanctuaries for rest and quiet intimacy.

A Home That Cares

More than just a vacation home, Island Heron No.1 is an emotional landscape—a place designed for family, memories and restoration. From evening fires to sunny mornings, the villa invites its inhabitants to slow down, observe and be present here.

Embracing minimalism and blurred boundaries, BDSD Boundless Design created a timeless home that centers the human spirit in nature's rhythm.