Classic Meets Modern from KiKi ARCHi in Beijing, China

Project: Classic Meets Modern
Architects: KiKi ARCHi
Location: Beijing, China
Area: 4,843 sq ft (building), 1,291 sq ft (lot)
Year: 2022
Photography by: ZHANYING Studio

Classic Meets Modern from KiKi ARCHi

KiKi ARCHi completed a home project in Beijing that combines traditions with modernity. It blends the owner's collection hobby of classic items with a design concept that aligns with contemporary lifestyle. Through re-planning and adjusting structure, layout, natural lighting and material textures, the house demonstrates a sense of ritual and engagement in life, as well as balance between space and decoration.

The main task for KiKi ARCHi was to determine how to use the collection of furniture made from gold nanmu (Phoebe zhennan), which was the central character in the house. As we know, nanmu was a popular material for architecture and furniture during the Ming and Qing dynasties, used in the Forbidden City in Beijing. According to the designer, when encountering furniture made from gold nanmu, limited living space is instantly filled. Furthermore, its classic style, size and traditional finish can create a sense of dissonance in modern life.

The house consists of a garden terrace, basement and two above-ground floors with a mansard. The first floor, where the owner spends most of their daily time, is a key part of the design. It includes corridor, dining room, kitchen, tea room, outdoor courtyard and more. The theme of the design is "Coexistence of Nanmu and Modern Life". Tone, light and texture serve as the starting point for balancing nanmu furniture with its environment. Three colors are used in large quantities: black, white and gray, corresponding respectively to the "traditional", "modern" and "transitioning" scenes.

Upon entering the corridor, the designer created a concept of "terrace" by altering the structure. The original bathroom above was removed to create a 5-meter-high space, while light from the second floor reaches the first. On the side leading to the living room, a black frame of glass sliding doors serves as a transitional element opening up the next dark scene. The gray terrace floor acts as a connector to the street, while the white art-deco wall softens light and shadow, creating rhythm reflecting the wall cabinet and sliding door.

The dark scene of the living room creates a solemn feeling. Its form recalls the 'central hall' of traditional Chinese architecture. The gold long table made from nanmu and calligraphy artwork on the wall highlight classical elegance. Interestingly, a sofa to one side disrupts the stable composition and symmetry of traditional taste, conveying a relaxed feeling closer to modern life.

The dining room adjacent to the living room returns to a light tone. An individual table, chairs and side shelf made in simple modern style emphasize the characteristics of gold nanmu wood. Particularly, an inset side shelf becomes part of the spatial structure, reducing volume perception and appearing more graceful. The kitchen on the opposite side, connected to the terrace, has a gray color palette. All functional zones and workspaces are arranged along the walls. Hanging storage not only satisfies storage needs but also maximizes light and air circulation.

The glass hall located at the end of the first floor and attached to the terrace is the owner's favorite room for tea. Made from an aluminum roof and glass partitions, it emphasizes a floating feeling and continuation. The exhibition design creates contrast between virtual and real, where the concept of time seems to disappear, and spiritual dialogue takes its place. The landscape created by a white wall resembles a screen with four seasons. The minimalist terrace has a lowered platform and external stairs connecting the basement. Renovation makes the surrounding environment more multi-layered. Areas, steps and walls merge in a white background matching modernity. As an attached space, this tea room and terrace fully interpret freedom.

The staircase corridor leading to the upper floor is designed with floating steps and a continuous railing. The surrounding white art-deco wall creates a feeling of turning, like a gentle white passage laying out a quiet and warm atmosphere for more private rest zones such as the study and bedroom. It should be mentioned that the mansard, formerly hard to access, has become a small space for meditation, playing qigong and incense, expressing a purely spiritual world.

In ancient Chinese books it is said that gold nanmu is a strong and beautiful material with special textural effect and silk-like luster emitting a gentle aroma, being very elegant. It is like a well-designed house - consistent design logic creates a stable 'inner part', while refined decoration presents an attractive 'outer part' that carries a curious life together for a long time.

-Project description and images provided by KiKi ARCHi

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