"Nature is not wildness, but the simplicity stacked by time, the growth nurtured by time. Above nature, we integrate contemporary space and life, as well as the profundity and humility of life."

Heyuan is located by Zilang Lake in Nantong, creating a pure low-density community with a plot ratio of only 1.01. Endowed with two scarce resources: "the new city center" and "first-line lake view", it serves the top-tier residents of Nantong. 

Based on the exceptional site with excellent mountains and waters, we draw on the philosophy of Li Yu, a native of Nantong — "Design with moderation and suitability as principles, and the joy of life as the goal". Through a purer design, we complete contemporary interpretations, entrusting the understanding of life to landscapes, courtyards, and lifestyles, not standing above the city, but hidden within the lake scenery.

// Make modernity more modern, make nature more natural

The entrance landscape wall is the opening statement of Heyuan and the epitome of the site. Through the contrast of two textures, it emphasizes the dialogue between craftsmanship and simplicity, modernity and nature, conveying the design attitude of Heyuan in collision and integration.

A mountain-like corridor instantly pulls people away from the city into a peaceful field

▽ Along the path, nearly century-old camphor trees with a strong sense of volume and time escort residents home. The terrain is raised to 2 meters, tightening the view, and combined with stone arrangements to create an experience wrapped in nature. Mid-level plants are selected as mountain-style miscellaneous trees, allowing them to grow naturally and maintain the freest and most relaxed state.

▽ The native-style landscape relies more on on-site control, finding the optimal angle for every element.

Along the way, there are delicate decorations integrated into intimate and casual nodes, allowing the overall space to retain exquisite craftsmanship under the natural and relaxed tone.

// A sense of peace upon arrival; elegant drop-off under the canopy, residents return home calmly

Turning into the front court, the view suddenly opens up. The park landscape is introduced into the site. Heavy stone walls form a profound and powerful base. Using height differences, external sightlines are shielded while the internal landscape view is preserved, letting tree tops become the background of the scene.

The collision between extremely modern volumes and primitive nature.

▽ Three ancient bronze jars cast by traditional methods are placed at the gate, representing "Timing, Geographical Advantage, and Human Harmony".

The three bronze ancient vats adopt the most traditional copper-casting technique, dating back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties. From clay molding to copper melting and casting, every step is made with ingenuity. They are not only artworks but also precious old objects bearing the profundity of time.

▽ Protected natural stone skins retain the traces of time.

▽ The wall features a fabric texture, presenting cleanliness and simplicity on a large scale, while showing handcrafted texture upon closer inspection.

▽ Another collision between modernity and nature.

The heavy eaves form a stable and peaceful composition. The space transitions from grand to intimate scale. Wood veneer fiberboard is used for the ceiling, with real wood textures bringing a warmer perception.

▽ Select colors and create physical samples

▽ Tree and residence in harmony, a warm and emotional homecoming space.

▽ 25 camphor trees were sought around Taihu Lake, growing with the residences, carrying countless inseparable emotions and stories.

// By utilizing the gray space, indoor activities flow freely into the outdoors, creating a dialogue with nature. Through the heavy, low-slung eaves and the layered, mountainous terrain, a spatial composition of compression and interweaving is formed, all to create a sense of lush greenery that envelops the senses.

▽ Returning to a natural state, spring water flows through the cracks of stones.

▽ The anti-slip strips of the ramp are also a collision between modernity and nature.

▽ The relatively sunken space brings a stronger sense of being wrapped by nature.

For low-density products, paving becomes the main thread of the space. When textures of handcraft and time fill the space, they bring peace and tranquility as time slows down.