Shanghai stands forward as a model of a global outstanding city; looking back into history, it is the eaves of a century-old Shanghai-style civilization. The Shikumen is its witness. Touching the remaining warmth of history once again, we hope that after the novelty fades and we return to its true essence, we will still be moved by its timeless classics.

The facades of Shikumen buildings have forged Shanghai’s unique urban temperament.

The existing phoenix trees on the site have become the protagonists of the scene. The landscape design treats the modest frontcourt space as an understated yet rich, textural presence. Using different surface finishes of the same stone, we create geometric phoenix-leaf patterns. When sunlight falls, the silhouettes of the trees are vividly projected—this is the exquisite Shanghai, this is the romantic Shanghai.

Geometric language interpreting the phoenix leaf (palmate, three main veins, two side veins, five triangular lobes)

The gate is both a connection to the prosperous era and a screen. Outside the gate is the world, the hustle and bustle; inside the gate is life. Push open a door, and return from the chaotic world to a peaceful spiritual realm.

The approximately 5.4-meter-tall bronze gate is crafted using ancient traditional techniques. Countless hammer strikes by artisans create a natural texture that only time can achieve. Using time to embody a sense of age, this is a spatial emotion that cold industrialization can never replace.

▽ Intangible Cultural Heritage Craft: Four Strikes for One Pattern

Curved red walls form the ceremonial sequence of the first courtyard. Red travertine matching the building’s brick color is selected and grooved, delivering a delicate red texture at a human-friendly scale.

▽ Vintage red travertine paired with warm thyme stone, revealing the gentle touch of manual craftsmanship everywhere.

The harmony between trees and residences is an oriental living philosophy rooted in the Chinese spirit.

We sought an ancient tree that embodies Shanghai-style elegance and records time. Its elegant posture against the refined background outlines a balance between “urban aesthetics and natural poetry.”

▽ The vitality of nature meets low-saturation sophistication

▽ Basalt black antique finish with polished grooves

Stones are carved like turned book pages to enhance three-dimensionality, allowing us to perceive the movement of light. The passage of each day and the vitality of nature are expressed in the space. As time flows and stones weather, light remains constant, engraving the residents’ moods and life journeys in this community.

▽ Perceive the carving of light and shadow

▽ Italian Golden Diamond — A narrative of light with flowing golden sand

The greenhouse facade mimics the stretch of an accordion bellows; the waterscape sculpture draws from the vintage gramophone, performing a Shanghai-style symphony together.

Basking in the afternoon sun, it feels like being in “Madam’s Living Room,” reviving the grace and tranquility of old Shanghai garden villas.