Yuan Liang Design: “Walking through winding streets and alleys, tucked between the white walls and grey roof tiles, I can hear the sound of wheels rolling over grey paving stones. Qi Yuan stands before me.” ---- Sun Yuanliang
In December 2023, designer Sun Yuanliang relocated his studio to a small courtyard, which he also began to use as a vacation home.
In the Ming Dynasty literary classic "Compendium of Materia Medica", the character "䒻" refers to a type of herbal medicine. The word, "屺" originally described a mountain without vegetation. Thus, the "䒻" in "Qi Yuan" represents the designer and owner’s desire to inhabit a symbolic mountain forest within an urban setting. This garden, located to the south of the Yangtze River, reflects a connection with nature and represents a poetic lifestyle within a contemporary Chinese context.
Living Together
This residential building is located in the ancient city area of Suzhou and was purchased by designer Sun Yuanliang in June 2018. It is just a 15-minute walk from the most famous Jiangnan-style gardens, including the Humble Administrator's Garden, Lion Grove, and the Suzhou Museum designed by I.M. Pei. To the east lies the Pingjiang Road Historical District, which is a 2-kilometer walk to Suzhou Park. Unlike the bustling tourist area, this location is in a relatively quiet and ordinary residential neighborhood. Only the gentle sounds of conversation, barking dogs, and bicycle bells can be heard here in the background.
The most striking aspect of the site is the view from the second-floor windows. From here, one can see the well-preserved roofs of the ancient buildings on the west side of Suzhou. The house is situated at a high point, providing a panoramic view. Vibrant city life intertwines with memories of the past, connecting different times and stories in a quiet way that nevertheless leaves a deep impression.
The ancient city area of Suzhou is a large area containing a network of alleys which form a series of vibrant public spaces where people gather to chat and cool off in the summer. It fosters an open and inclusive atmosphere. Many elderly residents are eager to strike up conversations about daily life, or share captivating stories of the past, and neighbors often lend a helping hand to one another. As you stroll through the streets and alleys for breakfast in the morning, the interplay of light and shadow creates a dynamic experience. Living here allows you to see others and be seen in return. This close connection to daily collective life enriches our understanding of ourselves and others, as well as our appreciation of design.
The house in the garden
Seen from the entrance, the small courtyard resembles a miniature version of a typical Jiangnan Garden, with the Moon Cave Gate reflecting the lush plants surrounding it. Suzhou gardens are known for their emphasis on framing scenery; each door and window acts as a frame that allows plants to grow freely within the space. Designers aim for minimal intervention with this design approach.
As guests venture deeper into the garden, they will discover a larger hidden courtyard at the end. During the initial stages of construction, the earth was gathered and used to form subtle gradations, and the water was diverted to create a pond. This carefully designed landscape exudes a rich natural ambiance. Different lights reflecting on the water’s surface infuse the area with various energies. A robust pine tree stands firmly against the wall amidst the surrounding rocks.
Designer Sun Yuanliang has transformed the classical pavilion in the corner into a modern steel structure. While enjoying tea and the scenery, one can appreciate a rustic charm that is elegant yet contemporary. Visitors can also get a close-up view of the plants and flowers and even have the opportunity to interact with nearby fish.
Because the small courtyard is next to a slightly taller building, designer Sun Yuanliang constructed several grilles to prevent the building from creating a sense of oppression in the space. These grilles enhance the garden’s spatial hierarchy, harmonize natural light, and increase privacy. They also obstruct views of neighboring buildings, allowing people to converse comfortably and focus on the scenery in front of them.
The courtyard maintains a strong connection with the internal space. From the inside looking out, the open design allows for unobstructed views, while light and air flow freely. The continuity of materials and their gradual, rhythmic progression creates a calm and welcoming atmosphere, encouraging relaxed and easy movement throughout the area.
The Dialogue Between the New and the Old
The space’s concept is formed by the dialogue between the new and the old, which is intended to bridge the gap between architectural design and the people who occupy it. Individuals and spaces should ideally be interconnected, as designers aim to foster a sense of closeness and community among people within these environments.
The designer has incorporated architectural elements and scenic stories into the house while embracing a minimalist design aesthetic. In doing so, he has created an open, integrated space where guests can comfortably relax, whether sitting on different sofas or gazing at the clouds and trees by the window. The inclusiveness of the space is enhanced by its connection to the nature, which can be inherently sensed by the body.
The design lines in this space are simple and functional, catering to contemporary living while emphasizing the pursuit of a quality lifestyle through classic furniture design. There are no pronounced symbols of individual aggrandizement; instead, there is a sense of letting go of cultural baggage. In the face of nature, the individual feels themselves as part of something larger. All forms, colors, materials, and the interplay of light and shadow, which originate from nature, are interconnected and transform as they relate to the human spirit.
