A residential project in Beijing’s Changping District has been reimagined by Zhang Ping, founder of PING Design, into a bold yet intimate expression of contemporary living. Conceived as an expression of the everyday rhythms of habitation, the transformation—from a somewhat restrictive interior—carefully fuses light, materiality and an observed sensitivity to human needs. The resultant, more fluid spatial matrix seeks to foster a harmonious environment that balances function and emotions.

With over two decades of experience in residential design, Ping professes and practices a philosophy that seeks to transcend the sense of aestheticisation that so often drives the architecture of homes to try and delve into the core of human life and co-existence. “Design is not a simple aesthetic problem but rather a life problem filled with wisdom,” she says. For Zhang, a successful design must move beyond technical expertise to cultivate empathy; observing, listening and intuitively understanding the desires of the people who inhabit the spaces therein. This human-centric approach is reflected in her projects which prioritise not just functionality, but also the unique personalities and temperaments of the residents.

At Wangfu Mansion and Garden, this ethos is particularly palpable. The existing ground-floor verandah has been integrated into the home’s interior design, allowing for the creation of expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing that floods the living spaces with natural light. The alteration, though encroaching upon an erstwhile open space, serves to expand the previously dark, constricted interiors into a series of interconnected spaces. The interplay between dark, rich tones and abundant light creates an atmosphere where subtle contrasts delineate spaces while maintaining a sense of openness and continuity. Here, light doesn’t merely illuminate, but becomes a dynamic element, shaping and reshaping textures and forms throughout the day.

The living room stands as the centrepiece of this transformation. Predominantly conceived in white, its perceived minimalism contrasts with a bold black soffit, adding a curvature and spatial definition to the ensemble. The glass wall, arching with the original structure, becomes an ever-changing canvas for light and shadows, creating a luminous sanctuary for relaxation and contemplation. Similarly, throughout the ground floor, offset soffits in contrasting tones provide subtle, elegant thresholds between spaces. In the new workspace annexed from the verandah, a canted ceiling introduces recessed lighting accented by a golden-yellow surface, blending function with artistry.

Upstairs, the removal of a small mezzanine opens up more vertical space, offering an enhanced sense of volume, unrestricted, while retaining the essence of the original framework of the Chinese architecture. Zhang’s otherwise careful preservation of the upper floor’s existing architectural character speaks to her philosophy of embracing the past while infusing it with new life. The master bedroom, with its unmodified arched window and a bathtub in the same space, framed by a large curved window overlooking the garden, becomes a study of how natural light and thoughtful materials can transform a space. Every detail, from the vibrant colours to the carefully selected textures, contributes to an ambience of warmth and tranquillity. Above the staircase, a striking red steel installation designed for the client’s cats adds a whimsical yet contemporary architectural feature to the overall space, reinforcing the Chinese designer’s attention to the lives of every inhabitant—human or otherwise.

Beyond the residential interiors, the garden becomes an integral extension of the private residence and its design principles. Built as a “modern forest garden”, as Zhang describes it, the gardens bring together natural landscape design with an architectonic sensibility. Lush greenery is interwoven with stone tiles, space-defining walls and a sunken fire pit, creating an inviting environment for both social gatherings and quiet retreats. Minimalist water features and concrete benches, subtly illuminated from below, add a sense of contemporary elegance, while the garden’s connection to the interiors ensures a cohesive experience that elevates everyday living. The result is a series of spaces wherein residents can commune with nature as part of their daily routine.

This project exemplifies the Chinese architect’s commitment to crafting “living environments that are orderly, interesting, loving, and personal”. Her team at PING Design—comprising designers imbued with a sharp penchant to be observers and practitioners of life—sought to bring a meticulous understanding of human needs to each project. Wangfu Mansion and Garden then become a testament to how residential architecture can aspire to transcend conventionality to seek the liminal and the profound, offering an environment that harmonises aesthetics, functionality and the human spirit.

Project Details

Name: Wangfu Mansion and Garden
Location: Changping District, Beijing
Chief Designer: Zhang Ping
MEP Consultant: Kang Zheng
Project Designer: Yang Xiunan
Year: 2024
Interior Area: 320 sqm

(Text by Arryan S Siingh, Intern at STIR)