At the southern edge of Hangzhou, where the Qiantang River meets the striking silhouette of the Olympic Sports Center, a new skyline emerges. Within a CBD where culture, nature, and city rhythms converge, project Essence unveils a new vision of refined living. Covering 560 square metres, this residence’s overall layout unfolds along a north–south axis, subtly separating open communal areas from serene private spaces.
At the entrance, dark timber veneers meet textured metal accents. Here, fan-shaped stone flooring, edged with fine metal inlays, reflects light softly. Textured glass framed by a matte metal grille strikes a subtle balance between openness and obscurity. The living and dining area, anchoring the spatial axis, becomes the multifunctional heart of the home. Floor-to-ceiling windows draw in the Qiantang River skyline, infusing the interior with a rhythmic sense of breath and openness.
-
- Photo credit: Hanmo Vision / Ye Song
In the living room, a palette of warm greige sets a calm tone. The marble TV wall, like a frozen landscape, becomes a visual focal point. Curated lighting—alternating between directional focus and gentle diffusion—creates a nuanced atmosphere that shifts throughout the day. Low-slung, relaxed sofas define an area for interaction, while the green-veined stone coffee tables and beige carpet strike a tactile balance of warmth and restraint. A long dining table, defined by its dark, textured stone surface, mirrors the undulating lamps above. Light dances between metal and stone surfaces, composing a gentle, fluid rhythm.
An open-concept kitchen extends the flow of the dining and living area, seamlessly defined without boundaries. A deep-green stone island anchors the space as a social hub. A geometric pendant light casts soft reflections across the intricate stone surface, its glow mingling with the wine cabinet and glassware—evoking a quiet sense of ritual in everyday life. Behind the sliding door, an Chinese kitchen adopts a more restrained layout. Built-in storage and counters streamline circulation into an efficient loop. The frosted glass partition blocks cooking fumes while preserving a subtle spatial dialogue. Tucked away from the main circulation, the study exudes quiet composure. Textured beige walls shimmer gently under shifting light, playing against dark timber shelves. A circular stone table and two leather-and-metal chairs create a contemplative setting.
Stepping from the corridor into the private area, wood veneers alternate with warm grey stone cladding, accented by wall lamps and artworks—a subdued prelude leading into the master suite. A soft grey curved wall embraces the space, with horizontally grained stone inlays extending the spatial rhythm. A beige leather bed paired with an enveloping headboard offers both tactile comfort and visual warmth. Concealed lighting softens the recessed ceiling, lending the structure a sense of lightness. Light awakens the texture of each material—restrained, serene, yet quietly expressive.
Full-height wardrobes in pale wood and glass define the walk-in closet, where a central island enhances fluid movement. A mirrored wall visually extends the spatial depth, drawing in natural light from the side window. The spatial configuration enables a soft, seamless circulation between bedroom and bathroom. In the bathroom, grey-white veined stone evokes ink-wash paintings—subtle yet expressive. A floating vanity lends a sense of lightness, while transparent glass delineates each function with clarity. A freestanding bathtub nestles quietly by the window, with a discreet side door creating a soft boundary for solitude.
The north secondary bedroom rests at the end of the circulation route, thoughtfully designed for the elderly residents. Its generous proportions allow light to drift gently across wood veneers and textiles. A soft grey backdrop wall features arched segments, softening the vertical rhythm. Ceiling light glows softly across rounded edges, creating a calm, floating ambiance. By the window, a daybed and small round table invite moments of reading and reflection. Floor-to-ceiling glass cabinets and open shelving frame the walk-in closet, where lighting concealed behind back panels and within the skirting softly enhances the display. At the end of the stone-clad bathroom, a freestanding tub opens to the view, with all functional elements subtly concealed—leaving the space calm and uncluttered.
The south bedroom, in contrast, feels more restrained and serene. Vertical textures in warm taupe and beige bring quiet depth. A dark leather headboard, complemented by a horizontal light strip, creates a quiet visual focal point. A floor-to-ceiling window frames the river view beyond, balancing intimacy with openness. Here, beauty lies not in complexity but in the quiet convergence of space, light, and material—serene and composed.
