A second home tucked away in the serenity of an ancient Chengdu town provided DHB Design with an opportunity to “go all out” with space.
In his book, Japanese architect Yoshihumi Nakamura introduced the concept of “igokochi”, a space devoted to personal enjoyment. He wrote: “Having a personal, precious, and comfortable space at home, or being able to discover such a space, is of great importance for enjoying life.”
Inspired by this philosophy, many are now venturing to the quieter fringes of the city to find a second home, where they can retreat and reconnect with their true selves. This villa, located in Jiezi Ancient Town, Chongzhou, Chengdu, is one such example.
DHB Design’s Mark Sun and Yihan Wong envisioned this 2,368 square foot second home quite differently from a primary residence. They did not prioritise functionality like other primary homes, which allowed them to “go all out” with the use of space. This approach created a sense of openness that pulls the homeowners from their daily grind and into a vacation state.
As the beauty of nature is best appreciated in silence, the design team significantly reconfigured the spatial layout to create a bright, versatile space, adaptable to various uses. It ensured the dwelling blends harmoniously with nature, with all the rooms blessed with picturesque views. The natural sounds of wind, water and birds become the soundtrack of the living space.
“We want the homeowners to slow down, live comfortably, reduce stress, and rest their bodies and minds here,” Sun said. “Life here is leisurely and free, providing room to try new things and enjoy the beauty of life.”
The duplex house is connected by a sculptural spiral staircase. The lower level houses the living room, dining room, and a bar, while the upper level accommodates the bedrooms.
An artwork titled “Object” by Xiaoyaozi takes pride of place in the living room, symbolising the exploration of self through vibrant colours. The natural stone bar, paired with a rustic wooden dining table, exudes a relaxed, pristine ambiance. The lively Arflex Marenco sofa in lemon yellow, coupled with a polka-dot side table, infuses the space with a cheerful holiday spirit.
Echoing the gentle curves of the staircase, the living room floor is dressed in a carpet with a curvilinear relief pattern. Adjacent to the outdoor space, lush greenery lies just beyond the glass door. The main furniture brands used in the design include Arflex, Saba, Gervasoni, Magis, and Livin, with Saba’s pieces primarily used in the bedrooms.
Upon ascending the spiral staircase, you first arrive at a foyer, a peaceful transition before entering the bedrooms. Each bedroom features outward-facing windows, allowing the morning sunlight to filter through the leaf gaps outside and gently herald the start of a new day. The low cabinet by the window, decorated with vases and ornaments, casts intriguing shadows as the sunlight streams in, creating a perfect spot for leisurely lounging.
Wong concluded: “In today’s world, fraught with complexities and contradictions, an increasing number of people now prefer to live in a second home, redefining the concept of ‘home.’ Home now transcends the mere physicality of a space, becoming an imaginative realm imbued with emotional, experiential, and social significance.”
Photography: sy-studio
