Garden Gallery Residence: Bespoke Design Meets Urban Refuge in Shanghai
Discover the Garden Gallery Residence, a luxurious urban oasis nestled in the heart of Shanghai, China. Designed by Yatofu Creatives, this 180 square meter (1,937 square feet) apartment boasts a rare 150 square meter (1,614 square feet) private garden, creating a serene escape from the bustling city.
Experience the calming, luxurious design style of this 2022 project, filled with custom artwork and furnishings crafted in collaboration with renowned artists and artisans.
About Garden Gallery Residence
Yatofu Creatives’ Artful Transformation of a Shanghai Garden Apartment
Yatofu Creatives has transformed a rare garden apartment in downtown Shanghai into an urban refuge filled with custom artwork and furnishings. Located in a sought-after luxury building, the apartment features 180 square meters (1,937 square feet) of interior space and a private garden of around 150 square meters (1,615 square feet). Catering to the client’s preference for bespoke items, Yatofu crafted a warm, gallery-like space, showcasing a collection of art pieces and furnishings created in collaboration with artists and artisans specifically for the residence, infusing the interior with artistic expression.
Creating a Sophisticated and Inviting Atmosphere
Yatofu Creatives designed a sophisticated yet calm and inviting space by first creating a neutral canvas. They simplified architectural details in favor of minimalistic forms and chose textured, tactile surface materials. Soft cream-colored micro cement covers the walls and ceilings, while solid walnut paneling and doors add warmth to the space.
Integrating the Private Garden with the Interior
A rare feature of the apartment is the large private garden that seamlessly connects with the interior space through numerous custom doors, casting a soft, warm light inside. The contemporary, minimalistic garden serves as an airy contrast to the saturated city surrounding the residence.
Curating Unique and Bespoke Elements in the Living Spaces
The main living and dining space boasts bold, hand-laid oversized terrazzo flooring with stones in varying neutrals and blues. A monumental display wall in Brazilian pinta verde blue marble behind the dining table creates a bright, fresh focal point in the otherwise neutral space. The living area features a range of sofas and armchairs, creating an informal sitting area. Many fixtures and pieces in the main room, including the hanging lamp above the coffee table and the large asymmetrical mirror, were uniquely designed and made as one-off pieces for the apartment. Yatofu collaborated with New York-based ceramic artist Joseph Algieri to design bespoke stone and ceramic vessels, and with Finnish stylist Piia Emilia and photographer Aleksi Tikkala to create the oversized photography print hanging in the living room.
Infusing Artistry into the Bedrooms and Bathrooms
The two bedrooms feature solid walnut wainscoting and bespoke wall art created in collaboration with Moofoo, a Taiwan-based artist/carpenter. In the master bedroom’s ensuite bathroom, a sculptural monolithic bathtub, carved from a single piece of marble, occupies the corner. Both bedrooms open directly into the large private garden, a true rarity in a city like Shanghai.
Celebrating the Art of Living and Craftsmanship
Yatofu’s transformation of the apartment is an ode to the art of living, echoing the client’s appreciation for custom and bespoke creations. The subtle yet sophisticated foundation of the interior offers endless possibilities for site-specific artworks and unique furnishings, celebrating both craftsmanship and individual expression.
Photography courtesy of Yatofu Creatives
Visit Yatofu Creatives
- by Matt Watts
