Xixi Wetland Estate: Pritzker Laureate’s Masterful Residence in Hangzhou
Xixi Wetland Estate, a captivating residential project in Hangzhou, China, showcases the innovative design of Pritzker laureate David Chipperfield. Blending seamlessly with the natural landscape, the volcanic rock structure creates a striking counterpoint to the serene wetland environment. This collaboration between Huang Zhiyong Design and the homeowner explores the harmonious relationship between habitation and nature, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region.
About Xixi Wetland Estate
Located within the heart of Hangzhou’s Xixi Wetland, the Xixi Wetland Estate is a captivating residential project designed by the renowned architect Huang Zhiyong. Completed in 2023, this stunning house seamlessly blends modern architecture with the natural beauty of its surroundings.
Embracing the “Local Spirit”
Helmed by Pritzker laureate David Chipperfield, the estate’s architectural design pays homage to the region’s cultural heritage. The bold, square-shaped volcanic rock structure serves as a subtle counterpoint to the wetland’s verdant landscape, creating a harmonious dialogue between the built and natural environments.
Connecting Habitat and Habitat
This project explores the profound relationship between human habitation and the natural world. By thoughtfully integrating the estate’s design with the surrounding wetland, the designers have crafted a living scenario that celebrates the intricate bonds between man, nature, and cultural attributes.
A Tailor-made Sanctuary
Responding to the owner’s unique needs and spiritual pursuits, the design team has created a truly personalized home. Abandoning the traditional approach to private residences, each element of the estate tells a captivating story, seamlessly blending the owner’s experiences with the designer’s creative vision.
Embracing the Power of Light
Guided by the concept of “light,” the design narrative unfolds through three distinct yet interconnected themes: “Time,” “Picking up the Light,” and “Stone Light.” These elements work in harmony to create a space that is both rational and perceptual, where public and private realms coexist in a delicate balance.
Emotional Resonance through Materiality
Drawing inspiration from the owner’s childhood memories by the seaside, the design team has skillfully incorporated natural materials such as stone, wood, and water to evoke a sense of emotional connection. The careful selection and crafting of these elements, including the use of over 4-meter (13-foot) hand-carved stones, infuse the space with a rich, tactile quality.
Blurring the Boundaries
Seamlessly transitioning from the indoor spaces to the outdoor courtyard, the estate showcases a remarkable integration of the built and natural environments. Massive stone elements, lifted by heavy-duty cranes, have been transformed into ground surfaces, bridges, and artificial hills, harmonizing with the surrounding wetland and greenery.
A Curated Artistic Experience
The design of the Xixi Wetland Estate goes beyond the traditional confines of architecture, embracing a curatorial approach that blends spatial design with artistic expression. The juxtaposition of materials, light, and the owner’s personal narratives creates a multidimensional environment that cultivates a deeper understanding of self-culture and individual life stories.
A Timeless Masterpiece
Ultimately, the Xixi Wetland Estate stands as a testament to the power of design to transcend the boundaries of mere structures and material possessions. It is a grand residence that celebrates the owner’s cultivation, knowledge, and aesthetic sensibilities, embodying the essence of what a true home should be.
Photography courtesy of Huang Zhiyong
- by Matt Watts
