WANGFU MANSION || A Beijing Home Reimagined Through Light and Form
Can a home be both a sanctuary and a work of art?
At Wangfu Mansion and Garden, Zhang Ping answers this question with a symphony of design, where every curve, texture, and material converges to redefine the boundaries of comfort and aesthetic brilliance.
Situated in Beijing’s Changping District, the Wangfu Mansion and Garden project presents a narrative of transformation, where every shadow and beam of light tells a story of spatial reinvention. Designed by Zhang Ping, this residence seamlessly melds functionality with poetic artistry, offering its inhabitants a living environment of elegance and emotional resonance.
A glowing archway at the entrance sets the tone for the residence’s play on light and form.
The foyer combines bold geometric furnishings with soft lighting for a dramatic first impression.
Upon entering, the once-cramped interiors reveal their metamorphosis. The ground floor reclaims the former outdoor veranda, converting it into an expansive living area with floor-to-ceiling glazing. This architectural gesture ushers in abundant natural light, lending the space a sense of openness and fluidity. The interplay of deep, rich tones with sunlit expanses creates an atmosphere of bold contrasts, where boundaries between rooms dissolve into a harmonious spatial flow.
The dining area, defined by its refined soffit designs, reflects Zhang Ping’s mastery of visual storytelling. Offset colours and recessed lighting add depth and texture, while a golden-yellow ceiling accent draws the eye upward. These carefully curated details invite a dialogue between light and structure, echoing the project’s broader theme of integration.
The lounge area, with its curved ceiling, is a playful and inviting retreat.
Ascending to the upper floor, the removal of a pre-existing mezzanine reveals a newfound verticality, bestowing the bedrooms with generous headspace. In the master suite, the juxtaposition of arched and curved windows frames vistas of the verdant garden, blurring the line between interior and exterior. This integration is further emphasized by the high window at the mezzanine’s former height, ensuring an ethereal cascade of sunlight throughout the day. The freestanding bathtub, set against the curved window, becomes a centrepiece of serenity, connecting the private realm with the natural world beyond.
The master bedroom invites a sense of calm with its arched windows and lush garden views.
A playful yet architectural intervention awaits at the staircase landing: a red steel ceiling structure designed as a climbing playground for the resident cats. This element is as much a functional piece as it is a bold artistic statement, injecting energy and modernity into the home’s heart.
The outdoor garden, envisioned as a modern forest retreat, extends the interior’s design ethos into nature. Sculptural concrete benches, a sunken fire pit, and a minimalist water feature punctuate the lush landscaping of trees, shrubs, and flowering plants. The garden walls, strategically positioned, frame the space like a gallery, inviting moments of social interaction or quiet contemplation.
The garden transforms into a verdant haven, seamlessly merging with the home’s interiors.
At its core, the Wangfu Mansion and Garden is committed to the human experience, where thoughtful design nurtures daily life with light, colour, and texture. Zhang Ping has crafted more than a home; this sanctuary elevates the everyday.
PROJECT DETAILS
Project name: Wangfu Mansion and Garden
Location: Changping District, Beijing
Chief Designer: Zhang Ping
MEP Consultant: Kang Zheng
Project Designer: Yang Xiunan
Project Year: 2024
Interior Area: 320 sqm
Photographer: Zheng Yan