Shanghai-based studio Neri&Hu has designed the Vanke Model Home project in Shanghai, China.
Vanke Model Home by Neri & Hu:
“For the design of the two model homes Neri&Hu Design and Research Office was given the brief that this is to reflect a “modern Chinese” living with two family units for us to consider. Neri&Hu designed the interior spaces, and Design Republic sourced all the interior furniture and decorative items.
Unit I – design professional couple with a young girl
The designer unit focuses around a central, double height space above the dining room, where the space is defined by a wooden screened “cage”. This gives the overall architecture a unifying theme, making this high ceiling space more intimate. The material offered as interior finishes are warm but chic at the same time. They offer a beautiful backdrop for the ultra-modern furniture spread across the different rooms in the unit. Many of the furniture are iconic modern pieces, defining the modern artistic and design taste shared by the couple who lives there. Within the living spaces one sees traces of the owner’s design profession becoming part of their home decoration.
Unit II – Three-generation family living in a contemporary house
Derived out of the “多宝阁“ concept from Chinese furniture, this house unit utilizes its “side strip”, defined as a storage shelving unit and circulation, as the characteristic element of this house. The three generations are each given a storage unit, and each exhibit different hobbies/obsessions on their designated shelves. On the ground level by the living room, the grand parents showcase their collected porcelains and pottery. On the basement level next to the child’s play and learning area, the child displays his artwork and paintings. On the third level master bedroom, the parents collect their calligraphy tools and other artifacts.
The remaining spaces are decorated in a more conservative, tailored scheme of furniture and collectives, showing a very livable ensemble of designed furniture and lighting.”
Photos by: Zhonghai Shen
