MMR Design Studio: Winner of International Residential Architecture Awards 2025. The core concept of the project is “natural symbiosis.” By renovating the original building, the project reshapes the once back-lit and gray space, and implements a functional layering design tailored to the residents’ family structure and living habits. The four floors of the space are designed to open up around the river view, maximizing the integration of nature into the interior. Daylight creates a dynamic play of light and shadow on the walls throughout the day, and the original dark spiral staircase has been transformed into an “artistic light gallery” through the strategic use of indoor and outdoor lighting. Environmental consciousness, future adaptability, and artistic expression are deeply intertwined, and rainwater is filtered and recycled through an abundance of green plants, forming a green circular ecology. This creates a contemporary human settlement model that is both poetically habitable and practically valuable.

Creative Dimension: Spatial reconstruction of natural symbiosis The design takes “symbiosis with nature” as the anchor point to break the structural shackles of the original building’s backlight and

closure: Vertical breathing system: Floor-to-ceiling Windows are cut in the four-storey space according to the river view, bringing sky light, water color and green color into the room. The glass dome at the top and the curved outline of the spiral staircase create a “light and shadow container”, projecting a flowing light and shadow drama on the wall over time.

Functional stratification philosophy: Customize the space scene according to the needs of the family generation – the first floor of the integrated family hall, the second floor of the humanistic social field, the third floor of the quiet healing room, the fourth floor of the children’s fun growth cabin, to achieve a dynamic balance of privacy and interaction;

Green circular ecology: Innovative use of rain garden system, through vegetation level filtration to achieve water recycling; The building materials are selected from low-carbon and environmentally friendly stone and recycled wood, allowing the concept of sustainability to penetrate into aesthetic details.

Aesthetic and Sustainable Dimensions: French elegance is harmoniously blended with modern simplicity, as arched columns, spiral stairs, and crystal lighting create visual tension against pure white accents and minimalist lines. Artistic and Natural Borrowing – The balcony’s view of the Pearl River city and interior greenery form a “dynamic art painting,” interlaced with light and shadow. Detail Aesthetics – Champagne leather seats, jade marble dining tables, and acrylic children’s display cabinets enhance spatial texture through contrasting materials and colors.

Multi-functional Reserve – The flexible design of the horizontal room and tea room adapts to future social patterns, such as homeoffices or mixed-use spaces. Intergenerational Co-housing Compatibility – The four-level zoning meets the needs of multiple age groups, including children’s play areas and a wine museum, aligning with trends in aging and multi-child families. Intelligent Control Design – The integration of smart lighting and air environment systems, such as light and shadow control, temperature, and humidity adjustment, prepares for future smart home upgrades.

Environmental Dimension: Natural Symbiosis Design – The building is integrated with surrounding greenery and lakes, minimizing disruption to the original landform and preserving the natural ecosystem. Indoor-outdoor Landscape Penetration – Large floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies introduce natural light and ventilation, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning. Micro-eco-cycles – Green walls or roof gardens regulate the microclimate and purify the air. Passive Energy-saving Design – The white facade reflects sunlight, reducing heat radiation; the open horizontal hall layout optimizes natural ventilation, decreasing the need for cooling. Preference for Local Materials – Regional materials such as natural marble and wooden furniture reduce maintenance costs and time. Long-term Durability – High-quality leather, silk, and other durable materials are chosen to avoid frequent replacement and resource waste.

Project Details:-
Firm
MMR Design Studio

Architect
Zai Ying Yang

Project Name
Chanson · Cloud Mansion

Project Category
Villa Design Built

Team
zai ying Yang

Project Location
Guangzhou， China

Country
China

Photography ©Credit
©photo by An Aperture Odysseys， copyright by Re-Build

MMR Space Design, is a professional design company integrating interior design and soft decoration supporting services, mainly engaged in fine private homes, private villas, office space, commercial space design and planning. Adhere to the concept of “innovative design, build the future”, customer-centric, product-centric, service-oriented.

Master of Design Management, Macau University of Science and Technology
Master student, Macao University of Science and Technology

Focus on high-end residential design and catering space design for 20 years, with many years of experience in foreign design companies, adhere to the concept of “innovative design, build the future”, customer-centric, product-centric, service-oriented, to achieve customer value optimization.