Kris Lin International Design: Winner of the Architect of the Year Awards 2025. 1.Functional Positioning:
Centered around the core concept of “Social & Wellness,” this project creates a high-quality community clubhouse that integrates social interaction, fitness, and leisure. The space includes a shared library, private dining hall, swimming pool, gym, and yoga room, fostering a warm atmosphere and enhancing community cohesion. It serves as a place for emotional connection and memory, strengthening interactions between people and their surroundings.

2.Design Objectives:

2.a. Create a community space that seamlessly integrates fitness and wellness.

2.b. Promote neighborly communication, enhance family interaction, and foster a harmonious community environment.

3.Design Challenges:
Located on the basement level, the project faces limitations in natural lighting and a deep spatial layout, requiring optimization of openness and transparency to enhance comfort.

4.Approach:
A holistic design strategy integrating architecture, interior, and landscape.

2.INSPIRATION:

1. Overcoming the Challenges of an Underground Space – Introducing the “Fifth Facade”
The primary challenge of this project is its underground location, which results in limited natural lighting and a deep spatial layout. To address this, the design team introduced a courtyard as a unique “fifth facade,” harmonizing with the ground-level landscape to bring natural light into the interior. This strategy not only improves lighting conditions but also enhances spatial openness and layering, infusing the underground space with natural vitality.

2. Integrating Function and Emotion
The project aims to counteract the growing detachment in modern urban neighborhoods by creating a shared space that balances social interaction and wellness. Through thoughtful material selection and atmospheric design, it seamlessly integrates functionality with emotional connection, fostering interactions between people and their environment.

3.MATERIALS:

Sustainability:
A combination of materials such as wood, stone, glass, and artistic mosaics creates a natural transition, adding depth and an artistic touch to the space. The choice of materials focuses on sustainability, with some areas using recyclable materials and eco-friendly processes, in line with the global green movement.

Details and Functionality:
The ceramic mosaics in the pool area are highly durable and slip-resistant, ensuring safety and longevity. The leisure areas extensively feature wood and soft lighting, creating a comfortable environment that promotes tranquility.

Experiential Resonance:
Through careful material and lighting design, the project awakens a resonance between people and space, engaging the senses and emotions.

4.TECHNICAL PROPERTIES:

Artistic Mosaic Technology:

1. Diverse Materials: Natural stone, mirrored materials, and ceramic mosaics give the space luxurious, artistic, and durable characteristics.
2. Fine Joinery: The patterns are consistent, offering a visually exquisite finish.
3. Durability and Practicality: The ceramic mosaics in the pool are slip-resistant, waterproof, and long-lasting.

High-Gloss Materials and Metal Processing:

1. Mirrored Luxury: High-gloss stone combined with metallic geometric patterns and polished coatings presents a refined texture.
2. Precise Cutting: Laser technology enhances design accuracy and adds depth.

5. INTERACTION:

This design combines materials and craftsmanship to create a rich spatial experience. Natural stone, mirrors, and ceramics convey luxury and durability, while high-gloss materials and metalwork create striking visuals. Laminated glass acts as both a partition and a decorative element, enhancing transparency, safety, and dynamic lighting. Together, these elements meet functional needs and offer a unique sensory experience.

• RESEARCH ABSTRACT:

Through the careful selection of materials and processes, this design not only enhances the visual appeal of the space but also improves functionality and comfort. Commercially, the innovative design and premium materials help establish a brand image, attract more clients, and strengthen market competitiveness. On a social level, it fosters interaction and socializing, creating a shared space that promotes health and community cohesion. The design breaks away from traditional functional zoning, blending art and practicality, balancing aesthetics, technology, and human-centered design to showcase a high-quality lifestyle.

7.RESEARCH CHALLENGE:

Challenge: Limited Natural Light and Deep Spatial Layout
The underground location of the main space restricts natural light, while the deep spatial layout may create a sense of oppression.Solution:
The design team introduced a courtyard as a “fifth facade,” integrating it with the ground-level landscape to bring in natural light. Additionally, reflective materials such as glass and high-gloss luxury stone were used to enhance light diffusion. A layered lighting strategy—combining indirect lighting with accent lighting—was implemented to improve brightness and create a dynamic sense of depth.

Project Details:-
Firm
Kris Lin International Design

Designer
Kris Lin

Project Name
Timeles Elegance

Project Category
Hospitality Interior Built

Team
Kris Lin, Anda Yang

Project Location
Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China

Country
China

Photography ©Credit
©Kris Lin International Design

Kris Lin International Design has been rooted in Shanghai for 23 years, serving China’s top 100 real estate developers and Southeast Asian projects. Specializing in integrated architectural, interior, soft decoration, and landscape design, KLID adheres to the philosophy of “Innovation through expertise, vision with depth.” Led by Kris Lin and Director Yang Jiayu, the firm has created numerous iconic projects, upholding originality and pursuing excellence.