Townhouse design for a multi-generation family

Landed
Bar, Bathroom, Bedroom, Dining Room, Kitchen, Living Room
Minimalistic, Scandinavian

The townhouse design for this family home prioritize natural light, personal outdoor space, and the use of refined artisanal finishes.

In the heart of the historical district in Jing’an, the design of townhouse interiors is a pure and minimal expression of extravagance. The refined construction detailing and minimal use of finishes express how essentialism redefines traditional notions of luxury.

Shanghai’s Jing’an district is rooted in tradition and culture because of its namesake temple. Built over two thousand years ago, it remains the physical and symbolic center of the community. As the city continues to densify and residences are built for a growing population, this development provides families with an alternative to the commonly seen condominium typology offering traditional notions of luxury through ornamentation and additive decorative application within single-level residential units.

Spearheaded by Mason Studio, the interior material selection for the townhouse design is reduced to the use of only three main materials; wood, marble and hand-trowelled plaster. By reducing the materials to a select few, an emphasis is maintained on the quality and execution of refined detailing. All finishes are void of any applied ornamentation relying solely on the inherent beauty and integrity of the material itself.

Asian persuasion

In this townhouse design, the living room, dining area and kitchen are open to one another to encourage familial interaction and communal cooking. Natural stone textures and light oak wood adorn vertical and horizontal surfaces of the interior envelope. The central staircase descends to an entertainment area where an indoor garden and daylight provide natural elements to the subterranean space courtesy of a skylight.

The marble-clad stairwell continues upstairs for access to three bedrooms and bathrooms. These private areas are designed to be functional spaces for individual family members to live, work and relax. Retail design techniques are used to display personal possessions communicating the value of treating all objects with respect and care.

A townhouse design which focusses on refined craftsmanship of natural materials

The upper property is designed for a mature family, who spend their free time attending social functions, entertaining their extended family within their home. The colour palette in this townhouse design features pattern and textural variations which reflect the vibrancy of the lifestyle of the occupants.

Throughout the main floor, the living and dining areas have a distinctive high-contrast saturated palette. Open-grain oak wood panels and natural marble slabs are used on the wall and floor surfaces. The natural graphic patterning and honed textures reinforce the quality and innate uniqueness of the materials. A central staircase ascends through the levels with custom artwork and integrated lighting to exaggerate the architectural geometry adding interest to an otherwise narrow condition. The staircase culminates at the rooftop level where residents enjoy an expansive private sky terrace.

Photography by Seth Powers

The living room opens to a shared courtyard. Expansive windows and a glass door maximizes natural light.

A lounge and living space in the upper floor adopts a vibrant tone as reflected on the statement wall featuring the natural grains of wood.

Paneled surfaces in light open grain Oak wood envelope a formal dining space on the ground floor. Furniture are also in wood to enhance the natural palette.

The kitchen and dining spaces are kept open plan to facilitate communal cooking and gatherings.

The basement hosts an entertainment area where an indoor garden and daylight provide natural elements to the subterranean space.

A bar in the entertainment area offers additional seating for bigger gatherings.

The marble-clad stairwell leads upstairs for access to three bedrooms and bathrooms.

A statement wall with integrated lighting which blends form and function elegantly.

A bedroom on the second floor is minimal yet cosy in a natural palette. Hidden lighting at the bedhead lends secondary illumination to the small space.