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photo of Memory Box

Memory Box

Shanghai, China

Memory Box

Shanghai, China

  • Design Principal

    Kirsten Ring Murray

This villa – part of the Zhongkai Sheshan development near Shanghai – is composed of several distinct volumes which define a series of courtyards and garden spaces. The design aims to create a thoroughly integrated indoor/outdoor living experience.

Rustic stone walls and a landscaped “living wall” frame the entrance, and shield the front of the house from the street. These textures continue inside, where a south-facing courtyard connects the main living areas and a study, bringing natural light and ventilation into the public areas of the house. The two-story volume on the eastern side of the house contains bedrooms and a guest suite. Wooden shutters, interior walls and operable screens create rich counterpoint to the rustic stone, while acting as a flexible system to control privacy, sunlight and ventilation.

Indoor/outdoor connections are made on varying levels of the site. Two sunken courtyard spaces bring light and air into the lower level media room and exercise area. Enclosed gardens to the north and the south, as well as a roof terrace, provide the first- and second-floor private areas of the house with exterior views and access.

Team