Casa Rong is a residential and gallery space that transcends traditional design paradigms. Conceived by Zhang Xiaojun, Founder and Design Director of Hangzhou Casa Rong and Water Team Design, this unique project is a profound meditation on time, memory, and self-expression

George Steiner's assertion that "literary criticism should come from a sense of return to literature" resonates deeply with the experience of Casa Rong. As Mr. Xie, the project's occupant, eloquently puts it, entering this space is akin to a spiritual journey, a feeling that language struggles to fully capture. It is a non-standard work that folds the sedimentation of time, family memories, and emotions, where intuitive feelings and experiences offer the true solution.

A Flexible Canvas for Life and Art

Casa Rong challenges the conventional notion of a living room, seamlessly blending the "study room" and "within gallery" to serve as public leisure and reception functions. This innovative approach allows for a fluid, integrated lifestyle where work and residence coexist on the same floor. The layout is entirely flexible, allowing for personalization based on individual preferences and functional needs. The residence thoughtfully retains two bedrooms, a housekeeping room, and an open kitchen, prioritizing essential functions. A subtle elevation leads to the private bedroom area, marked by a grand off-axis door. Custom-made aluminum handles, designed for their unique warmth, offer a tactile connection to the space, inviting silent conversation with every touch.

The master bedroom exemplifies a forward-thinking design, incorporating dual flow paths to accommodate the distinct living habits of both male and female occupants. A nearly 12-meter-long dressing room and a spacious bathroom occupy over half of the master suite, catering to the unique demands of the hostess, a fashion creative worker. This bold allocation of space reflects a contemporary understanding of modern living, where traditional storage capacity for clothing is often insufficient.

Folding Time, Embracing the Classic

Water Team Design’s philosophy embraces the concept of "time folding," where time is not linear but can be reshaped and reinterpreted. To mitigate urban noise and strong light, solid wood louvers are integrated into the curtain wall glass. Imagine sipping morning coffee, bathed in the soft, filtered light and shadows, as time seems to stand still. The ingenious integration of the gallery with the living area is achieved through a long corridor, creating two distinct yet parallel functions. Time flows freely between work and life, transitioning effortlessly through doors of varying textures. A historic old wooden beam, intentionally preserved in the restaurant's rest area, serves as an emotional anchor, connecting the spirit of the gallery to the core of the home. This commitment to preserving such elements underscores a belief that classic designs can truly last forever.

Long-Termism and Tactile Soul

Casa Rong eschews extravagance in favor of timeless textures. A captivating interplay of black-gray pine bark, subtle beige and gray-purple texture coatings, the cool allure of purple copper, custom grass-gray-green handmade bricks, and aluminum door handles creates a rich visual and tactile experience. This is a testament to Water Team Design’s masterful application of material science. Furniture selection follows a "few and refined" principle, with medieval and contemporary pieces carefully chosen in collaboration with the owners. The project also features bespoke white marble tables, inspired by the elegant simplicity of ancient Chinese white porcelain vessels, harmoniously paired with a curated collection of white medieval chairs.

Functionality forms the bedrock of Casa Rong's design. Every corner is imbued with practical value, from large-capacity concealed storage to movable partition doors, multifunctional sideboard cabinets, and bedroom mini-bar cabinets. A super-sized dressing room, spanning up to 10 meters, offers unparalleled storage. In public areas, semi-transparent cloakroom boxes with glass brick walls create a striking visual, resembling miniature building facades as evening lights illuminate them.

The Flavor of Life, the Pursuit of Self

Ultimately, Casa Rong is more than just a house; it is a container for life and a dwelling place for the spirit. It's a space where a cup of coffee, a good book, or a piece of music can become profound expressions of life's flavor and explorations of one's inner self. The seamless integration of "work residence integration" creates a private sanctuary designed to inspire creativity and soothe the soul. Water Team Design, through Casa Rong, has crafted a "time folding" place and a classic, timeless home for creative individuals. Here, the owner's deep love for life, unwavering pursuit of art, and infinite exploration of self-worth are beautifully interwoven into the fabric of daily living. As Zhang Xiaojun, the visionary behind this project, eloquently states, "Why is the water so clear? Because it flows from a source of fresh water." This philosophy is evident in every clean line and natural material, creating a comfortable, livable space that emphasizes detail and exquisite design while conveying a warm and humanistic spirit.