VILLA UYUNI: A Perfect Retreat with A Minimalist Interior and A Unique Character

Started in 2019 and finished in 2020, this single-family residence comes as a perfect retreat from the stresses of modern life. VILLA UYUNI is located in Shanghai and designed by Young H Design. The final result of this awesome project is a building with a minimalist interior and a unique character.

Overview

The client wants a design that can give him an awesome place to escape from the stresses days related to his work. He needs a place with a peaceful, rejuvenating sanctuary in which he can reflect more about life and also feel sheltered too. He also wishes to have an interior where he can display his private artwork collection.

Inspiration

The architects take inspiration from Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni (Salt Flats) that considered one of the premier places on earth for relaxation and meditation. With reflective surfaces and neutral colors, the Salar can show that the horizon has disappeared and there is a feeling of being immersed within the vastness of space.

Design

The floor plan is opened up by demolishing the existing dense grid of partitions. The architects also create large open interiors to site the shared living spaces. The dimensions of the spaces slightly enlarged and the ceiling heights are raised to give more pleasant proportions to the overall environment. Some openings are also added to the walls and floors on different floors to let more natural light comes in.

By playing with and manipulating daylight, the right balance between space, openings, and materials can be created. A space with vibrancy also can be imbued so this space is alive in a way that only natural light is capable of. With the understanding of simplicity, the architects create an unornamented interior to capture this essence and to lend a certain clarity. It is achieved by using basic elements only.

Spaces

The functional floor plan focusses on the main tasks of day-to-day living that comes from a logical, practical design approach. There is direct access to the garden, yoga pavilion, and pool at the ground level where the main dining and living functions are also situated here. A flexible space is also designed after considering the client’s love for entertaining guests and this space can be easily adapted to cater to a broad range of events.

Interior

There is a dramatic 13-meter-high chandelier within the heart of the building that extends vertically up through the building and complements the harmonious lines of the staircase,. This chandelier ables to add a sculptural accent of fluidity that helps guests feel at home. The interior also tends not to distract from life’s important moments on the first floor. Some large rectangular windows serve to let in natural light and frame different external views of nature.

When interiors have less in them, there’s a sense of freedom in the space and the light becomes more interesting. The top floor is designed for private functions including a private office and master bedroom. The architects also prefer a restrained material selection and color palette centered on the use of marble and oak, and take inspiration from the tranquil colors of the most iconic lake on Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni to create a sense of tranquillity.

VILLA UYUNI Gallery

Photography: Young H Design