Civic Circle is a minimal home located in Hangzhou, China, designed by CYID. Sunlight streaming through the L-shaped southwest window creating a warm atmosphere, with light and shadows dancing through the gaps in the leaves. The homeowners had a preference for dark green tones and a retro aesthetic, particularly one reminiscent of old movies. The architects were tasked with optimizing the limited space, which presented several challenges. The ceiling was concrete and lacked any height variation, while lighting was a concern. The architects overcame these obstacles with the design of a large, concealed ceiling light that also hid the power cord.

The architects cleverly created an interesting and engaging space by incorporating old and new elements, seamlessly integrating them to create a unique atmosphere. The space was carefully arranged, with lines and shapes that interpenetrated and overlapped, resulting in a peaceful yet impactful environment. Geometric and simple roof lights were added to the original exposed concrete roof shape, which was complemented by the bold choice of rosewood veneer. The retro charm of the dark green tones was amplified by the cloth thread stone pillars and other natural textures.

Photography by Chuanhe Photography