Image Credit : Sicong Sui
Project Overview
TianTong 198, located in Shanghai's North Bund, consists of high-end apartments, courtyard houses, and townhouses. This project reinterprets the historic Shanghai alley house typology for modern living. Inspired by the 19th-century commercial and cultural golden age of Shanghai, the design integrates multicultural influences, creating spaces that serve as vessels for family memories and legacy. The design prioritizes flexibility and modern comfort, making it a sophisticated home for diverse lifestyles.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Mildred Lee, Matthew Sung, Sammy Shen, Shirley Shui, Jessica Chen, Anna Zhang
Project Brief
TianTong 198 brings together traditional Shanghai alley houses and New York townhouses in a dynamic fusion. The courtyard house showcases how exceptional space is defined not by size, but by proportion and function, a principle essential to 21st-century urban living. The design also embraces the flexibility needed for modern Chinese families, with public spaces at the lower levels and private spaces above, all while maintaining clear boundaries of privacy. Each detail is meticulously crafted to create an intimate yet expansive environment for family life, inviting buyers to imagine their future in this versatile space.
Project Innovation/Need
The project's innovation lies in merging architectural typologies from Shanghai's traditional alley houses with New York townhouse features to meet modern needs. The design challenges the notion that luxury is defined by size, instead focusing on the proportions and functions that make a space truly exceptional. This approach emphasizes flexibility and personalization, allowing future residents to customize their homes while still benefiting from a thoughtfully planned, multifunctional layout that accommodates the complexities of modern urban living.
Design Challenge
The main design challenge was addressing the close proximity of neighboring properties, a feature typical of traditional Shanghai alley housing but not conducive to contemporary preferences for privacy. To overcome this, the design carefully considered the layout and functionality of window-facing areas, ensuring that privacy was prioritized in both spatial arrangement and architectural details. This careful balance of tradition and modern needs allowed the project to honor its heritage while adapting to the privacy expectations of today's homeowners.
Sustainability
Sustainability is integrated into every aspect of the design, from material selection to energy-efficient features. The 'white box' concept leaves key walls blank for future customization, reducing waste from renovations. The MDF panelling meets ENF emission standards, supporting both health and forest conservation.
Paints used in the space meet the highest standards for low emissions (French VOC A+ certification). Lighting design includes sensor-activated LED fixtures to minimize energy consumption, while restored antique furniture blends historical charm with modern sustainability, further supporting the project’s eco-friendly ethos.
Interior Design - International Showroom or Flagship
This award celebrates innovative and creative building interiors, with consideration given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes and aesthetic presentation. Consideration given to space allocation, traffic flow, building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings and surface finishes.
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