HHN

This unique project transforms an early 20th-century Chinese townhouse, located in Nanjing’s historic city center, into an exclusive private residence for a collector of Chinese art, bonsai, and aquariums. The renovation is guided by minimalist design principles and the quiet elegance of wabi-sabi, all while respecting the building’s heritage constraints. The project faced two major structural challenges: adding a new floor and constructing a basement. These interventions were made possible through advanced engineering solutions such as a ventilated foundation system to address humidity, and lightweight steel-and-concrete slab structures. The basement—designed with exceptional structural care—was integrated seamlessly into the urban fabric, despite its proximity to adjacent historic homes built without foundations. The result is a sophisticated and technologically advanced residence, where tradition and innovation coalesce to create a space of comfort, elegance, and quiet contemplation.