The Hangzhou tower, nestled along the picturesque West Lake of historical Hangzhou city, has long held its position as a premier department store in China.

Within Hangzhou Building's B Block, a renowned hub for luxury brands from across the globe, a need arose to elevate the dining experience for high-end customers and deepen their connection to the establishment. This led to the transformation of the former supermarket space on B1 into a high-end bespoke dining area and a VIP member center. Our mission revolves around the meticulous design of a public space that seamlessly accommodates multiple high-end restaurants and the interiors of the VIP center, preserving the establishment's innate grandeur.

This project posed several significant challenges. Firstly, the subterranean location of B1 meant a lack of natural light and scenic vistas. Our mission was twofold: to ensure the public area's ambiance was both inviting and in harmony with the newly introduced upscale Chinese dining theme and the VIP center. In addition, as B1 was positioned beneath the opulent first-floor retail zone, crafting a transitional space that seamlessly guided customers from above was vital. Moreover, Hangzhou's historical significance necessitated the integration of distinct local cultural elements into the design to create an aesthetic that seamlessly complemented the Western luxury ambiance on the upper levels.

In terms of the overall ambiance, we positioned it in a highly inclusive setting steeped in the essence of Eastern aesthetics. In contrast to the bustling dining areas commonly found in traditional shopping centers, we adopted an elegant, serene, and subtly Zen-inspired design style. Our aim was to craft an environment filled with the beauty of inclusivity and the charm of the East.

Next came the creation of the landscape. We embraced the concept of incorporating exterior scenery within the interior commercial area to compensate for the lack of natural light and outdoor vistas. At the heart of B1, near the main escalator, we designed a clear, elongated water feature, adorned with a pine tree on its surface. A suspended metal mesh was placed behind it, subtly concealing the moving elevator and casting an ethereal backdrop with alternating light and shadow. Several stones serenely floated on the water's surface, akin to tiny islands in a vast sea, infusing the entire B1 area with an ethereal and grandiose aura.

In the compact public area, our design is inspired by the Chinese garden philosophy of "changing scenery with each step." We cleverly repurpose columns as framing elements to create diverse and visually engaging perspectives. We ensure seamless sightlines with custom water-patterned glass windows in the VIP area and the gift card center. These windows offer unobstructed views of the indoor landscapes, providing both privacy and natural light. The external stones harmonize with the central water feature, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

Below the escalators, mirrored stainless steel gave way to water-inspired perforated panels. White sand and stones artfully complemented the nearby water feature.

The VIP center's interior space is thoughtfully designed to cater to various needs, offering several lounges areas, a bar, an infants’ room, and a smoking area. Upon entering, the use of naturally textured marble and self-illuminating textured laminated glass forms an elegant reception area, evoking the charm of traditional Chinese ink-wash paintings. The streamlined ceiling guides guests into the interior, harmonizing with the simplicity and natural scenery outside. 

Meticulously chosen furniture and art pieces harmoniously blend elements from both Eastern and Western styles, crafting an ambiance that exudes sophistication and exclusivity.

Our design approach merged traditional landscape philosophies with a contemporary language, weaving external and internal sceneries to create an "ever-changing landscape" rooted in Eastern aesthetics. Simultaneously, it responded effectively to the opulent ambiance of upper floors, underlining local culture, enhancing the VIP members' experience and  sense of belonging.

Client: Hangzhou Tower

Completion Date: 2023
Interior Design: DU STUDIO & Xianghe Space
Construction Drawing Team: China United Engineering Co., Ltd.
Design Director: Zhu Ping
Design Team: Wang Yuan, Yang Peng, An Tianjian, Zhang Enyuan
Photography: Yan Fei
Main Materials: Silk Road Flower Rain, Custom Patterned Glass, Custom Metal Mosaic