- Project: Mansion XÚN
- Architect: LDH Design
- Location: China, Chengdu
- Year: 2022
- Area: 1400 m2
- Photography: Wang Ting
Visible, Tangible, Perceptible
Drawing inspiration from Peter Zumthor’s concept of atmosphere as the bond between people and space, LDH Design crafted Mansion XÚN in Chengdu’s bustling Jiaozi Park commercial district. Here, tranquility meets vitality, balancing Eastern refinement with contemporary aesthetics, creating a dining destination that evokes warmth, perception, and poetic resonance.
A Sanctuary Within the City
Amidst the towering structures of Chengdu, Mansion XÚN stands as a haven of serenity. At its heart is a waterscape courtyard, a reflective surface that shimmers with light and shadow, calming restlessness and inviting introspection. This opening gesture defines the project’s philosophy: architecture as an emotional experience, not merely a physical construct.
The Spiral Staircase as Sculpture
A dramatic spiral staircase connects the levels of the restaurant, serving both as a functional element and an artistic centerpiece. Its curved contours soften the metallic interiors, creating a sense of ritual and suspense. Each step reveals new perspectives, transforming movement into a journey of discovery.
Poetic Materials and Asymmetry
LDH Design merges stone, metal, and textured finishes into a refined material palette that honors Chinese tradition while embracing modern simplicity. By colliding proportions and irregular compositions, the architects pursue an asymmetrical balance that mirrors the spontaneity of nature.
Soft yellow light filters through latticework, evoking the serenity of a sunset. Carefully designed semi-open spaces encourage exploration, blending past and present, order and freedom in a continuous poetic dialogue.
Dining as an Immersive Experience
The design extends beyond aesthetics to curate an emotional journey. Loose table areas are bathed in gentle, atmospheric lighting, encouraging intimate conversations. Private dining rooms adopt a minimalist ethos, prioritizing calm and visual purity over opulence.
Here, food and space unite. The warmth of shared cooking and dining rituals is elevated by harmonious proportions, ritualistic lighting, and a refined spatial scale. Every gathering becomes an immersive cultural experience, where atmosphere enhances memory.
The Essence of Atmosphere
Mansion XÚN embodies the three dimensions of atmosphere—visibility, tangibility, and perception. Through careful deconstruction and recombination of architectural elements, LDH Design transforms a commercial dining venue into an artistic sanctuary.
The project demonstrates that beauty is not just form, but feeling. Mansion XÚN is a space where elegance, tranquility, and poetry converge—an enduring reflection of Chengdu’s ability to blend cosmopolitan dynamism with timeless cultural depth.
