Xintiandi Penthouse by Joyce Wang Studio

Joyce Wang Studio designed a three-storey penthouse set in the heart of Shanghai’s Xintiandi district that offers some of the best lake and skyline views Shanghai has to offer. The entire interior design revolves around a cantilever staircase that winds around the double-height atrium offering a stunning view over the entire apartment. The project won the 2014 INSIDE Festival award in the residential category.

Image Courtesy of INSIDE Festival

The sculptural staircase uses conventional boat-building techniques, as three layers of metal cabling totalling 5 km in length were hand-woven to create a textural screen between the balustrade and the baseline. The staircase creates a nest-like environment for the dinning areas without the use of solid walls, and acts as a dividing screen between the dining and living spaces.

Image Courtesy of INSIDE Festival

Within the living room, the staircase offers a sculptural backdrop while creating a sense of intimacy. Wood-grain etched concrete, Corten steel and walnut timber line the walls, floors and ceiling of this residence are reminescent of the industrial buildings of old Shanghai. The raw materials act as a backdrop for the family’s art collection and antique light fixtures.

Image Courtesy of INSIDE Festival

The more private areas, such as the bedrooms, share a public corridor featuring double-height windows that create a mesmerizing light tunnel. The bedrooms can also share a public access and light-filled atrium during the day when privacy in bedrooms is no longer required.

Image Courtesy of INSIDE Festival

Geometric graphic patterns are created on the flooring as one material joins another in order to zone various public and private spaces. As the dining room travertine patterned floor hits the wooden slat floor in the bedrooms and burnt orange rug in the living room, a strong graphic line is created on the floor.

Image Courtesy of INSIDE Festival

The unique marble slabs chosen for the bathrooms become a dramatic backdrop when opened up to the bedroom. Paired with minimal yet effective lighting, the various textural layers of finishes, upholstery, artwork and accessories create a moody ambiance.

Image Courtesy of INSIDE Festival

Image Courtesy of INSIDE Festival

Image Courtesy of INSIDE Festival

Image Courtesy of INSIDE Festival

Image Courtesy of INSIDE Festival

Image Courtesy of INSIDE Festival

Image Courtesy of INSIDE Festival

Image Courtesy of INSIDE Festival

Image Courtesy of INSIDE Festival

*All images and information courtesy of INSIDE Festival.