forest villa: a dwelling within a garden
The Forest Villa, a recently completed contemporary residence in Hefei, Anhui Province, stands to exemplify integration between architecture and nature by HAS Design and Research. Influenced by the postcard scenery of Mount Huangshan, the renowned ‘loveliest mountain of China,’ the architects aimed to capture the spiritual essence of this natural landscape in the design of the dwelling. Drawing from the mountain’s peaks, seas of clouds, and forests, the team set out to craft a lasting connection with nature within the walls of the home. Lead architects Hung and Songkittipakdee (HAS) design the entrance experience to mirror the journey into Mount Huangshan, encouraging visitors to perceive the living space as an extension of the natural world.
images © Tian Fangfang
the ‘sea of clouds’ by has design and research
The architects at HAS Design and Research plan the Forest Villa to be hidden amongst the natural landscape, concealing itself like a ‘peak’ in the plant-life. The approach to the villa through a winding tree path not only provides a unique and extraordinary arrival experience but also strengthens the aesthetic bond between humanity and nature. The architects sought to create a space resembling a ‘sea of clouds’ inside the building, establishing a sense of belonging and infusing a unique ritualistic and spiritual dimension into the living experience.
Forest Villa is a contemporary residence designed to embody ‘spiritual connectivity’ in Hefei, China
interiors as a winding ‘jungle’
Continuing the narrative of Mount Huangshan, the upper-floor space replicates the sensation of being in a ‘jungle.’ Movable door panels introduce an element of versatility, allowing changes in spatial configuration. These panels facilitate the passage of natural light and seasonal winds, fostering a transparent and light-filled living experience. The upper floor serves as a multifunctional space, adaptable for activities such as meditation, yoga, and Tai Chi, while also offering secluded areas for reading, contemplation, and stargazing.
concealed within the landscape, a winding tree path enhances the relationship between architecture and nature
In contrast to the lightness above ground, the underground floor evokes the essence of a ‘stone forest.’ Utilizing thick walls and varying hole sizes, HAS Design and Research creates a progressive and weightless visual experience. The underground space imparts a sense of being in a cave, with openings not only separating different areas but also implying a continuous connection between them. Strategic placement of skylights guides natural light towards a bamboo forest landscape, transforming the underground into a captivating visual extension of the natural surroundings.
the architecture is inspired by the natural landscapes of Mount Huangshan 
interiors mirror a ‘sea of clouds’ with rhythmic, layered walls and voids
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