A sophisticated architectural intervention has emerged in China's Zhejiang Province, where Studio MOR has successfully transformed a formerly congested family plot in Xiaye Village into an elegant 474-square-meter contemporary residence. The Xiaye Zhang Residence represents a thoughtful reinterpretation of rural living through a modern architectural lens, demonstrating how contemporary design can harmoniously coexist with traditional village settings.
Designed specifically for a design-literate client by the acclaimed Studio MOR, this residential project showcases the firm's ability to create sophisticated architectural solutions that respect their rural context while embracing contemporary aesthetics. The residence was commissioned by Ningbo Zhuoyi Home Textiles Co., Ltd., highlighting the growing trend of companies investing in high-quality architectural projects that reflect their design sensibilities and corporate values.
The architectural team, led by principal architect Li Le and including collaborators Li Xuebing, Ni Conger, and Zhang Chenchen, approached the project with a clear vision of creating a harmonious composition between built form and landscape. Their design strategy focused on transforming what was previously a cluttered and inefficient family compound into a cohesive architectural statement that celebrates both modern living and rural tranquility.
The 474-square-meter residence demonstrates Studio MOR's expertise in residential architecture, particularly in challenging rural contexts where modern interventions must be carefully balanced with existing site conditions and local building traditions. The project, completed in 2025, represents a significant achievement in contemporary Chinese residential design, showing how architects can successfully navigate the complexities of rural development while maintaining high design standards.
Photography by ONE studio captures the residence's successful integration into its village setting, documenting how the contemporary architectural forms complement rather than compete with the surrounding rural landscape. The visual documentation reveals the careful attention to detail and material selection that characterizes Studio MOR's approach to residential design.
The Xiaye Zhang Residence stands as an exemplary model for contemporary rural residential architecture in China, demonstrating that sophisticated design solutions can enhance rather than disrupt traditional village environments. This project contributes to the growing body of work that challenges conventional approaches to rural development, offering instead a more nuanced and respectful method of architectural intervention in sensitive cultural landscapes.
