Excerpt: Mangata Model Room by WJ Studio is an interior design project that explores modern living through Eastern simplicity. Stripped of unnecessary decoration, the design focuses on natural materials, light, and a calm spatial layout. Each room offers quiet comfort and practical details, where subtle lighting, texture, and layout create a serene living atmosphere rooted in real life.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] Architecture speaks in murmurs, never shouts.
South of Suzhou near Taihu Lake, WJ STUDIO answers the question of modern living through the Lakeside Moonview model home. WJ STUDIO stripped away unnecessary decoration, focusing instead on natural materials, layouts, and light. The result is a quiet space rooted in Eastern simplicity, designed for real life.
01 Light in Motion: The entryway uses subtle lighting to mark the transition between outside and in. In the living area, floor-to-ceiling windows frame the courtyard view. Skylights above cut sharp shadows across the room that shift with the sun. The Italian Taccia lamp finish contrasts with fabric pendant lights, while veined marble walls keep the mood grounded.
At noon, the kitchen stays cool and clean. A solid island supports an extended dining slab, its woodgrain texture adding warmth to the crisp geometry. By evening, the dining room comes alive. Tree shadows paint the chairs, while wine glasses throw amber shapes on the walls. The sunroom soaks in daylight. The Bruno Mathsson and Swedese’sclassic chairs sit under skylights beside potted plants. A travertine desk shows the gentle marks of daily use.
02 Living Together: Each room tells its own story. The ground-floor suite uses earthy tones and practical details for elders. Upstairs, the children’s rooms show their personalities – botanical drawings in the girl’s room, a telescope in the boy’s.
The top-floor master suite focuses on quiet comfort. A lounge area works for both morning tea and late-night reading. Under the curved ceiling, the bedroom keeps things simple – just linen, soft light, and space to breathe.
03 Places to Pause: Down the stone stairs, the lower lounge feels cozy. A curved sofa faces washi paper screens that filter light like traditional windows. A bronze lamp adds a warm glow. The tea room’s rear skylight spills muted daylight onto moss-clad stepping stones, their surfaces etched with bamboo shadows – an unspoken dialogue with classical verse.
Nearby, the wine cellar stands next to the wooden tea table – different materials, same love for good living. The spiral staircase leads up to a private study. Built-in lights highlight what matters here – art books, a vintage camera, well-loved poetry collections.
This isn’t just a show home. It’s where careful design meets real life, every day.
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