Nestled along the eastern coastline of Shantou City in Guangdong Province lies a captivating coastal high-rise residence. This is where a young couple lives in.The couple enjoys savoring tea and immersing themselves in a tranquil atmosphere. Embracing “the little island” as the core concep. Forging a deep connection between huamn and nature. The design conjures up a dreamy maritime bolt-hole where the essence of space takes precedence over decorative styles.

This project reimagines a living space by weaving an island into the interior, forging a deep connection between people and nature while cultivating a romantic ambiance between the clouds and the sea. One can envision the enchanting daily life on this “little island”: Morning coffee at the sea-view bar, afternoon reading in the sun on the back of a cow, paddling at sunset until the sunset glow recedes and enjoying a movie for two in the evening, leaning against the shore with the sea breeze.

The layout of the home features a raised living room as the “island” for public activities (immersing in movies, indulging in books, and savoring tea) and a sunken living room that takes advantage of the difference in floor level. Encircling the “island” lie a welcoming open kitchen-dining area and serene private bedrooms. The floor plan weaves seamlessly with the ocean, forging an exquisite union between indoor and outdoor realms.

Spatial elements are inspired by nature ,such as tea boat, wind, seeweed and bull. The 1:1 scale tea boat creates a vibe of island retreat. The elevated platform generates ample space beneath the tea boat, ensuring the tea table’s comfort for everyday use. Within this minimalist space, the ceiling appears to have been gently “lifted” by wind,its light and shadow dancing in harmony with the day’s progression. Curved walls adorned with wood veneer conjure images of gently swaying seaweed. The “Bull Chair” , an original creation by TEN DESIGN, draws inspiration from Picasso’s “Bull”, transforming flat line drawings into three-dimensional furniture. From varying angles within the space, the chair unveils a diverse range of “Bull” postures, conjuring an idyllic scene of cows leisurely strolling along the shore.

Throughout the design process, materials have been thoughtfully chosen to exude their inherent warmth, crafting a poetic spiritual metaphor within the space: the cool embrace of ceramic tiles evokes the sea, while plush carpets conjure sun-kissed beaches. Barefoot, one can revel in the contrasting textures of “sea water” and ”sand”, etching footprints of life on the “beach”. Bespoke sandstone art paint graces the walls, shimmering like mineral crystals in the sunlight and creating the illusion of being outdoors.

This project showcases the transformative power of design in shaping lifestyles and transcending traditional residential paradigms through consideration of the natural environment, interior spaces, and furnitures.