Among skyscrapers and pagodas

Four rivers, a painted arched bridge reflected in the water below, the Panda Sanctuary, the UNESCO-protected cuisine, skyscrapers and pagodas: this is Chengdu, where everything is enormous, from the giant pandas to the half-mile-wide Quinianfu River. The capital of Sichuan, the city is home to 53 ethnic groups with 4 distinct culinary traditions and serves as the hub of China’s transport system. It is known as the « land of plenty » due to its mild climate and bountiful harvests.
« Chengdu is an ancient city with a rich cultural heritage and a young, relaxed and affluent population with an ingrained business sense, » says designer Long Fei. « At the same time, China’s rapid development is changing the city. Chengdu’s population has grown enormously in the last 20 years and it is now China’s fourth most populous city. There is also growing attention to the environment and above all to quality of life. Construction of a large garden city on the edge of the urban area began in 2018, featuring public, industrial and residential spaces designed with all-round good living in mind. Without losing its character, the project will transform the entire city into a green, low-carbon megalopolis. »
The apartment featured here is part of a housing project that includes eight other units of different sizes. It is located in the most upmarket residential area of Chengdu’s old city centre, the area with the richest history and culture as well as plenty of greenery and all the amenities that make everyday life easier and more pleasant.
It also stands as a manifesto for Long Fei’s design philosophy. « Our practice focuses mainly on interior design and research for high-end clients and has been involved in both public and private projects. We are a closely-knit team of architects from different backgrounds, united by our high professional standards. We see design as a tool to help clients enjoy life through the beauty of space, » explains Long Fei. « We aim to propose solutions that will spark emotions and offer sensory experiences, adapting them to the dreams and tastes of each client. »
« The owner of the apartment loves everything Italian. It is a guarantee of quality, combining creativity and technology, aesthetics and eco-sustainability, » he adds. « We chose large-size ceramic tiles from Mirage because of their finish which creates a sense of transparency and clarity. In addition, the 60×120 cm size reduces wastage during installation as well as the number of joints, resulting in simple, uncluttered surfaces. »
Marble-effect porcelain tiles from the Jewels collection were chosen for the living area floor. The result of in-depth study and cutting-edge technology, the veins, colours and hues bring a sensation of light and beauty to the spaces and recreate a material that has served as inspiration for the world’s most famous artists.