Swallor

Art · 燕艺

Dream-making

- I

t seems like

Ive been dreaming

all along.

Sometimes

its

design,

Sometimes

its drawing.

Author: Liu Yan

01

Creating an ideal space is, at its core, about building a dream—weaving all our aspirations into a cohesive vision.

I long for the freedom of stepping through a door and immediately encountering the vast expanse of sky and earth. A courtyard reconnects us with nature, grounding our footsteps. A small courtyard and an ancient locust tree have quietly formed a bond with the century-old trees in the South Courtyard. The moment I first laid eyes on them, my heart found peace. I often imagine sipping tea or meditating quietly beneath the trees; in such a setting, one naturally feels a sense of humility, sensing both the fragility of life and its resilience and continuity.

The building on the north side has been renovated into a three-story structure. The first floor serves as a multi-purpose arts space; upon entering the courtyard through the north gate, visitors are greeted by a small garden feature.

Extending forward to form two centrally symmetrical corridors, one leads to the interior work areas of the South Courtyard, while the other connects to the guest rooms and art studios on the second and third floors, thereby achieving functional zoning while making full use of the existing structure.

刘燕

布面油画

50x70cm，2026

The kitchen and bathroom are situated along the corridor, with a symmetrical landscape feature placed between them. An opening in the staircase allows light to penetrate into the open-plan workspace. The prime location is reserved for work and meeting spaces to accommodate a variety of usage needs.

The installation of two sliding doors blurs the boundary between interior and exterior, creating a sense of freedom where “opening the door reveals the world.” Light is nature’s most natural gift, so we respect the natural conditions and prioritize the relationship between structure and natural light. By removing the original walls and replacing them with transparent glass doors, we allow natural light to flood the interior. As light and shadow shift across the walls and floors throughout the day, the space takes on a living, breathing quality. At the same time, various artificial lighting methods are employed to create the desired ambiance for different scenarios.

To create a more seamless flow between space and light, we connected the two originally separate north and south buildings with a colonnade. The colonnade not only serves as a passageway but also functions as an art gallery.

Mirror. 镜

The south wing has been redesigned as a two-story structure, with the ground floor housing a water bar, reception area, and meeting spaces. Each independent space is equipped with its own water bar, balancing aesthetics with practicality. The design avoids overly complex layering, emphasizing comfort and natural elements rather than artificial ornamentation.

The central courtyard is the most cherished core area. A sunken relaxation space and a central fireplace have been incorporated, creating axial symmetry with the circular forms of the courtyard and the colonnade roof. The courtyard features a triangular view-framing element to maintain visual balance. This courtyard serves as a spiritual sanctuary offering respite from the outside world. To allow the branches of ancient trees to extend into the courtyard, we demolished the old wall and opened a central gateway, bringing the building closer to nature.

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营造理想空间，本质上是在筑梦，将所有憧憬安放进一个完整的想象之中。

我向往推门见天地的自在。院落让人与自然重新连接，脚步也因此更为踏实。一方庭院、一株古槐，与南院的百年古树悄然结缘。初见时，内心便安定下来。我常设想在树下品茗或静坐修行，人在其中自然谦卑，既感知生命的脆弱，也体会到它的顽强与延续。

北侧建筑被改造为三层。一层作为综合艺术空间，从北门进入院内，以小景作为首个接待界面。

向前延展形成中心对称的两条通道，一侧通往南院内部工作区，另一侧连接通往二层、三层的客房与画室，既实现功能分区，也充分利用原有结构。

回廊内布置厨房与卫生间，两者之间设置对称景观，同时在楼梯处开洞引光，使光线穿透至挑空的工作区域。最优位置被留给工作与会议空间，以适应多样化使用需求。

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两扇推拉门的设置弱化了内外边界，形成“推门见天地”的自由意境。光是建筑最自然的馈赠，因此我们尊重自然条件，重视结构与采光的关系。拆除原有墙体，改为通透玻璃门，让自然光进入室内，光影在墙面与地面间随时间流动，呈现出会呼吸的空间状态。同时通过不同的人造照明方式，满足多场景下的氛围需求。

为了让空间与光更连贯，我们以回廊连接南北两栋原本分离的建筑。回廊不仅承担通行功能，也成为艺术展示的画廊。

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南侧建筑改为两层，一层设水吧接待与会议区，每个独立空间均配置水吧，兼顾美观与使用便利。设计上避免繁复堆叠，更强调舒适与自然，而非刻意造型。

中庭是最为珍视的核心区域。设置下沉式休憩空间，中置壁炉，与庭院及回廊顶面的圆形形成轴线对称。庭院以三角留景，保持视觉平衡。一席庭院成为可避世的精神居所。为让古树枝干延伸入院，我们拆除旧墙，开启中轴门，使建筑与自然更加亲近。

南院原有单层空间改为两层，二层南北立面采用整面玻璃呈现，南向借景古树，四季景象各不相同。这里总能让人沉静下来。在塑造空间的同时，空间也反过来滋养内心。沿回廊回到北院，二层为办公区域，并预留两间客房；三层则为理想画室，同时设置朝南露台以观古树。

空间既具有约束力，也能激发行动。我怀揣许多想实现的计划，希望通过设计回馈朋友，提供一个舒适而实用的场所。

怀抱知足与感恩继续前行，追逐梦想，而梦想也逐渐回应，成为心灵安放的港湾。

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The original single-story space in the South Courtyard has been converted into a two-story structure. The north and south facades of the second floor feature full-height glass walls, framing the ancient trees to the south, which offer ever-changing views throughout the seasons. This space always has a calming effect. As the architecture shapes the environment, the space in turn nourishes the soul. Returning to the North Courtyard via the colonnade, the second floor houses office spaces and two guest rooms, while the third floor serves as an ideal art studio, complete with a south-facing terrace offering views of the ancient trees.

Space can be both restrictive and inspiring. I have many plans I hope to bring to life, and I want to use design to give back to my friends by creating a comfortable and functional space.

With a sense of contentment and gratitude, I press on, chasing my dreams—and as I do, those dreams gradually come true, becoming a haven for my soul.

创始人：刘燕

I am Liu Yan, the founder of Suyi Studio, and we specialize in interior design. We help clients create their dream homes, redesign workspaces, and transform various types of environments.

The name “Suyi” originates from a quote by Jiang Yan, a literary figure of the Southern Dynasties:

(From “Eulogy for Emperor Gao of the Qi Dynasty” by Jiang Yan of the Liang Dynasty:) “Traces depart from the complex and ornate; the heart returns to simplicity and unity.”

I believe an ideal space should be able to hold everything related to beauty; above all, it should embody love. It should be able to contain all that is beautiful, and likewise, it should serve as a sanctuary for the soul—a living space that soothes our hearts and allows us to feel at ease and relaxed within it. Most importantly, it should evoke a sense of happiness and help us appreciate the beauty of life.

我是素一工作室的主理人刘燕，我们从事空间设计工作。我们为很多客户建造理想家，改造工作空间及各种场域空间。

素一，它源自南朝 一个文学家江淹的一句话：

（梁 ·江淹 《齐太祖高皇帝诔》 里面的一句话，）“迹去繁奓，情归素一。

我认为理想空间他应该是可以装下所有与美好相关的事物，他更多的应该是包含爱，它可以把所有的美好装进去，同样，它应该是一个灵魂家园。有生命的，能安抚我们的心灵，能让我们在这个空间里可以感到自在松弛。最主要是有幸福感，能感知到人生的美好。

Information

Photographer

misskong

Retoucher

misskong

Graphic design

misskong

Art

misskong

Design

Suyi Design(素一设计)

About

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www.misskong.art

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Hangzhou,China

Jiubao Street,Shangcheng District

30°34S,120°37’W

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