Modern luxury retreat in Jiangshan, China – timeless tranquility

After two decades of living and working in Hangzhou, the owner of this unique home felt a growing desire to reconnect with his birthplace—Jiangshan, a lush and tranquil region in Zhejiang Province. What began as a search for a weekend escape evolved into a vision for a lifelong sanctuary: a luxury home where contemporary comfort, local heritage, and nature could coexist in harmony.

Set beside a stream and originally built in 1975, the abandoned farmhouse carried deep emotional meaning. Its quiet charm, memories of childhood visits, and connection to generations past inspired the owner to preserve the spirit of the place while welcoming a new way of living. The rural archetype—where humans and animals once lived under one roof—became the conceptual foundation for a home that honours its origins while embracing a Nordic-influenced modern life.

A Seamless Dialogue Between Old and New

One third of the original structure—formerly used as livestock quarters—was removed and replaced with a contemporary Honka CLT log home, designed in Shanghai by Nota Architects, prefabricated in Finland, and rebuilt on site in Jiangshan. This new volume functions as the owner’s private living area.

A corridor connects past and present, linking the restored house with the new timber addition. The old building now hosts guest rooms and shared spaces for family gatherings, while a smaller timber extension accommodates the kitchen and dining room—nestled between fruit trees, vegetable beds, and everyday routines.

Timber structures were finished in a deep purple tone, a heartfelt tribute to the owner’s late mother. Indoors, handmade plywood furniture, warm painted pinewood walls, and soft, carefully curated textiles create a calm and welcoming atmosphere. Joyful colours in the study and lounge bring vibrancy to the home, complemented by views of fields, bamboo groves, and winding water.

Inspired by Traditional Courtyard Living

Echoes of Chinese courtyard homes subtly shape the experience across all three buildings.

From the master bedroom, sliding doors open into a serene inner atrium that frames views toward the surrounding fields and stream. In the dining area, distant mountains and bamboo stands form a living scroll of changing seasons—an intentional reference to the borrowed-view philosophy of classical Suzhou gardens.

In the old farmhouse, a new skylight brings daylight into the central axis. The rammed-earth walls were carefully restored using vernacular techniques, and an original rough section of wall is preserved within a circular frame—a poetic gesture linking centuries-old craftsmanship to a renewed life.

A Home of Memory, Nature, and Modern Craftsmanship

“Rooted in my childhood memories and shaped by my personal aesthetic and modern residential principles, this home embodies a distinctly Nordic charm. It offers rich functionality and a deep integration with nature and local traditions—a true sanctuary for body, mind, and spirit.”

Mr. Zhu, Homeowner

The Jiangshan Timber Retreat is more than a renovation. It is a thoughtful exploration of how contemporary life, sustainable construction, and ancient wisdom can meet. It demonstrates how modern CLT log construction—engineered with Finnish precision—can revitalize traditional rural settings while honouring the emotional landscape of homecoming.

Building facts:

• House design: Unique
• Architects: Nota Architects, Lead architect: Shiyun Qian
  Design Team: Xiang Gao, Jiachen Zhou, Yanran Duan, Yiwen Yuan (intern), Jingkun Cao(intern), William Sivali Liongso(intern), Olivia Li(intern)
• Log: Non-settling Honka lamellar log FXL 204 mm, zero corner, pine
• Location: Jiangshan, China
• Honka ID: 4027299
• Structural Consultant: iStructure
• Lighting Consultant: Yingzhe Lighting Consultancy
• Main Contractor: Shanghai Kexiang Decoration and Renovation Co., Ltd.
• Photographers: Shan Liang, Shiyun Qian

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