Suzhou gardens encapsulate profound Chinese classical philosophy, with the foremost principle being the idea of ‘harmony between heaven and man,’ stressing the importance of humans and nature living in harmony.

Located on the old river harbour of Xietang Town in Suzhou, there stands a traditional courtyard house spanning four acres, divided into three sections and featuring two courtyards. The proprietor commissioned Slow Studio to craft a private clubhouse for him to entertain clients and friends, where they gather for social events and banquets in the grand hall, retreat to the study for reading and discussions, sip tea while contemplating enlightenment, and delight in music and performances. Embracing nature, extending invitations to friends, and collectively experiencing the essence of living like the ancient times.

Slow Studio bestowed upon this garden the name ‘Yi Garden’ – celebrating moral integrity. Drawing inspiration from the changing seasons, our aspiration is to blend architecture, gardens, culture, and art with a Chinese aesthetic, fashioning a space that captures the natural allure of simplicity and the poetic and artistic essence of humanity, fostering a social ambiance imbued with classical Chinese charm.

Upon entering the garden from the west side, one encounters a semi-outdoor area. Against the backdrop of the ancient and rugged Mont Tai Rocks, stands the stainless steel sculpture ‘Flowing’ by artist Zheng Lu. With echoes of mountains and rivers, the scene transitions seamlessly from urban to natural, marking the inception of the spatial concept of ‘harmony between heaven and man’.

The initial section of the three. Positioned centrally, the reception hall boasts a symmetrical layout, where metal and marble harmonise, and semi-open partitions reminiscent of louvered windows frame views from both sides, resulting in a diverse and opulent space akin to the vibrant hues of spring. The breakfast room, situated on the west side, faces the painting studio on the east, offering bright and neat interiors. The breakfast room’s wallpaper features banana leaves, evoking a tropical feel, while the studio showcases gingko trees, one evoking summer shade, the other autumnal richness. Adjacent is a courtyard planted with wintersweet, ensuring a fragrant aroma during winter. Thus, within this space, one can indulge in the pleasures of all four seasons.

The four guest rooms are simple and unadorned, with wallpaper on the walls suggesting the misty rain of the local climate.

On the other side, semi-transparent square grilles delineate a quieter and more intimate space. At the end is a spa room crafted from salt bricks, imbuing a sense of energy replenishment for the owner’s relaxation and rejuvenation.

Following the principles of nature, seeking the pleasures of nature. In such a garden social space, where friends gather for wine, poetry is composed over tea, ink is splashed on paper, and discussions are held while playing instruments, the spiritual realm longed for by literati throughout history can be rediscovered here.