The House of the Tree is a two level penthouse conversion of the 48th and 49th floors of a residential tower block in downtown Shenzhen, China. The project was undertaken by the Shanghai based practice of KokaiStudios, an international collaborative of young talented architects and designers founded by Italian architects, Filippo Gabbiani and Andrea Destefanis.
The stunning home occupies a space of 616 sq.m. suited to the luxurious lifestyle of modern China. The transparencies throughout follow the concept of ‘living between the city and nature’. A single tree planted in the double height atrium of the 48th floor represents nature within the home. The common living space and guest room are situated on the lower level while the family bedrooms are on the upper level, accessible by a centrally positioned statement staircase. A pool and deck area occupy the balcony and enjoy a spectacular view of the cityscape.
The craftsmanship of the conversion is a vital element in this residence, oak timber floors, hand hammered Spanish stonework and the glossy wall surfaces of Venetian plaster-work defy the need for excessive decorative elements in the interior. The final result perfectly fulfills the vision of the architects: luxury living with the timeless chic taste defined by a connection to nature and fine craftsmanship while meeting the demands of a modern way of life.
