CIFI. Phenomenon Model Room

Zhang Jianing

Dwelling in the Folds of Time

• Interior Design

photo_credit Zhang Jianing — Zhang Jianing

Light is the source of every presence.
— Louis Kahn

Nestled on the banks of the Wei River in Xi’an’s Qinhan New City, CIFI Phenomenon emerges as a quietly poetic fusion of nature’s rhythms and contemporary form. Conceived as a serene retreat beyond the urban core, this project reimagines modern living through the lens of “resortstyle” comfort.

Drawing from the everyday rhythms of Xi’an life, WJ STUDIO has woven multiple living scenarios into a single, fluid spatial narrative—one that is both evocative and eminently practical.

Symbiosis of Scenes

Redefining Vacation Living

From “residential shell” to “immersive experience”

This 380 sqm townhouse, envisioned as a second home, deliberately breaks away from rigid zoning.

The floor plan acts as a series of “dynamic modules”, each ready to host a different activity. On the ground level, a reception lounge soars to 4.6 meters, its Lshaped arrangement effortlessly linking greeting, entertaining, tea ceremonies and river views. The white Paper sofa anchors the room—its clean lines speaking to a contemporary aesthetic while quietly honoring the Eastern ideal of “less is more”.

Beyond the lounge, a wooden screen conceals a surprise: sliding panels reveal a Zeninspired tea room. Taking its cue from the Cha Jing, the space is appointed with CPH’s Sphere vases, pineneedle arrangements and the screen—together creating a moment of calm contemplation, “one pot of tea, one framed scene”.

A sculptural spiral staircase leads upward to the lady of the house’s private gallery. Here, a petalshaped sofa in pure white unfurls beneath deepred armchairs, echoing the portrait of a woman on the wall. It’s an intimate interplay of form, color and elegance.

Unbounded functionality

Deconstructing the Essence of Living

Panoramic floortoceiling windows draw the Wei River’s shimmer indoors. At sunrise and sunset, the hammered redcopper wall catches the light, glowing with a warm, golden radiance, while an Amazongreen marble countertop flows through the space like a frozen current. A Tom Dixon floor lamp and sculptural vessels add unexpected color notes—here, nature’s palette and artisanal craft quietly converse.

Fluid function, intergenerational harmony

On the second floor, an open kitchen and dining area invites family interaction: the Westernstyle island extends seamlessly onto the terrace, erasing the boundary between inside and out.

The thirdfloor study embraces a “less is more” philosophy. A floating bookshelf—free of preset compartments—beckons each family member to curate their own interests, from records to books to artwork. The multifunctional desk doubles as a tea table, chessboard and craft station, suggesting a blending of different modes of thought.

Also on this level, bedrooms for children and grandparents each reflect their inhabitants. The girl’s room becomes a “secret garden”, softened by a tapestry; the boy’s room adopts a blackandwhite palette for a modernminimalist feel; the grandparents’ suite, clad in wood paneling and flooring, exudes Zen tranquility.

In the master suite on the fourth floor, luxury reigns. A 270° panoramic window frames river mist and city skyline alike; a B&O metal Bluetooth speaker on the nightstand elevates the experience.

Mirrorfronted wardrobe doors slide open to reveal a generous walkin closet—a private refuge for the spirit.

The fourzone bathroom completes the narrative: blackandwhite marble walls evoke inkwash artistry, and, from the soaking tub, switchableprivacy glass transforms into an expressive landscape—“the body remains, the mind wanders”.

At CIFI Phenomenon, the model room transcends the notion of a mere “house”. It is a living script, continually evolving. Three generations discover their own quiet corners and, through adaptable spaces, create lasting family memories. When copper whispers to light and the terrace speaks to the stars, the poetry of resort living is woven into every carefully folded detail.