We recently completed Room No. 10, our second indoor golf clubhouse in Shenzhen. Located within the Shenzhen Noble Merchant Golf Club, this clubhouse offers its members golf training and coaching services. Shenzhen Noble Merchant Golf Club has been in operation since June 28, 1996. It features an 18-hole, internationally standard golf course with night lighting covering a total area of 500,000 square meters.
Situated in a prime location along Shenzhen’s Shennan Avenue, the course is surrounded by picturesque landscapes of hills and water. Designed by renowned Australian designer Les Watts, the fairway layout seamlessly integrates natural and challenging features, emphasizing harmony between water bodies, rolling hills, and greens. It has become a premier urban golf destination.
Although Room No.10 is relatively compact at just over 500 square feet, it serves as a daily training and interaction hub for students and coaches. Given the limited space and high foot traffic, our design challenge was ensuring a comfortable and effective learning environment while maintaining an engaging student experience.
We drew inspiration from golf clubhouses worldwide to bring a unique design approach to this space. The visual elements of a golf course primarily consist of green grass, light brown sand bunkers, and white golf balls. Instead of directly incorporating these natural tones into the interior, we opted for a contrasting design that highlights the distinct presence of golf in an indoor setting.
However, this contrast goes beyond colour alone, it also aims to create a shift in ambiance. We used a monochrome palette to define the space, allowing the black-and-white interior to juxtapose against the lush green of the outdoor golf course. This visual and psychological contrast enhances the spatial depth and design aesthetics.
To maximize the limited space, we adopted an open-concept layout. Apart from a private restroom, we incorporated a small lounge where guests can have meetings or relax in a quiet setting. A glass partition separates the lounge from the main area, preserving privacy while maintaining a sense of openness.
The room features two distinctive accent walls. The first consists of a TV cabinet and a mirror. The cabinet is crafted from black natural wood veneer and is complemented by two wall sconces, exuding a refined and elegant atmosphere. The mirror serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, allowing students to check their appearance before leaving while also enhancing spatial perception.
The second accent wall showcases fifteen framed artworks, professionally mounted by artisans from Da Fen Oil Painting Village (大芬油畫村) in Shenzhen. Some frames display classic golf imagery, while six frames feature guests’ certificates and achievements, adding a touch of artistry and cultural depth. Golf is not just a sport—it embodies elegance and taste, and these framed pieces reinforce that philosophy.
For the ceiling, we minimized structural alterations and introduced metal grilles and black wooden beams to add visual layering while maintaining simplicity. Given the high-traffic nature of the space, we selected understated yet sophisticated sofas and armchairs, paired with a central coffee table for convenience. A standout feature is the floor lamp beside the sofa, which creates a warm and inviting ambiance in the evening, enhancing the overall comfort and elegance of the space.
For the windows, we used black curtains paired with white sheer to distinguish between the outdoor golf course and the indoor relaxation area. When the curtains are drawn, the room transforms into a private setting, perfect for watching golf tournaments or movies, extending its function beyond training to also serve as an ideal venue for private gatherings.
The overall design does not pursue excessive opulence but rather emphasizes a refined simplicity. Through a monochrome palette, wooden textures, and fabric furnishings, we aimed to create a space that is both elegant and comfortable. Our goal was to strike a balance between the dynamic nature of golf and the tranquil indoor environment, making Room No.10 not only a place for learning but also a sanctuary for relaxation and reflection.
With this design, we hope that guests can experience the grace and serenity of golf within Room No.10, enjoying a one-of-a-kind atmosphere carefully crafted for an immersive experience.
