Tucked away on Nanqiang Street in the heart of Kunming, Daguan is Aurora Design’s latest project—an elegant revival of a 1920s residence steeped in local history. Once part of the vibrant “Yunjin Night Market” district and tracing cultural roots back to the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, the site embodies a layered urban narrative where timeworn architecture cradles the pulse of modern life.
Project Name: DAGUAN
Studio Name: AURORA DESIGN
Location: Kunming City, Yunnan Province
Completion Time: 2024.5
Area: 350㎡
Photography: Na Xin from INSPACE
Two years ago, the structure was restored with sensitivity and restraint, following the principle of “preserving the old as it is.” Now reimagined by Aurora Design, the building’s traditional siheyuan (courtyard house) configuration—comprising a main hall, side rooms, and an open central courtyard—remains intact. Within this historic framework, modern minimalism is gently introduced, giving shape to a tranquil space for tea and dining, where contemporary sensibilities coexist with the poetry of the past.
A discreet sign marks the entrance, inviting those attuned to subtle beauty. Visitors are guided through a narrow, wood-toned corridor bathed in filtered sunlight. A quiet pond reflects the sky above, with fish weaving through ripples as light dances across the surface. As one walks past, original brick and stone tiles crunch softly underfoot, evoking the quiet rhythm of memory.
The four-sided courtyard welcomes guests with aged wooden doors and a warm invitation to pause. A brass door lock, engraved with auspicious motifs, offers a tactile link to bygone eras. Scattered outdoor seating transforms the courtyard into a flexible gathering space, where guests can sip tea, relax, and soak in the calm energy of the surroundings.
On the southern edge, a sleek black bar anchors the dining experience. Its clean lines contrast yet harmonize with the timeworn wooden columns under soft, golden lighting. Glossy dark ceramic tiles glimmer among glass vessels, adding depth and visual interest. Reclaimed wooden planks offer a quiet resting place, fostering casual conversations between bartender and guest. The bar is surrounded by intimate seating that maximizes space efficiency while preserving spatial fluidity.
To the north, outdoor seating opens to the street, creating a seamless transition between interior and public life. The combination of wood and glass brick adds both warmth and clarity, with each footstep sounding out like a dialogue between history and now.
Upstairs, a wooden staircase leads to elongated rooms flanking the east and west. Window-side seats under the eaves offer peaceful retreats, where breezes flow gently and wooden windowpanes creak with familiarity. These elevated spaces are designed for quiet reflection—places to sip, watch, and let time drift by.
Careful integration of seating within the architectural layout respects the original form, achieving a balance between aesthetics and function. The result is a spatial harmony that enhances both user experience and environmental context.
The tiered eaves, rising floor by floor and meeting at the corners, frame ephemeral scenes of summer rain. Raindrops patter softly, each one a whisper from the past. This part of the house—anchored around the eaves—draws guests into a contemplative dialogue with time. People come and go; the wooden lattice windows remain, quietly recording every visit.
From morning to nightfall, sunlight filters through brick and wood, casting delicate shadows across the space. Within this courtyard, serenity is carved out of urban chaos. Music, wine, tea, and flavor rise in the light, lingering into the glow of evening, when soft neon illuminates the joy of gathering.
Contrasts in material—soft fabrics against raw concrete, warm yellow light grazing cool whitewashed walls—generate a quiet intensity. Textures shimmer beneath shifting light, creating tender moments of connection between old and new. These subtle design moves turn ordinary materials into vessels for memory, making every encounter meaningful.
Aurora Design has crafted Daguan as a place where memory breathes and stories unfold. Through restrained design, tactile contrasts, and thoughtful spatial choreography, the project amplifies the timeless elegance of the original structure. Whether in sunlight or rain, each corner of Daguan is poised to host moments of quiet wonder—where the present meets the past, and stays for tea.
