Chapter 314: One Floor for One Dynasty, One Household for One Empire

Chapter 314: One Floor for One Dynasty, One Household for One Empire

Nanning.

Ruyi Winehouse.

Deng Shirong was drinking morning tea with the deputy director and architect of the architectural design institute.

This Ruyi Winehouse was established this year by the Nanning State-Owned Catering Company. It is the first place in Nanning where one can listen to Cantonese opera while drinking morning tea.

After exchanging pleasantries, Deng Shirong asked, "Director Huang, do you know how much longer it will take to complete the Five Mountains Square?"

The Five Mountains Square is the name Deng Shirong gave to the building under construction at Chaoyang Square. Since his five sons are named after the Five Mountains, naming this building the Five Mountains Square is quite fitting.

Director Huang smiled and replied, "Mr. Deng, rest assured. The construction of the Five Mountains Square is progressing very smoothly and will definitely be completed before New Year's Day."

Deng Shirong nodded, took a sip of tea, and then continued, "Director Huang, I invited you out for tea today mainly to consult you about house renovation."

Director Huang's eyes lit up, and he asked, "Mr. Deng, are you planning to entrust the renovation of the Five Mountains Square to us as well?"

The main construction cost of the square is as high as 3.68 million, and investing another one to two million on renovation is quite normal. For the architectural design institute, securing this project would be a good thing.

Deng Shirong shook his head and said, "We'll discuss the renovation of the Five Mountains Building next year. What I want to consult you about today is the renovation of a residence."

Hearing this, Director Huang felt a bit disappointed, but he did not show it on his face. Instead, he smiled and said, "If Mr. Deng wants to renovate a residence, our design institute can certainly help with the design and renovation. You can discuss the desired effect with our designers, and with our institute's capabilities, we can definitely provide a design plan that will satisfy you."

Deng Shirong hummed in agreement and, without beating around the bush, directly asked, "Director Huang, does your design institute have a designer who specializes in ancient-style design?"

Director Huang was surprised and asked, "Ancient-style design?"

Deng Shirong explained, "Yes, the architectural and interior design style from ancient times."

As the deputy director of the architectural design institute, Director Huang naturally understood ancient architectural design. He was just surprised that Deng Shirong's residence would adopt an ancient architectural style. After all, in this era, everyone was pursuing modern and fashionable things, looking to the West for inspiration. Most renowned architects in the country had studied in Europe or America.

Now, someone suddenly wanted to turn their residence into an ancient style, and this person was a genuine tycoon. It was hard for Director Huang not to be surprised.

However, after his initial surprise, Director Huang became excited.

Compared to modern architectural design, Chinese designers indeed had less presence globally. But in the field of ancient Chinese architectural design, domestic designers were far superior to their foreign counterparts.

Director Huang confidently said, "Mr. Deng, ancient architecture is a treasure of our country. Our design institute definitely has designers who specialize in ancient architectural design. How large is your residence? Which dynasty's style do you want to adopt?"

Deng Shirong replied, "My house has seven floors, each with 640 square meters. Director Huang, do you think it's possible to design each floor with the style of a different dynasty?"

Even the well-traveled Director Huang could not help but widen his eyes in shock. "Your house has seven floors, each with 640 square meters?"

Deng Shirong smiled and nodded.

"Whoa..."

Director Huang sucked in a cold breath and then became excited. He had initially thought the residence would be a few dozen to a hundred square meters at most. He never expected it to be 640 square meters per floor, with seven floors in total. This design and renovation project would be on par with the Five Mountains Square.

Although the Five Mountains Square had a larger area, it was clearly intended for commercial use, and the renovation would mostly be basic, leaving little room for creative design.

On the other hand, the seven floors, as described by Mr. Deng, were to be designed with the styles of different dynasties, making the design much more complex.

"Mr. Deng, I think it's necessary to give you an overview of the architectural styles of various dynasties."

Director Huang took a deep breath and summarized, "China's unique architectural system was initially formed during the Shang and Zhou periods, but the architecture of that period had no distinctive features worth promoting, so I do not recommend incorporating that period's style into your house renovation.

Next is the Qin and Han dynasties. The architectural style of this period can be summarized in four words: 'bold and simple.'

The roofs were large, with the initial appearance of the 'reverse character' roof slope lines, which later evolved into 'juzhe' or 'jujia' techniques, but the curvature was not significant. The roof corners did not rise, presenting a robust and simple aesthetic. The decorative themes often featured flying immortals, loyal ministers, and heroic figures, which were both ancient and bold.

The Han dynasty marked the first peak of ancient Chinese architecture. By this time, the architectural system had largely taken shape, and the four common roof styles—hip-and-gable, gable-and-hip, overhanging gable, and pyramid—had already appeared. However, the roof structures were simple and unadorned, presenting a rustic yet vibrant aesthetic.

The architectural aesthetic style of this period is grand, elegant, and simple, which is very distinctive and can be incorporated into your house renovation.

Then comes the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern dynasties. Due to rapid dynastic changes and political instability, the architectural style underwent significant transformations. However, the overall characteristics can be summarized as graceful, gentle, and elegant, which can also be incorporated into your house renovation.

Next is the Sui and Tang dynasties. This period marked the peak of feudal society and the maturity of ancient Chinese architecture.

The architectural techniques and skills of the Tang dynasty developed rapidly and significantly, building upon the foundations of the Han dynasty. The grand scale and meticulous planning, such as the detailed urban planning of Chang'an, represent the most comprehensive and well-organized ancient capital city. The Daming Palace, a representative palace, was so magnificent that even the Forbidden City of the Ming and Qing dynasties could not compare.

The overall architectural style of this period is characterized by large brackets, high-pitched eaves, robust ridge ornaments, thick columns, and a single color palette that is both dignified and grand.

This style is also very distinctive and can be incorporated into your house renovation.

Finally, the Song and Yuan dynasties saw a change in architectural expression, becoming more delicate and graceful, with a focus on detailed decoration such as painting and carving. The overall style is opulent and elegant, which is also very suitable for your house renovation.

Finally, there's the Ming and Qing dynasties. In terms of architecture, the Ming and Qing dynasties marked the last peak of traditional Chinese architecture, characterized by streamlined forms and intricate details.

Official architecture saw a reduction in the proportions of dougong (bracket sets) and the depth of overhanging eaves, with columns becoming more slender. The techniques of lifting, side slanting, and curving were no longer used, and the beams and lintels became heavier. The gentle lines of the roofs disappeared, resulting in a restrained yet stable and rigorous style. The architectural forms became more refined, and the symbolic elements increased.

Therefore, the architectural style of this period is also very suitable for incorporating into your house renovation."

After Director Huang finished speaking, Deng Shirong smiled wryly and said, "Director Huang, just tell me, how many dynasties can we incorporate into the ancient style design of my house?"

Although he had read a lot of books, he had no expertise in architecture, and the architectural styles mentioned by Director Huang left him utterly confused.

Director Huang, knowing it was difficult for a layman to understand, answered directly, "Mr. Deng, I suggest incorporating the styles of the Qin and Han, Wei and Jin, Sui and Tang, Song and Yuan, and Ming and Qing dynasties. Only these five styles are distinct and outstanding."

Deng Shirong thought for a moment and nodded, "That works. Then, we'll use these five styles for five of the floors. For the remaining two floors, one can have a European style, and the other can have a blend of Eastern and Western styles. Do you think that's feasible?"

The five different styles from different dynasties will be directly assigned to my five sons: the eldest will have the Qin and Han style, the second will have the Wei and Jin style, the third will have the Sui and Tang style, the fourth will have the Song and Yuan style, and the youngest will have the Ming and Qing style. To describe this in one sentence, it would be 'one floor for one dynasty, one household for one empire.' This is quite interesting.

As for the European and the Eastern-Western blend styles, they will be left for my two daughters. Perfect!"

Director Huang smiled and said, "Of course, it's feasible. Our architectural design institute has designers who specialize in different styles, and we can definitely meet Mr. Deng's requirements."

"Director Huang, I have another request."

"Mr. Deng, feel free to tell me your requirements."

Deng Shirong took a sip of tea and said, "Although I want to renovate my house in an ancient style, it must also accommodate modern conveniences. We can't really live like people did in ancient times. Bathrooms are a must, and we will use modern appliances such as electric lights, telephones, air conditioners, electric fans, televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines. However, these appliances should not affect the overall renovation style. Do you understand what I mean?"

Director Huang also took a sip of tea and smiled, "I understand, and this is not difficult to solve. For example, we can hide the light bulbs inside lanterns, and other appliances can be concealed similarly. Our designers will ensure that these items do not affect the overall renovation style."

Deng Shirong said, "That's good. I hope your institute's designers will consider furniture such as canopy beds, wardrobes, wine cabinets, sofas, tables, and chairs, as well as screens and paintings, when designing. I want a complete design effect."

Director Huang said, "Certainly. If you have specific requirements, we can even design the content of the paintings for you."

Deng Shirong, satisfied, said, "That's best. I wonder if your institute can manufacture classical furniture? The furniture used in each dynasty is different, and since we're doing an ancient style, it would be better if the furniture matches the respective dynasties."

Director Huang smiled and said, "Manufacturing classical furniture is not a problem for us because we have many experts in ancient architecture restoration. If they can restore, they can certainly manufacture."

Deng Shirong said, "That's great. Let's finalize this. When your ancient architecture designers are available, take them to Yulin Bobai with me. My house is in Bobai County. After you measure the house on-site, design the renovation plan. If I'm satisfied, I'll entrust the entire renovation to you."

Director Huang said with a broad smile, "No problem. Our ancient architecture designers will not disappoint you, Mr. Deng."

...

The next day.

Deng Shirong brought three ancient architecture designers and their assistants from the architectural design institute back to the county. After treating them to a meal, he took them to the Naye Deng Clan Community.

At this point, the 12 buildings in the Naye Deng Clan Community had all been topped out, the exterior walls had been painted, and the landscaping was almost complete. It would take just a few more days to finish the community, and the speed was indeed very fast.

The main reason was the large number of clan members working voluntarily, and no one was slacking off, which naturally increased efficiency.

Seeing the nearly completed community, the three ancient architecture designers were slightly surprised. The design concept of this community was very different from current trends, and the overall layout was excellent, indicating the hand of a master.

However, they could not think of any domestic architect with such a style.

One of the designers, surnamed Zhang, could not help but ask, "Mr. Deng, which architectural master in our country designed this?"

Deng Shirong smiled and said, "It wasn't any architectural master in our country, but a designer from our county's architectural design office."

"How is that possible?"

The three ancient architecture designers almost said in unison.

It was understandable for them to react this way. They had a good idea of the level of county architectural designers. While county designers could handle regular house designs, the overall design of this community, as Mr. Deng called it, would be difficult for them to achieve, even if it were their own task.

Of course, now that they had seen the design, they could replicate a similar community, but before seeing this design, they might not have been able to come up with such a modern and innovative community.

Deng Shirong understood their reaction. Without his guidance, the county's architectural designers indeed could not have designed such a community: "This community was indeed designed by our county's architectural designers. To be precise, the idea to build this community was mine, but I don't know design. I just presented my ideas and requirements to the designer, and the designer was responsible for presenting the design effect, resulting in the current community."

The three ancient architecture designers and their assistants were all incredulous when they heard this. As designers themselves, they naturally understood the importance of design inspiration. From Mr. Deng's words, it seemed he had provided the county architectural designers with the inspiration to create such a community.

Although it sounded far-fetched, the fact was right before their eyes, and they had no choice but to believe it.

The process of measuring the house was straightforward since the layout of all seven floors was the same, so they only needed to measure one floor.

The actual measurement and data collection were handled by the assistants, while the three designers were there primarily to observe the site firsthand.

Relying solely on measurements and photos for design work was fine for simple, basic renovations. However, for a project that required incorporating various dynastic architectural styles, on-site observation was essential.

So, after the assistants completed the measurements and took photos, the three designers did not rush to leave. Instead, they stayed in the house, walking around and pondering how to design it.

They stayed for a whole week, during which they carefully considered the design.

Once they had a clear idea in their minds of how to design the house, they led their assistants back to Nanning.

Before leaving, the designer surnamed Zhang said to Deng Shirong, "Mr. Deng, we have a clear idea in our minds now. We will need about half a month to complete the design. By then, you will be able to see the complete design and renderings of the house."

Deng Shirong smiled and said, "Alright, please take your time. I'll come to Nanning again in half a month to discuss the design with you."

"Thank you, Mr. Deng. This is what we should do. We'll take our leave now!"

"Sure, have a safe trip."

...

On the 28th day of the ninth lunar month, Sunday.

Today was a very important day for the Naye Deng Clan, as their second home, the "Naye Deng Clan Community," was finally completed!

At this moment, over a thousand clan members stood in the central leisure square of the community, looking at the buildings they had built with their own hands, feeling truly elated.

Before the buildings were constructed, many clan members had little concept of what the community would look like, thinking it would be similar to building houses in the countryside, only with more floors.

As the buildings were gradually erected and the community's overall landscaping was completed, the clan members realized that the community was far more beautiful than they had imagined. In the entire county, their community was the most beautiful, even surpassing the government compounds and residential areas of various units.

Deng Yunfeng, who served as the chief commander of the Naye Deng Clan Community construction, looked at the community they had built and felt very excited. He said, "Uncle Jiu, now that our community is completed, please say a few words to everyone!"

"Sure, I'll say a few words."

Deng Shirong looked around at the clan members and said, "First, I want to represent the clan and thank every clan member here. It is your hard work over the past six months that has built the most beautiful community in the county.

You have all worked very hard during this time, and so have the clan members back home who helped with the sand, gravel, and timber. Everyone has contributed to the clan, and you are all doing a great job. As long as our entire clan stands united, we will definitely achieve prosperity in the near future.

Now that the community is completed, I know everyone is eager to move in. Later, I will call the village committee, and tomorrow, we will send company vehicles back to bring the clan members here, and then formally distribute the houses."

Hearing the clan head say they would be assigned houses the next day, the clan members could not help but cheer.

Just as the clan head said, seeing such beautiful houses, who wouldn't want to move in as soon as possible and start living in them!

Deng Yunfeng was also very pleased and asked, "Uncle Jiu, how do you plan to distribute the houses?"

The other clan members also looked at the clan head. Although all the houses had the same square footage, different positions and floors had their own advantages. Everyone wanted a house with a good location and a good floor, but this couldn't be left to the clan members to choose, or everyone would pick the best ones, leaving the less desirable ones for others.

"The distribution of houses cannot be absolutely fair, and it's impossible to satisfy everyone. My suggestion is to draw lots, and the drawing should be done by village units."

Deng Shirong had already thought about how to distribute the houses and now shared his thoughts: "Our community has 12 buildings, each with three units. First, we will draw lots by village units to determine which building each village will get. Since my house is special and cannot be chosen, it will be in Building 9, and the other two units in Building 9 will be reserved for our Naye Village clan members.

For other villages, we will try to ensure that each village gets one building. However, some villages have more people, and some have fewer, so adjustments will be made before the drawing. Smaller villages will be distributed among the larger villages.

Once the buildings are assigned by village units, each village will organize its own drawing to distribute the houses to individual households.

Once the houses are assigned, no matter which building or floor you get, there should be no complaints, as it will be the result of the drawing.

Of course, if anyone is willing to swap houses, that is also acceptable."

The clan members nodded in agreement. The clan head's method of distributing houses was indeed fair and reasonable, and drawing lots by village units was a good approach.

Although they were all descendants of the Naye Deng Clan, the villages had been divided for several hundred years, and the relationships within the same village were naturally much closer than those between different villages. Living in the same building would be what the clan members wanted.

Moreover, while in the future people might avoid living on the top floor, this might not be the case in this era. Many clan members were eager to live as high as possible, and climbing stairs was no issue for rural people, except for the convenience of elderly family members.

In summary, Deng Shirong's method of distributing the houses was well-received by all the clan members.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end