Zhang Yin's space

She is a private person, rarely grant interviews, and remains largely unnoticed until recently. The enveloping timber frame encloses the space and suits her need for privacy and her down-to-earth persona.

However, if one is the richest woman in the world, privacy doesn't come easy. The timber frame does let outsiders see what's inside to some extent.

The vast lobby of her gigantic business is appropriate to welcome guests.

The giant staircase to her private office represents rise, growth, potential, and her vision (and the queen of cardboard ambition) . The stairs demand respect, and Yin is animated, but driven and tough, and this garners a lot of respect from the male-dominated business world.


The main material is timber is to reflect her nature-friendly business and her the simplicity of her ingenious business idea. The spaces at the side of the staircase is for her employees.

Then there's her practical side. If she's in a hurry/tired of climbing the giant staircase, she could always use the elevator that goes up to her private office.

The private office, in contrast to the lobby, is warm and friendly. The timber structure lets in light and creates an openness that doesn't stifle her vision.