▲ Overall Architecture
META Studio recently completed a seaside villa in the Anaya Resort Community, Qinhuangdao City, China. Qinhuangdao, known for having the nearest beaches to Beijing and Tianjin, has become the favored summer getaway for millions from these cities. Just an hour’s drive south, the tranquil “small town” of Anaya has emerged as a prime destination for the new middle class seeking a “high-quality vacation lifestyle.” Over the past five years, its peaceful beaches and well-developed community have made it an ideal choice for seaside holiday homes.
▲ North Facade
Situated just steps from the beach, the villa’s prime location offers breathtaking ocean views and a striking visual connection to the sharp roofline of the nearby Anaya Auditorium, which interrupts the horizon. The client requested META Studio to redesign the residence to fully embrace its exceptional surroundings. After careful analysis, it was clear that the original structure’s east-to-west orientation, complemented by a southward extension, effectively shields from the harsh summer sun while maximizing sea views.
Building on this, the original framework was preserved and enhanced by adding a slightly shorter south wing to expand the open living areas. The redesign fosters a seamless spatial experience, “connecting” the interior spaces so residents can move fluidly through the home while engaging with the natural environment and community around them. This thoughtful integration was achieved using advanced BIM design techniques.
▲ The beach is within reach
▲ East Facade showing the added south side wings based on the original structure
The north facade of the T House is redesigned as two intertwined volumes: a thick, “T”-shaped white concrete wall poured on site, resting on a dark slate foundation. This robust “T”-shaped structure protects the building from cold northern winds in winter and marks the public path to the beach and auditorium. The facade’s undulating surface and recessed windows create a dynamic and engaging expression for passersby.
▲ North facade featuring the “T”-shaped white concrete wall
▲ Undulating surfaces and recessed windows
▲ Detail of a recessed window
The design aims to create a series of dynamic spaces that offer various intimate gathering spots and inviting communal areas. Upon entering the T House, residents experience diffused natural light and fresh air flowing from multiple directions. Large, carefully positioned windows fill the interior with daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
The ground floor features an open-plan area comprising a semi-outdoor porch, kitchen, dining room, and library. The high-ceilinged living room opens toward the sea and sky, providing a sense of spaciousness and tranquility. The living area on the first floor overlooks a low-maintenance external garden, which serves as a versatile space—both private and connected to neighbors—and offers direct access to beach activities. The library includes a cozy nook beneath a skylight, providing a secluded spot for quiet reading.
▲ First floor living room
▲ Kitchen and dining area
▲ First floor library
▲ Staircase beside the library
The T House’s layout promotes effortless movement between two floors. Ascending the stairs next to the library leads to the second floor, featuring four uniquely designed bedrooms. These rooms offer spectacular sea views, balconies that provide shade while enjoying the ocean breeze, and frameless corner windows overlooking the inner garden.
▲ Second floor leisure area
▲ Bedroom with panoramic sea views
The building extensively employs local materials, with the horizontally laid schist flat noodles seamlessly bridging outdoor and indoor spaces. Local craftsmanship is evident throughout, from the white terrazzo flooring to the dark terrazzo in the kitchen and the polished pebble inlays around the bathtub. The most technically complex feature is the undulating facade, crafted from wooden formwork and cast-in-place concrete, creating a textured, dynamic surface.
▲ Polished pebbles surrounding the bathtub
▲ Bathroom
The natural environment and vibrant community life imbue this site with rich character. The Seaside T House ultimately aims to capture and celebrate these countless captivating moments defined within its boundaries.
▲ Night view
Design Drawings:
▲ General layout plan
▲ First floor plan
▲ Second floor plan
▲ Elevation view
▲ Sectional view
Project Information:
Location: Anaya, Nandaihe, China
Design Period: November 2015 – May 2017
Construction Date: August 2018
Client: Qinhuangdao Tianxing Jiuzhou Tourism Real Estate Development Co., Ltd.
Function: Residential and Leisure
Site Area: 1,355 square meters
Building Area: 328.26 square meters
Status: Completed and in use
Design Team: Wang Shuo, Zhang Jing, Li Danlei, Yang Shangzhi, Cao Shibiao, Xue Xiaofei, Zhang Yue, Sun Qingfeng
Structural Consultant: Liu Lichuan
Lighting Consultant: Han Xiaowei
Photography: Song Yuming, Guangsong Misaojiang / Ruijing Photography
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