CP’s Home in the Old Town after 1985
One universe, nine planets, 204 countries, 809 islands, and seven oceans. It’s said that in a lifetime, a person may meet approximately 29.2 million people, while the chance of two individuals falling in love is about 0.000068%. From the moment of meeting, getting to know each other, falling in love, to finally committing, this journey is inevitably filled with laughter, tears, arguments, and sweetness. For two people to step into a new stage hand in hand, they must share the same original intentions.
After renovating three dream homes for native families, designer Xie Yingkai was commissioned by a couple born in 1985, soon to be married. Integrating a young, non-native family into a brand-new home within the old city presents a fresh challenge for Xie Yingkai. What kind of home will they create to begin their new life? Let’s explore the memories and open the door to their new residence.
▲ Project video
The House and Their Story
We may not have our story here yet, but we will create it here.
This three-story old house, built around the 1930s, is located in Liwan’s old city in Guangzhou. Over the past 70 years, it has witnessed changes in era, environment, and generations of inhabitants. The people, objects, and stories that once filled this place have infused the ancient building with soul. Yet, time has also left its mark, showing signs of wear and age.
▲ Family photo of the original owner
Recalling childhood memories of opening doors and playing in the courtyard, wandering along old Guangshi Street, two individuals born in 1985, who share a love for the old, insisted on purchasing this house as their wedding home, ready to start a new chapter together.
▲ Childhood photos of the two new owners
The older something becomes, the richer its character, carrying fragments of history, the emotions of previous owners, and an enduring charm bestowed by time.
The once deserted old houses and lifeless neighborhoods gradually awaken and come to life with their arrival.
The old city faces severe hollowing out. Integrating a young couple naturally into this historic community was a key focus. This project also aimed to inject youthful vitality into the old city, revitalizing both the buildings and the neighborhood.
▲ Aerial view of surrounding buildings near the old house
Confronted with real challenges—being declared a dangerous building, termite infestations, frequent flooding, poor lighting, and shared walls and windows with neighbors—the design team faced the difficult task of blending youthful elements fitting for a post-85 startup family with the couple’s nostalgic love and memories to transform this old house.
▲ Original architectural style
Beyond addressing structural concerns, the design team also planned for the future family structure, considering parents of both partners, future children, and their growth. Additionally, the clients—both civil servants—requested ample storage for the male host’s cherished figurines and books, and the female host’s Hanfu clothing collection.
With these challenges and desires in mind, the design team embarked on this renovation, dreaming of creating a new home that honors the past while embracing the future.
Garden-Style Façade
Green spaces are scarce in the old city, so it was essential to foster a seamless connection between the residence and nature. Green plants were added to various small platforms and indoor spaces, creating a layered garden that blends interior and exterior. This allows neighbors to enjoy subtle greenery and helps regulate the urban microclimate.
Sunken Design
Guangzhou experiences heavy rainfall and humidity, and the original structure allowed flooding inside during rainy seasons. To address this, designer Xie Yingkai and his team raised the entire building platform by 800mm.
With the platform elevated, to maintain an open view and maximize usable space, the ground floor was partially sunken, creating a reception room and a sunken tea house.
Warm and Cozy Atmosphere
The Meaning of ‘Light’ in Aesthetics
In ancient times, “chiseling a wall to steal light” symbolized diligence and eagerness to learn. Today, it represents inviting light into a new home. Given the small scale of the original building and the clients’ high functional demands, the design team divided the building into two wings, retreating the southern indoor block to create a central courtyard. This allows sunlight to stream in vertically, bringing natural light and ventilation into every room.
Structural Design
Staggered Layout for Natural Light and Airflow
Centered on the courtyard, the buildings on both sides are staggered to allow light and air to flow freely throughout the space. Open walls create transparency on every floor and visually extend the interior space.
The staircase connects the floors, forming a cohesive spatial block that enhances indoor flow. This design encourages interaction between spaces and brings family members closer, strengthening their sense of “home.”
Space Interconnection
Creating Multifunctional Intimate Relationships Between People and Space
The staggered design creates visual and auditory connections between different floors, fostering new ways for family members to spend time together and enjoy unique experiences within their home.
Connecting upper and lower levels through open gaps creates a dynamic flow throughout the space.
By surrounding and moving freely through the space, the design satisfies the need for interaction among residents within limited areas.
Future Planning
Anticipating future changes in the family, the second-floor living room is designed to serve both as a play area for children and a temporary guest room for visiting parents. The children’s room on the second floor can accommodate two mattresses facing the living room, fully preparing for the family’s growth.
Relaxing Spaces
Designed to fulfill the couple’s shared leisure interests, a hidden, private space connected to the master bedroom serves as their exclusive home internet café. Beyond a place to unwind after work, this entertainment area also provides efficient clothing storage without wasting any space.
Emotional Fusion of Old and New
Beyond functional needs, the interior furnishings aim to create a warm, comfortable atmosphere. Honoring the nostalgic memories of the couple, the design balances the original building’s soul with contemporary and retro elements to achieve a harmonious home environment.
Warm tones and soft textures evoke the feeling of “home.”
A small coffee table, reconstructed from the original staircase handle, reflects traces of past life and innovation throughout the home. The theme of “light” and the elegant vintage corners create a tranquil ambiance. Carefully selected paintings blend seamlessly into the space, enhancing rather than overwhelming it.
Our Core Belief
Beyond basic functionality, the intimacy of a home should be a priority.
Since 2015, through renovations in 2016, 2017, and up to 2019, designer Xie Yingkai and his team have aimed to create a “home” with spaces that encourage gatherings and interactions. They focus on transforming the way family members connect and even influencing family relationships through spatial design.
Balancing the relationship between people, the building, and the environment is essential. Their goal is to foster a lasting atmosphere of happiness and a desire to live within the home.
▲ First floor plan
▲ Second floor plan
▲ Third floor plan
▲ Fourth floor plan
▲ Construction process simulation
Project Information
Project Name: 2019 Dream Home Renovation
Location: Guangzhou
Type: Residential
Area: 240 m²
Design Year: 2019
Completion Date: December 22, 2019
Lead Designers: Xie Yingkai / Tian Fang
Design Team: Luo Zuotao / Liu Tianzhong / Yu Jiangxu / Pan Qing
Soft Decoration Designers: Li Li / Wang Jing / Ruan Runbin / Yuan Yitong
Rendering Designers: Zhai Yuandong / Mai Yuanwen
Animation Designer: Zhai Yuandong
Architectural and Interior Construction: Ruihe Decoration
Structural and Electrical Engineering: Lu Yonghong / Yan Gong
Lighting Consultant: Jian Yongchao
Project Supervision: Mai Jinhui / Li Zhifang
Photographers: Huang Zaohui / Fan Wenyao / Mao Disheng
Aerial Video: Fan Wenyao
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up