Tea is not defined by its appearance but by its quality—a good tea offers a pleasant taste, soothes the mind, and promotes health. Made with mountain spring water and served in delicate porcelain vessels, tea drinking is a ritual where scholars and novices alike find no distinction. It encourages following one’s own thoughts, desires, and emotions—this embodies the unique charm of homestays.
One House is located in the Copper Tube Factory area of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, Shanghai. Renovated from an old factory building, this homestay is unique, featuring just one room. Every guest here is both a tenant and a homeowner. It operates as a “self-service” homestay, managed by the board of directors of One House, offering an engaging and personalized user experience.
The ideal homestay experience is about reconnecting with our true nature—letting go of distractions and allowing all worldly concerns to settle in the heart. It is, in many ways, a practice of life itself: serene, peaceful, and embracing the emptiness that contains everything.
Old objects evoke deep nostalgia—like the jars and pots from my childhood home. They symbolize the daily necessities of life and the bittersweet experiences of growing up. The collection of these items isn’t about their historical or collectible value but about the warmth they bring to a home, serving as a tangible memory, a life’s imprint that lingers in our hearts.
In the design of One House, the building’s core features have been preserved. The second floor of the original living room was entirely removed to create a refreshing, open space upon entry. The exposed original structure becomes part of the décor. By reworking the building’s windows, more natural light and scenic views fill the space. Here, the urban and natural worlds blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious balance of energy and tranquility.
While traditional hotels focus on comfort and aesthetics, running a homestay demands more—it reflects the owner’s philosophy of life, taste, and vision in every detail. The fusion of East and West, modern and classical décor, merges perfectly. Lindsey’s modern glass lamps elevate this blend to an art form.
The vanished old times
One Nine Four Three
The memories I revisited were filled with highs and lows…
Old turntable
Old suitcase
A rose petal hidden inside an iron box full of postcards
These moments remind me of Jay Chou’s song “1943,” evoking a sense of crossing time and space.
Life’s small experiences and feelings provide the most direct inspiration in design, breathing vitality into spaces. Beyond cultural forms and artistic expression, it reflects one’s listening, loving, hearing, and thinking.
The comfort of spatial relationships is like human communication and interaction. In One House, natural materials are used extensively, each unique and flowing with the beauty of nature.
A fan from 1943, produced in Jiaxing, Shanghai.
This scene evokes a timeless feeling. These old objects were gathered from various places; what others see as waste gains value when placed thoughtfully.
A rattan chair from 1937, produced in Yixing, Wuxi.
The concept of reusing old objects promotes environmental responsibility and revives the feeling of “home” within old buildings.
Modern travelers demand functional yet comfortable bathroom spaces. Here, old objects set the atmosphere while new fixtures provide modern conveniences. The blend of old and new techniques satisfies contemporary needs while staying true to the homestay’s spirit.
White walls and concrete have always been a perfect pair. The rough, unpolished bathroom design offers guests a deep sense of physical and mental relaxation.
Homestays offer a sense of isolation and uniqueness, much like this room. Old wood evokes nostalgia, while pairing it with Moooi’s postmodern leaf lights adds a romantic touch. The interaction between people is more about seeking comfort than mere separation.
The entire space achieves a harmonious balance—calm, clear, and connected—uplifting the relationship between people and their surroundings to a higher level.
In July 2016, at the end of summer, I met you here.
Tea is sweet, refreshing the heart and spleen, nourishing qi and focusing the mind.
The essence of tea lies in the harmony between the heart and water. The tea vessel should be serene and refined.
A small cup of simple tea, with words weaving through time, sharing stories of rural life, savoring the flavors of the world.
This is the spirit that homestays embody.
The essence of a homestay lies in integration: people and objects, objects and emotions. Craftsmanship intertwines old and new; vibrant colors dance; tradition and exoticism, light and texture, complement each other—brewing a rich sense of life.
At night, the lights glow as the sun sets, casting a warm complement to the evening sky. In the countryside, birds and insects chirp, lights illuminate the courtyard, and groups gather under large trees to listen to elders recount stories from the past.
Project Information
Project Name: One House (Puyin)
Location: Zhujiajiao, Shanghai
Design Firm: Gengshang Design Firm
Completion Date: April 2016
Lead Designers: Li Liangchao, Wen Zhigang, Huang Fengshou
Design Team: Yao Yaomeng Yue, Yan Xiaoxia, Yan Pei, Huang Chengxi
Photographer: Huang Menggui
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