▲ Project Video
The foundation of this project is our original homestead, situated within an inverted courtyard embraced by surrounding mountains. My father, who has spent many years working in the city, decided two years ago to rebuild his hometown house as a permanent residence for my grandmother upon his return. The house also serves to accommodate relatives and friends during small gatherings, especially during the Spring Festival when about 30 people need lodging.
Beyond fulfilling basic living needs, my father emphasized two key requirements for the design: first, the house should have a tall and imposing presence; second, it should include as many terraces as possible facing the landscape to warmly welcome neighbors and guests. I perceive that my father desires a home closer to nature, while also embracing a human nature duality: people want to feel elevated and somewhat distant from others, yet approachable and open to connection.
The project design therefore needed to address three main challenges:
- Determining the building’s posture to satisfy the owner’s dual needs;
- Balancing the spatial relationship between the relatively tall new structure and the original courtyard;
- Establishing a close connection with the surrounding natural environment.
The final design features a single sloping roof with a low interior and high exterior profile, harmonizing the intimate scale of the courtyard with the tall, commanding exterior image. Terraces are layered according to the terrain, replacing traditional walls with elevation changes to create a sense of territory. This design expresses a friendly and open attitude toward neighbors.
Terraces at various heights are connected by an outdoor pathway, forming a sequence of public spaces open to neighbors. This pathway links every floor through controlled access, grounding each level to the earth and fostering a close relationship between people and nature—something rarely seen in traditional architecture.
The duality of mountains lies in their ability to appear unreachable while elevating people to new heights. This architecture creates a spatial experience akin to mountaineering: towering heights, winding paths leading to secluded spots, and moments of sudden enlightenment. The design uses versatile “mountains” to meet complex human needs and blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
Selected Indoor and Outdoor Spaces:
Project Drawings
▲ General Layout Plan
▲ First Floor Plan
▲ Second Floor Plan
▲ Roof Plan and Underground Floor Plan
▲ Section 1-1
▲ Section 2-2
▲ Generation Analysis
Project Information
Project Name: Liujiashan Residence
Project Type: Architecture / Landscape / Interior
Location: Hechuan District, Chongqing
Lead Architect: Liu Jiusan
Contact Email: __AI_S_SC0__
Owner: Liu Bing
Cost: 1.8 million
Status: Built
Design Period: June to September 2017
Construction Period: October 2017 to October 2019
Building Area: 300 square meters
Structure: Liu Zhi
Landscape Designers: Liu Jiusan, Gao Hanyu
Photographers: Wang Chong, Zhang Yijie
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