This renovation project involves a large villa featuring one underground floor, four floors above ground, and an attic. Originally, the stairs and elevators were located in the corners, disrupting the vertical flow and spatial relationships throughout the building. To enhance the connection between the levels—and foster a stronger sense of family interaction—this new design was proposed.
△ First Floor
Central to this redesign is the staircase, an essential element for vertical circulation. It has been relocated near the center of the floor plan and replaced with a spiral staircase, creating a strong visual focal point visible from anywhere on each level. To invite more natural light and further connect the floors, the second-floor slab has been extended over the living room, allowing for a new staircase design in this area.
The northern garden area’s floor slab has been transformed into a sunken garden, which floods the basement with abundant sunlight.
△ First Floor
△ Basement Level
The third floor is dedicated to children’s rooms, designed as a spacious area facing the spiral staircase. This space features soft tatami mats for comfort. Adjacent to windows and walls, small alcove-like “rooms” were created to offer cozy, private spots where children can play freely and enjoy reading.
△ Third Floor
The attic is designed as a studio for the homeowners. Part of the roof has been removed to install skylights, allowing more natural light to flood the space and the spiral staircase. Due to height constraints, the existing beam structure remains exposed on all ceilings. The air conditioner is cleverly concealed by extending walls along the outer perimeter to hide the floor-standing unit. Additionally, indirect lighting installed on the desk softly illuminates the ceiling at night.
△ Attic
The design aims not only to facilitate communication across every floor but also to deepen the spiritual connections among family members through the striking presence of the spiral staircase.
Spiral Staircase
Design Drawings
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Fourth Floor Plan
△ Basement Floor Plan
△ Attic Floor Plan
△ Roof Plan
△ Section A-A
△ Section B-B
Project Information
Location: Hangzhou, China
Area: 744.5 square meters
Design Studio: Diyoukang Architectural Design Studio
Design Team: Ti Yukang, Shi Weiwei (intern), former employee
Lighting Design: Ljus Design (Makiko Ishioka)
Mechanical & Electrical Design: Beijing East Intercontinental Technology Consulting Co., Ltd. (Ishikawa Xingming, Zhulin Kexuan, Yamazaki Takashi)
Construction: Hangzhou Lanjiang Decoration Co., Ltd
Photography: Sensor Observation Images
Completion Date: May 2020
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