2.88m Wide Space
As a small architectural studio, mindful of rent and expenses, we secured a 30-square-meter space in the latter half of last year to serve as our office for the next 3 to 5 years. This space was chosen to accommodate our evolving office needs during this period.
Upon first visiting, I instantly fell in love with this compact house. Measuring 2.88 meters in width, 8.7 meters in depth, and 6 meters in height, it is narrow yet tall, featuring ventilation and natural light from both the north and south. Within this small footprint, we envisioned a variety of functional possibilities.
As the project’s primary stakeholders, we developed a task list tailored to our requirements:
- Approximately 8 full-time office staff
- About 4 temporary office staff
- ◇ A venue for communication and project updates
- ◇ Space to host small salons, lectures, and meetings for around 15 people
- ◇ Independent discussion areas that do not disturb others
- ◇ Temporary accommodation for one person
- ◇ A tea room equipped with a sink
- ◇ Open desktop space for crafting handmade models
- ◇ Adequate storage areas
- ◇ Quiet zones for solitary thinking
- ◇ Integration with greenery and plants
△ Spatial dimensions and axis measurement
How can all these functions be integrated into a 30-square-meter space without feeling cramped or oppressive?
Given the task requirements, the public office area accommodating 8 people occupies a significant portion. Therefore, we divided the 8.7-meter length into two zones, dedicating the rear half as the public workspace.
To maximize functionality within the limited footprint, we introduced a mezzanine utilizing the extra vertical height. This necessitated installing a staircase to connect the floors. While we aimed to minimize the staircase’s footprint, it inevitably occupies some space. To address this, we reimagined the staircase not as a mere vertical connector but as a gradual, spread-out experience.
Nature at the Base
Inspired by natural environments, the upward climb incorporates green plants and seating areas resembling rocks for rest. When the climb becomes challenging, handrails mimic tree trunks for support, ultimately leading to an open platform.
The steps vary: 300mm height for stairs, 450mm for resting seats, and 350mm depth for planting greenery.
△ Block evolution concept
This expanded staircase area accommodates temporary offices, discussion zones, salons, and lecture spaces.
△ Staircase detail
The climb leads to the public office area
Rest points along the ascent
Step-by-step handrails were installed for safe and comfortable climbing.
The resting platforms also serve as temporary office spaces.
When the electric curtain is lowered, the steps can be used as staggered seating, perfect for presentations, salons, and discussions.
Behind the fixed six-person desk, the raised platform creates an independent office area that incorporates printer space and storage.
Wall Storage System
Space constraints led us to embed storage along the walls, forming a circular system around the entire office. The upper shelves, 280mm deep, provide space for books, storage boxes, plants, and more.
Below the shelves, a circular hanging rod serves as a flexible exhibition space for office images and can also store folding chairs, picture frames, staff bags, and clothes using hooks. The white rod accommodates various hanging methods, including S-hooks, hangers, and cross-hanging.
△ Storage system overview
A mirror-like silver metal corrugated panel contrasts sharply with the rough diatomaceous earth wall beneath it, bridging the two storage sections.
△ Convenient hanging hooks for bags and foldable chairs
The staircase near the entrance doubles as a temporary exhibition area, where images hang on a white circular rod and can be viewed while ascending.
The storage racks are positioned at a height accessible to a person around 1.8 meters tall, with chairs or steps available for others.
Coexistence in a Compact Space
◇ To separate visitor discussion areas and the handmade model workspace from the public office zone, a single-person lounge and pantry were added beneath the mezzanine at the rear.
A 1.2 by 2 meter bed is integrated into the lounge, accommodating temporary lodging for one person.
The tea room features mirror-finish stainless steel, reducing the sense of confinement.
The pantry and lounge are separated by a wall, with a sliding door outside that moves sideways to enable temporary enclosure.
The mezzanine allows independent movement between the upper and lower levels, preventing interference.
Originally, the building had front doors and rear windows. To maintain a continuous flow, the rear windows were converted into doors featuring a single folding panel, which can be partially or fully opened as needed.
From inside, a 450mm-high seat extends into the tree canopy, creating an outdoor seating area with a temporary table—ideal for summer evening chats among friends.
Indoor and outdoor spaces are connected yet separated by plants, creating a harmonious flow.
Material Contrast
To maximize brightness in the compact space, we used a primarily gray-silver palette. The rough, horizontally striped diatomaceous earth texture contrasts with the smooth, rippled silver stainless steel, adding depth and layering to the environment.
△ Material details
The original high ceiling was divided vertically into two zones by cutting and applying different materials and colors on the facade. This division reduces the overwhelming feeling caused by the height.
The area above the shelf is painted white to conceal it, while below features the rough gray-striped mud texture.
The furniture, including desktops and armrests, is unified by elements featuring horizontal diatomaceous earth textures and white round tubing.
To reduce construction costs, we replaced the originally planned mirror stainless steel table legs and leather cushions with innovative solutions using spare sponges, truck straps, and aluminum foil pearl cotton for cushions and table leg covers.
The adjustable binding straps allow seat cushions’ height and surface materials to be altered depending on the temperature.
The entrance sign combines aluminum foil pipe insulation cotton, orange PVC soft film, and pressure buckle binding tape.
The elongated, narrow space is lit by two continuous light tubes on the ceiling, creating depth and uniform illumination. These lights are elevated and secured to the desktop frame with zip ties, serving as auxiliary office lighting.
Conclusion
Nighttime in the park is bustling, with many locals coming to relax and stroll. Passing by, I noticed the office on the staircase and curiously climbed a few steps to explore.
△ Floor plan view
Project Information
Project Name: Office Space Design Half a Meter Away from Home
Designer: 0.5m Studio
Contact Email: __AI_S_SC0__
Design & Completion: November 2019 & April 2020
Creator: Wang Jiaoer
Location: No. 8 Park, Ningbo, Zhejiang
Building Area: 40 square meters
Photography: Park Yoon
Materials: Diatomaceous mud, rippled stainless steel, mirror stainless steel, aluminum foil pearl cotton
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