Concept Explanation:
“Blue represents the sky, water, air, depth, infinity, freedom, and life.” – Yves Klein
Klein regarded the shade of blue at 0:47:167 as the ideal blue — the blue of the universe, an absolute blue. Blue embodies an ideal realm, and through this pure color, we aim to evoke the strongest emotional response with simplicity.
Concept & Site Analysis:
The project is located in the Xiaocun area of Chaoyang District, Beijing, covering a building area of 90 square meters with a usable area of 66 square meters. The original layout featured a relatively enclosed three-bedroom, one-living-room rough house.
The owners are a family of five, including a lively 7-year-old child who just started elementary school. Music is a shared passion for the family, and we aimed to use music as a connecting thread for their interests and hobbies.
The main design challenge was to maximize every inch of space to accommodate three generations living together. Additionally, a dedicated music room was needed as a shared interest space for the family. The original floor plan was insufficient, necessitating a complete spatial reconfiguration.
△ Original condition
△ Original floor plan
Renovation Concept:
After renovation, the music room is placed at the heart of the home, serving as a social hub that caters to the preferences of three generations. The traditional idea of a living room is blurred, replaced by a shared leisure space extended through common interests, maximizing family satisfaction and freeing up public areas.
Incorporating pure Klein blue injects boundless vitality and elasticity into the space. Arc-shaped design elements unify spatial forms, flowing seamlessly from private areas to public zones, ensuring privacy and connection coexist.
Spatial flexibility and practicality are prioritized, turning the limited area into a surprising and functional home.
△ Modified floor plan
As Klein expressed: “Expressing a feeling, without explanation or language, can evoke the strongest emotional response with the simplest colors.” When introducing Klein Blue into the space, we hope it resonates deeply alongside music.
Corridor:
Walking through the Blue Realm, one is soothed by the power of blue, washing away the day’s dust and fatigue. If blue represents energy, then the smooth streamlined design acts as the medium, delivering pure blue, music, and light directly to the heart.
△ Corridor – Kitchen
The blue at the corridor’s end symbolizes the limitless sky and ocean, creating a clear, open space that encourages one to lose themselves in its vastness. The arc-shaped design brings spatial continuity, while the adjacent household area functions systematically as the space unfolds.
△ Corridor – Household Space
△ Corridor – Master bedroom door closed
△ Corridor – Master bedroom door opening
Entrance Hall:
The family has high storage needs, so we installed ample storage on both sides of the entrance. To minimize clutter, only the shoe cabinets and temporary storage areas remain open without doors, maintaining an ideal, easy-to-maintain space.
Upon entering, the space opens wide to natural light and bright colors, creating a sense of clarity and welcome.
△ Entrance hall
Kitchen:
Designed around the owners’ cooking habits, the kitchen is simple and lively. It features a wide countertop and an open layout that combines cooking and dining, enhancing interaction and making cooking more enjoyable.
△ Kitchen
Living Room:
The streamlined grey resin floor and ceiling cleverly define the living room boundaries. Sunlight floods through the windows, with large areas of white accented by Klein blue, wood, and light gray tones, creating a bright and comfortable atmosphere.
Under the booth seating is hidden storage to keep everyday clutter out of sight. The dining table can be neatly tucked under the desk, offering versatile space transformations.
This spacious living room is ideal for playing music, games with children, or even accommodating a small pool table.
△ Living room
△ Living room
The elderly family members will live with their children during the child’s primary school years. A senior living room is created at the end of the living room, equipped with sliding doors that provide privacy at night and open during the day without compromising natural light.
The concept of the living room is intentionally blurred — there is no traditional TV wall or large sofa. Instead, it forms an open activity space that blends work, leisure, dining, and entertainment seamlessly.
△ Living room – booth
Instead of a television, the home uses a projector. The workbench is designed for both owners — male and female — to work and study comfortably. Above the desk, extensive storage blends aesthetics with practicality.
Wooden cabinets display books and figurines, adding personality and warmth to the workspace. Multiple power sockets are reserved for electronic devices.
△ Living Room – Entrance
△ Living Room – Entrance View
The streamlined floor extends endlessly, inviting movement and guiding residents toward the blue.
△ Living room – Elderly door open
△ Living Room – Music Room
Music Room:
As an art-focused family, a soundproof music room was non-negotiable. Positioned centrally, the room uses soundproof materials to ensure perfect acoustic isolation.
The owners can showcase their talents here, making it the home’s focal point. The room is equipped for all kinds of music equipment and features excellent ventilation through small rear windows and electronic devices despite being soundproofed.
△ Music Room
Bedroom:
The master bedroom is situated at the blue end of the home, following the blue theme. The flooring transitions from white resin to warm wooden floors, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Master bedroom
The room’s facade features a simple yet bright blue and white color scheme. Ample storage meets every need, making the space comprehensive. Owners can rest, read, or work here. While resting, they enjoy the pure white view, enhanced by wall lights on both sides of the bed to create versatile ambiances.
Master bedroom
Children’s Room:
The children’s room and elderly room share a wall, fostering emotional connection between grandparents and grandchildren.
△ Elderly room – Children’s room
Bathrooms:
Managing bathroom use for three generations is a challenge addressed by installing two bathrooms. The washing area is exposed and separated from the toilet and shower, resolving peak usage conflicts.
△ Bathroom
The owners desire a spacious, bright bathroom. Light gray ceramic tiles create a clean, tidy look. The bathroom’s sliding door offers the perfect balance of transparency and privacy.
△ Bathroom
Closing Remarks:
“Blue Realm” introduces Klein Blue throughout the space, employing streamlined design to support three generations living together within a minimalist framework. Centered on shared interests, especially music, the music room serves as a connecting heart for the family.
Personalized solutions are tailored to the family’s specific needs, creating a pure, peaceful music home.
Project Information:
Project Name: Blue Realm
Location: Xiaocun District, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Type: Flat-rise residential building
Building Area: 90 square meters
Design Studio: XIGO STUDIO, theater architecture design studio
Principal Designers: Liu Yang and Wang Dan
Deepening Design: Master Wang Dan
Main Materials: High Betrate resin, polyester fiber sound-absorbing board, Fenlin paint, ceramic tiles, artificial stone, solid wood particle board
Furniture Customization: Solid Wood Romance
Design Period: March – June 2020
Construction Completed: June 2021
Article Layout: Zhang Chunying
Space Photography: Liming
Academic Advisor: Zhu Li
Contact WeChat: xigo studio
Company Email: xigo_studio@126.com
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