Ji Muran is a young girl whose parents chose to create a custom home for her in the countryside. Their goal was to provide her with a carefree and comfortable childhood surrounded by a beautiful, fresh environment.
Before the Renovation
The house, prior to renovation, was a typical residential structure near Beijing. It featured two bedrooms and one living room but lacked an atrium.
After discussions with the homeowner, we decided to preserve a courtyard and enhance the internal spatial flow. The chosen layout follows a “Hui”-shaped flow, maximizing both functionality and enjoyment within the space.
The design incorporates varying floor levels to create a rich spatial hierarchy, specifically crafted for Mu Ran to enjoy and play within her home.
The north side of the courtyard holds the living room, while the south side features an exterior staircase leading to the roof. This setup allows the family to experience the changing seasons throughout the year within their home.
The external staircase on the building’s south facade is both functional and symbolic. Positioned to face the Great Wall across the ridge, it creates a dialogue with the historic landmark. The east facade sits along an uphill road frequently used by neighbors, so the entrance and a semi-outdoor balcony remain here to preserve the welcoming, human aspect of rural life.
We preserved the original design of the two bedrooms but relocated them to the south side of the building. Each bedroom features large windows that offer stunning views of the lush forest on the opposite mountain and the Great Wall along the ridge.
Project Drawings
△ Model diagram
△ Model diagram
△ Model diagram
△ Model diagram
△ Model diagram
△ Plan view
△ Roof Plan
△ Exploded diagram
Project Information
Project Name: Ji Muran’s Home
Architectural Firm: Amulon Design Studio
Company Location: Caochangdi Art District, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Project Completion: December 2021
Building Area: 145 square meters
Project Address: Shifosi Village, Yanqing District, Beijing
Lead Architect: Amulon
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