This project involves renovating the top floor of a building situated along Chengdu’s Second Ring Road, within a residential community developed in 2004. At the dawn of the new millennium, Chengdu’s real estate market was still in its infancy. Development practices were not yet standardized, and the assembly line model had not become the norm. Some small and medium-sized developers pursued idealistic designs, resulting in unique and diverse projects rarely seen in the subsequent two decades. For instance, “Shanghe City,” located along the southern bank of Chengdu, stands out as an example. Built in 2003, it features a multi-story residential building with an elevated ground floor, creating public space beneath. The community even includes a small art museum, reflecting the distinctive character of this era.
Upon first entering this residential area, I was struck by the unreal feeling that the architecture and landscaping did not conform to typical residential community standards. Many spaces and features were designed without relying on standardization or strict regulations, and efficiency was not the primary concern. From the layout of units to the exterior facades, there was no uniform or emotionless repetition. This diversity created a unique and refreshing sense of community, vibrant and lively despite—or perhaps because of—its lack of refinement.
The client is a family of three. The primary resident works in advertising planning and is also an independent artist and public welfare practitioner. Having returned to Chengdu from Beijing, they discovered this home and were captivated by its unique layout and non-standard forms. They invited us to collaborate on creating this top-floor living space, focusing on three key aspects: living space, ambiance, and lifestyle.
The design of living space aims to maximize usable areas by expanding the original floor plan and vertical layout of the house. Urban renewal projects often focus on old commercial buildings or factories with public functions, while many residential properties remain neglected. Typical residential renovations tend to focus on façade improvements—sometimes called “dressing up and wearing hats”—to present a clean and uniform street image. However, this approach has drawbacks: the monotonous mechanical uniformity of building façades and storefront signs diminishes urban vitality and diversity; enclosing balconies uniformly to reduce “visual pollution” strips residents of everyday liveliness such as hanging clothes and enjoying fresh air; and transformations centered on city views overlook residents’ personal experiences. Thus, these formal changes rarely enhance the practical living environment.
For this residential renovation, our approach was straightforward: maximize usable space to provide a larger and more functional living area, which is essential for an ideal lifestyle. Within the constraints of structural safety, adjustable plumbing and electrical systems, and good neighborly relations, the design expands usable space and enhances efficiency by:
- Enclosing the balcony to prevent dirt accumulation and expand living areas;
- Removing portions of the floor slabs to create indoor stairs linking upper and lower levels, improving accessibility and space usage;
- Renovating and expanding existing rooftop prefabricated structures to establish a reliable top-level environment, replacing lower enclosed balconies with rooftop gardens to optimize roof space.
The design of the residential atmosphere focuses on creating a relaxed environment by organizing original building materials into a clear visual language. The color palette consists mainly of black, white, gray, and wood tones: fixed wood elements include furniture, cabinets, doors, and newly constructed lightweight walls; gray represents the cement flooring and exposed original beams and columns; white is used for ceilings, walls, and some fixed cabinets; black highlights detailed components such as stairs, handrails, and door frames. This logical use of materials—from structural elements to furniture and details—creates a natural, comfortable visual system.
Lifestyle design reshapes the original use and flow of the house to create an engaging way of living. The conventional concept of fixed living spaces did not meet the owners’ needs, who desired a versatile space combining leisure, socializing, activities, work, and entertainment. The design redefines usage and circulation throughout the home, creating a more fluid, open, spacious, and personalized environment supporting a rich and meaningful lifestyle.
The kitchen and living balcony were combined to form a transparent space integrating cooking and dining areas. The former guest and master bedrooms were reorganized into an open entrance foyer, living room, and a high-ceiling children’s room with a mezzanine. The top floor functions as a studio and leisure gym, designed as a flexible living space that can be divided or combined. These themed areas connect via corridors and stairs, creating a cohesive interior that supports diverse indoor activities.
The project spanned five years of construction, during which there were no major design changes. By focusing on fundamental elements—living space, atmosphere, and lifestyle—the design has stood the test of time and daily life.
Project Drawings
△ First floor plan before and after renovation
△ Second floor plan before and after renovation
△ Exploded diagram
Project Information
Architect: Fan Zhu Design
Area: 274 m²
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: Sun Haiting
Lead Architect: Zhong Zixun
Design Team: Li Ling, Xue Jieyuan
Construction: Chengdu Jiji Construction Engineering Co., Ltd
Location: Chengdu
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