December 4, 2017

Baitasi House by Dot Architects

Baitasi House is an inspiring smart home redesigned in 2017 by Dot Architects, situated in the historic Hutong area of Beijing, China.

Spacious living room with wood-paneled walls, exposed beams, and sleek furnishings.

Rustic wooden interior with high ceiling, modern kitchen and two people at table.

A cozy, open-concept living space with wooden beams, shelving, and comfortable seating.

A cozy, rustic-style studio apartment with wooden paneling, modern furnishings, and a functional layout.

A cozy, rustic living space with wooden walls, exposed beams, and modern furnishings.

Rustic wooden interiors with built-in storage, workstation, and pegboard organization.

Cozy wooden ceiling, modern kitchen, and a person working at a white desk in a bright space.

A compact space with a wooden ceiling, peg board, and modern sink. Efficient layout.

Warm wood tones, modern furnishings, and a cozy, minimalist bedroom design.

A cozy, rustic bedroom with wood-paneled walls, a vaulted ceiling, and built-in shelving.

Cozy, rustic-style bedroom with wooden walls, slanted ceiling, and modern furnishings.

Warm, minimalist bedroom with wooden walls, beamed ceiling, and modern furnishings.

A spacious and warmly-lit bedroom with a wooden ceiling, modern furniture, and large windows.

A modern architectural design featuring a glass entryway, wooden accents, and a minimalist exterior.

About Baitasi House

In the heart of Beijing’s historic hutong district stands the Baitasi House of the Future, a visionary project by a tech company specializing in smart homes. Their mission: to craft an experimental abode tailored to the avant-garde lifestyles of young adults.

Reviving Tradition with Modern Innovation

Nestled within the well-preserved enclave of Baitasi, the project site originally featured a cramped 322 square feet (30 square meters) house and a 861 square feet (80 square meters) yard, cluttered with unauthorized constructions. Embracing the concept of “home” over “house,” the design reimagines a living space that mirrors the dynamic lifestyle of modern youth. For them, seamless transitions between work and leisure, prioritizing access over ownership, and the flexibility of living spaces trump traditional boundaries.

Blending Old with New

The renovation spotlighted the original wood-framed structure, stripping away decay and outdated partitions to showcase the elegance of traditional Chinese architecture. Beneath the renewed roof, the innovative layout comprises two movable and one fixed furniture modules, offering four versatile living configurations. This adaptability enables a transformation from a three-bedroom residence to a compact office, effortlessly merging indoor and outdoor environments.

Controlled by a smart TV, the movable modules integrate modern conveniences, including adjustable lighting, curtains, and a security system, into the fabric of everyday life.

A Minimalist Approach with Maximum Impact

In a nod to sustainable and efficient construction, the project incorporates the WikiHouse system for the site’s sole new structure, housing the kitchen and bathroom. This open-source, digitally-fabricated solution aligns with the neighborhood’s sensitivity to noise and space constraints, exemplifying a swift, clean building process.

Redefining the Future of Living

At first glance, the Baitasi House of the Future may appear modest compared to other futuristic designs. Yet, its unassuming exterior and user-centered interior design subtly forecast the evolution of living spaces in the world’s ancient capitals, marking a significant leap towards harmonizing past and future lifestyles.

Photography courtesy of Dot Architects

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- by Matt Watts