Lane House by Archistry Design & Research Office
Designed in 2017 by Nolan Chao of Archistry Design & Research Office, Lane House is an inspiring apartment located in Beijing, China.
About Lane House
Creating a Unique Home in BeiJing
I’m Nolan Chao, and I grew up in Beijing. I took on this project to try something different from usual home designs.
A couple from Beijing came to me with a special request. They wanted a home that felt like “hutong”, designed just for the two of them and their pets.
Making Flexible Spaces
Inspired by lanes, I made spaces that could change easily. I wanted to balance being private with being open.
I added things like grills and curtains. When the couple wanted to feel open, they could easily move these aside. I also took down some walls to make rooms feel bigger and connect better with each other.
This design not only makes the home feel bigger but also helps the couple connect with each other more easily.
Combining Quiet and Open Areas
The middle of the home is a private area. There are windows, curtains, and doors that can close for privacy or open up for a bigger feel. When all the doors close, the home feels cozy and peaceful.
For the materials, I picked simple things like stone, wood, metal, and glass. They make the home feel open and connected.
I agree with what Alvar Aalto said in “natural reproduction”. Good design should feel right and help people connect with each other.
Thinking Outside the Box
The big challenge was figuring out how people would live in this new kind of space. I kept the focus on how the couple lives day-to-day, instead of just how things look.
Now, the couple can eat, work, or relax in any room. They feel more in touch with their home, especially in a busy city like Beijing.
To me, making homes is more than just designing spaces. It’s about understanding how people live and what makes them feel at home.
Photography courtesy of Archistry Design & Research Office
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- by Matt Watts
