Incredible 43 M2 Residence Fits Family of Six With Room to Play and Relax

In Beijing’s historical area of Dongcheng is the Dengshikou Hutong Residence, an impressive example of efficient and comfortable tiny living. Designed and constructed in just nine months by Japanese led architecture firm B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio, the 43m² residence was a renovation project that sought to create a more modern living space for a family of six.

For those unfamiliar with the term, a “hutong” is a narrow alley typically created by the walls of courtyard residences on either side. The Dengshikou Hutong Residence, as the name implies, sits in one of those narrow alleys along the back corner of a two-storey building.

The hutong wall is on the opposite side, forcing the design into an L-shape. The unique project was inspired by the traditional public spaces that pop-up in hutongs.

The backyard was not excluded in the design either. With the large glass and wood frame of the back wall open, the house can continue directly to the outside, blurring the line between interior and exterior

The design also had to be clever with how storage was approached. In addition to the folding and sliding walls for privacy, there are also tables and chairs that can fold out from the walls to add more functionality to the space.

One of the bedrooms can even be pushed back to become a sofa and allow for a larger workspace on the other side.

Folding and sliding walls allow for privacy and individual areas when needed.

To add more play space, one of the stairs can fold up to a kid-friendly carpeted climbing area, changing from function to fun.

Along the length of the residence is a long skylight, allowing for daylight to illuminate the entire space without any need for additional artificial lighting.

A few skylights are carefully placed so that the communal areas on the first floor, such as the living area, are guaranteed to get daylight. Then by combining the natural light with the exposed spaces on the first and second floor, the residence takes on a feeling of openness that’s unexpected based on its footprint.

The living and dining areas can also push out and expand into the corner of the residence to accommodate more people.

Despite the narrow space, the residence’s corridor runs the entire length of the structure, acting as the hallway. The corridor not only connects the interior boxes to each other but also to the exterior areas. According to the architects, it’s this continuous open space that “allows for opportunities for communication.”

One set of stairs also has drawers within each step’s rise.

The first floor is a series of consecutive “boxes” that create the living room, dining room, study, bedroom, and bathrooms. The heights of the boxes are determined by the height of a person doing that activity.

For instance, the height of the study is lower than the standing height needed for the kitchen. This staggered height creates more dynamic spaces and divisions of rooms on the second floor.

There are two staircases to get to the second floor, leading to the kid’s bedrooms and play area.

The cosy spaces on the second floor are also carpeted and include flexible shelving.

The play area also has a net for safety.

The Dengshikou Hutong Residence is a perfect example of how smart space and storage techniques, along with elegant uses of light and height, can make a small building feel big.