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Clever tiny home fits a family of 6 in Beijing

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Featuring movable walls and hideaway steps

Living room
This home is sandwiched between a building and a hutong wall
All photos via Designboom

Hutongs, traditional Chinese housing made up of narrow alleyways and courtyards, continue to be ripe for small living wizardry. The latest example? A 460-square-foot Beijing home that manages to fit in all the necessities—plus a grass-lined play area—for a family of six.

Faced with a challenging L-shaped site sandwiched between a building and an existing hutong wall, local firm B.L.U.E Architecture came up with solutions that maximize every inch of space.

The architects drew influence from the home’s surroundings, incorporating the hutong concept of a shared public space. Openness, they decided, would help brighten the space and bring the family together.

The double-height area under a skylight makes the place seem larger than it is, while transforming wooden boxes to the side create distinct spots for the living and dining rooms, as well as a bedroom, and a bathroom. Walls of the living and dining area can be pushed back to make more space if needed. There are also sliding partitions that allow boundaries and a sense of privacy.

A play area with grass carpeting and netting nestles on the upper level, which also houses the children’s bedrooms. At the rear, a full height glass door opening up to a courtyard further brings in the outside.

Every inch of wall space is maximized.

Steps going up towards the play area
Steps leading up to the play area, which has grass carpeting and nets for the children
A workspace, bed and shelves on the upper level
Grass carpeted play area
Grass carpeted play area on the upper level
Walls that push back
Walls can be pushed back to transform a living area into a bedroom

Via: Designboom