Tiny Beijing alley house transformed into sweet, character-filled home

Natural light can make or break a space. For this tiny home built in an old Beijing alley, it made all the difference. Squished between five other older buildings and accessed through a small courtyard, the 300-square-foot abode was hampered by poor light access and a low ceiling, giving it an unappealing, cave-like atmosphere.

But with the addition of a new glass wall, outdoor table space, sleeping loft, and restored cathedral ceiling, the home was transformed into a chic and modern abode.

Architects OEU-ChaO began by creating a covered path through the courtyard from the “lobby” to create a more directed entry point into the home. Then they entirely removed the front wall, slightly expanding the home into the courtyard with a wall of windows. Counter-height tables were placed on both sides of the glass, allowing for a more coherent connection between outside and in.

The dropped ceiling was removed to expose elegant traditional beams in the living space. The new height meant that a child’s sleeping loft could be added above parent’s bed. Clean-lined wooden furniture, minimal decoration, and industrial touches—like the concrete floor—combine to create an open modern space.

Via: Inhabitat, Arch Daily