The transformation of a 40-year-old residential structure in the rural outskirts of Kaidong, Jiangsu Province, China, has emerged as a blueprint for multi-generational living through innovative architectural intervention. Faced with strict local zoning regulations that mandated the preservation of the original 90-square-meter footprint and the building’s overall silhouette, the design team at L&M Design Lab executed a sophisticated renovation that effectively tripled the functional living area, expanding the total floor space to 250 square meters. This project serves as a compelling case study on how vertical spatial optimization—specifically the use of staggered, or "split-level," design—can accommodate the diverse needs of three distinct generations under a single roof.
Architectural Constraints and Design Philosophy
The project began as an effort by a man in his 40s to provide a modern, comfortable home for his aging parents and his own immediate family. The site, located on the periphery of a village near high-speed transport infrastructure and elevated rail lines, presented significant environmental challenges, including noise pollution and a lack of visual privacy.
The design philosophy centered on the concept of "vertical connectivity." By employing a split-level floor plan, the architects were able to divide the interior into four distinct levels without increasing the building’s external footprint. This approach allowed for a clear separation between public and private zones, ensuring that the elderly parents could maintain their independence on the ground floor, while younger family members could occupy the upper levels.
To mitigate the acoustic impact of nearby transport lines, the architects strategically reduced the number of windows on the eastern and northern facades. Conversely, they concentrated openings on the western and southern sides, which face toward the residential community, open fields, and gardens, thereby optimizing natural light and ventilation while fostering a stronger connection to the surrounding rural landscape.
Chronology of the Transformation
The renovation process was dictated by local building codes that prohibited alterations to the base area and the original exterior profile. The project proceeded through several critical phases:
- Structural Assessment (Month 1-2): Evaluating the integrity of the 40-year-old frame to determine the feasibility of adding vertical interior segments.
- Design Synthesis (Month 3-5): Developing the split-level model to create a 10-meter-high central atrium, which acts as the vertical spine of the house.
- Core Implementation (Month 6-10): Reorganizing the internal layout. The ground floor was redesigned for accessibility, ensuring that the parents’ living quarters were free of threshold barriers and easily reachable from the main entrance.
- Finishing and Integration (Month 11-12): Applying sustainable materials such as terrazzo for flooring and integrating modern, Western-style kitchens with traditional Chinese culinary spaces to satisfy the varying domestic habits of the family members.
Data-Driven Spatial Optimization
The project is a masterclass in volumetric efficiency. By increasing the internal area from 90 square meters of footprint to 250 square meters of total floor area, the architects achieved a 177% increase in usable space. The central atrium is perhaps the most significant architectural feature; standing at 10 meters high, it serves as the visual and functional heart of the home. It facilitates a "visual connection" between the various levels, allowing family members to communicate across floors without needing to traverse the staircases constantly.
The material palette—primarily white, wood, and glass—was selected to enhance the feeling of openness. Terrazzo flooring was utilized on the ground floor for its durability and ease of maintenance, a crucial consideration for a home with high-traffic areas and direct access to outdoor garden spaces.
The Role of the Central Atrium
The 10-meter-high atrium is more than a design flourish; it is a critical environmental and social tool. From a climate-control perspective, it facilitates natural ventilation, drawing cool air from the lower levels and venting warmer air through the upper reaches of the house. From a social perspective, it serves as the home’s "inner courtyard." In traditional Chinese rural architecture, the central hall was the place for hosting guests and performing rituals; here, that tradition is modernized. The atrium connects the living room to the upper-level study areas and bedrooms, creating a sense of unity among the residents despite their separate living quarters.
Impact on Multi-Generational Living
The house addresses the fundamental challenge of balancing intimacy with privacy. The ground floor, reserved for the elderly parents, features adjustable functionality to suit the needs of aging occupants. The doors are wide, and the layout avoids unnecessary steps or hazards, allowing the parents to host guests or move about the house without interfering with the activities of the younger family members on the higher floors.
On the second level and above, the design creates dedicated spaces for the couple and their children. The living room on the second floor is combined with a workspace, functioning as a hub that connects the upper stories. Each level includes a small study or reading nook, providing individual members of the household with the privacy required for professional or academic pursuits.
Environmental Integration and Landscape
The exterior design purposefully avoids fences to maintain a seamless connection with the neighboring households, reflecting the communal spirit of rural village life. The area that once served as a traditional shed for cooling in the summer has been replaced with a grape trellis and an outdoor wooden deck. This space serves as a social nexus, encouraging interaction between the older generation and their peers, reinforcing the house’s role not just as a private residence, but as a part of the village fabric.
Broader Implications for Rural Development
This project provides a potential model for rural revitalization in China. As urbanization continues to pull younger generations toward major cities, the aging population in rural areas often faces isolation. By retrofitting existing ancestral homes, architects can provide a viable path for younger generations to return to their roots while maintaining a modern quality of life.
The success of the Kaidong project suggests that strict preservation policies do not have to result in stagnant, inefficient living conditions. When coupled with creative interior architectural solutions, these policies can actually drive innovation, forcing designers to think vertically and creatively about space.
Technical Specifications and Design Credits
- Project Location: Kaidong, Jiangsu, China.
- Total Usable Area: 250 square meters.
- Footprint: 90 square meters (preserved).
- Design Firm: L&M Design Lab.
- Lead Photographer: Zhu Qingyan.
- Material Highlights: Terrazzo flooring, white-washed walls, oak timber accents, high-performance structural glass.
Conclusion
The renovation in Kaidong stands as a testament to the fact that architecture can actively facilitate familial harmony. By thoughtfully balancing the rigid requirements of local zoning with the flexible, evolving needs of a three-generation family, L&M Design Lab has created a home that respects the past while embracing the requirements of the future. The project demonstrates that with careful planning and an emphasis on verticality and light, even the most restricted sites can be transformed into spacious, interconnected, and functional homes. As rural China continues to evolve, such interventions may prove essential in maintaining the social cohesion of the village while providing a sustainable template for modern, multi-generational living.
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