Residential Layout / PROJECT

Layout Through Structural Integration

Continuous levels, nested structures and shared surfaces integrate gathering, work, social use and rest, allowing function to shape the spatial hierarchy.Designer: Lu Haining

Layout Through Structural Integration
00PROJECT OVERVIEW
01 / EXISTING CONDITION

Conventional layouts often fill rooms with separate pieces of furniture. Tables, chairs and partitions occupy space independently, fragmenting circulation and weakening the overall spatial hierarchy.

02 / CLIENT BRIEF

The brief was to accommodate gathering, piano, work, social use, rest, bedroom and storage while reducing isolated furniture and creating a continuous, legible spatial relationship.

03 / DESIGN APPROACH

The space is not filled with furniture; function is used to reshape structure. Continuous levels and nested relationships turn separate daily needs into one coherent spatial system.

A raised line becomes space. The platform works as stair, divider and place to pause, while the continuous surface supports both work and social interaction. One element answers different uses along its length.

Through the physical integration of functions, the living room, piano area, multifunction zone and bedroom are no longer divided by isolated objects. Levels, turns, connections and nesting establish the boundaries and create a distinct spatial hierarchy.

04 / KEY MOVES
  1. 01Organize space through continuous levels
  2. 02Use the platform as stair, divider and place to pause
  3. 03Combine work and social use within one surface
  4. 04Replace isolated furniture with nested structures
  5. 05Connect piano, gathering and multifunction zones
  6. 06Build spatial hierarchy through functional integration
SPATIAL CHANGE

LAYOUT / INTEGRATED SPACE

Layout plan: residential functions integrated through continuous levels and nested structures01
STARTLayout plan: residential functions integrated through continuous levels and nested structures
Spatial result: continuous levels, platform and shared surfaces integrate multiple functions into one structure02
RESULTSpatial result: continuous levels, platform and shared surfaces integrate multiple functions into one structure
PROJECT SEQUENCE

Read the project as a sequence of spatial decisions, from structure and circulation to the final lived scene.

Platform, steps and seating connect continuously to establish layered levels
01Platform, steps and seating connect continuously to establish layered levels
The continuous surface supports work, conversation and social use
02The continuous surface supports work, conversation and social use
Changes in level organize boundaries from work surface and seating to stair
03Changes in level organize boundaries from work surface and seating to stair
Rest, window seating and workspace remain structurally integrated in the bedroom
04Rest, window seating and workspace remain structurally integrated in the bedroom
PROJECT FILM

Walkthrough of continuous levels, nested structures and integrated functions