Staircase Design / PROJECT

Guangzhou Split-level Study

Guangzhou
The split-level edge becomes a multifunctional frame: drawers and cushions create a tatami-style retreat below, a desk occupies the upper level, and the television-centered living room becomes a space for conversation.Designer: Lu Haining

Guangzhou Split-level Study
00PROJECT OVERVIEW
01 / EXISTING CONDITION

The original split level used only a railing along the change in height, leaving its vertical relationship unused. The living room centered on television viewing, with a single furniture orientation and little functional connection to the upper level.

02 / CLIENT BRIEF

The brief was to use the level difference for relaxation, storage and study while shifting the living room away from television viewing toward reading, pause and face-to-face conversation.

03 / DESIGN APPROACH

Rather than treating the split-level edge only as a place that needs a railing, the design uses the height difference as the starting point for spatial reorganization. The vertical layering principle of a bunk bed informs a new multifunctional frame.

Drawers and cushions turn the lower part of the frame into a tatami-style retreat. The previously unused space below the level change now supports storage, reclining and pause while connecting directly with the lower living room.

The upper part becomes a desk, using the raised level to create an open yet distinct place to study. Together, the two layers form a functional study with a stronger atmosphere of reading and culture.

The living room shifts from television-centered viewing to face-to-face conversation. The split-level study, tatami retreat and reception area connect as one system, improving everyday life through added functions and a different pattern of use.

04 / KEY MOVES
  1. 01Turn the split-level edge into a multifunctional frame
  2. 02Layer upper and lower uses through the principle of a bunk bed
  3. 03Add storage with drawers below
  4. 04Create a tatami-style retreat with cushions
  5. 05Place a desk on the upper frame
  6. 06Transform the television-centered living room into a conversation space
SPATIAL CHANGE

RAILING EDGE / MULTIFUNCTIONAL FRAME

Before: the split-level edge used only a railing and the height difference had no added function01
STARTBefore: the split-level edge used only a railing and the height difference had no added function
Completed space: the multifunctional frame connects the split-level study and conversation-focused living room02
RESULTCompleted space: the multifunctional frame connects the split-level study and conversation-focused living room
PROJECT SEQUENCE

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

The original living room centered on television viewing and a single furniture orientation
01The original living room centered on television viewing and a single furniture orientation
A vertically layered frame is introduced along the split-level edge
02A vertically layered frame is introduced along the split-level edge
Drawers and cushions create a tatami-style retreat within the lower frame
03Drawers and cushions create a tatami-style retreat within the lower frame
The frame combines relaxation and storage below with study above
04The frame combines relaxation and storage below with study above
The upper desk uses the raised level to create an open yet distinct study position
05The upper desk uses the raised level to create an open yet distinct study position
Upper view of the continuous relationship between desk, retreat and lower living room
06Upper view of the continuous relationship between desk, retreat and lower living room
The living room shifts from television viewing to a layout for face-to-face conversation
07The living room shifts from television viewing to a layout for face-to-face conversation
Overhead view: split-level study, retreat and reception area form one shared space
08Overhead view: split-level study, retreat and reception area form one shared space
Desk, drawers, cushions and lighting establish an atmosphere for reading
09Desk, drawers, cushions and lighting establish an atmosphere for reading
PROJECT FILM

Design walkthrough of the split-level frame, study retreat and conversation-focused living room