Plant Box House is a minimal residence located in Hangzhou, China, designed by DREAMCAT LAB. The goal was to create a harmonious living space that balances tranquility and activity, offering a comfortable environment for the family. Despite the constraints on altering the building’s exterior, the design team skillfully optimized the flow of natural light by reconfiguring the staircase’s location and structure, allowing sunlight to traverse freely from the basement to the second floor. This new vertical circulation serves not just as a pathway but as a conduit for light and connection.
The basement level, previously dim and enclosed, now features a “plant box” that extends greenery and daylight from the first-floor garden. This intervention transforms the basement into a vibrant space where life revolves around nature, whether on sunny or rainy days. The homeowners, who work from home, have their office and fitness area located here. The original opaque walls of the light well were replaced with transparent elements, framing the lush greenery and subtly delineating functional zones. The fitness area, media corner, bar, and office are all arranged around the plant box and staircase, creating a multifunctional space for work and relaxation.
Ascending from the basement, the first floor is designed to cater to the needs of the elderly parents, with a bedroom, dining, and living areas. The living room, positioned beside the staircase, features a soft, neutral palette of wood and beige tones, complemented by a striking blue painting and a red Utrecht chair by Cassina, adding visual interest. Potted plants placed in the corners echo the greenery of the garden and the plant box, integrating natural elements into the interior. The dining and kitchen areas, separated by the repositioned staircase, are marked by a more subdued wood tone, distinguishing them from the lighter hues used elsewhere. This spatial reconfiguration has expanded the kitchen and dining areas, creating a spacious and inviting environment for family meals.
The post Plant Box House appeared first on Leibal.
