This Beautiful House In Shanghai Masterfully Blends Old And New

A well-loved family home that has catered for three generations has recently been transformed to maximise its tiny 35 square-metre living space. Located in a historic district of Shanghai, the property pays homage to its traditional past, yet combines this with a refreshing, contemporary approach that aims to serve the youngest members of the family.

Architecture firm Shanghai HuaDu Architecture and Urban Design Group (HDD), has managed to work with the tight urban living quarters to create what appears to be an airy and spacious home that can work for all three generations living in the property.

According to the architects, ‘seeing grandness through smallness’ was the main ethos of the project, utilising every square inch of space in the most efficient way. The designers employed movable doors and furniture, giving the owners the option to close off spaces or open them up freely and easily.

‘All rooms become only a fraction of the whole experience, creating a holistic opera experience altogether,’ explain the firm. Inspired by this idea of the opera, the architects wanted to heighten the sense of drama and anticipation so that each space unfolds as an exciting new discovery.

By using ‘winding walking circulations’ as well as ‘borrowing views from outside’, the architects have managed to create a sense of intrigue so that guests long to see what’s around every corner.

While the look is contemporary, the company was careful to incorporate traditional elements into the design of the building. A ting, meaning pavilion in Chinese, was recreated at the top of the property to provide the family with a space to gather in and socialise, while a tai, meaning podium, was installed in the living room as a small TV and entertainment space for the younger members of the family.

At the heart of the home is a dramatic triple-height space that lets in much-needed light into the centre of the property but also provides a cosy central space for the entire family.

With references to the past combined with a design that’s perfect for fast-paced 21st-century living, this home in the heart of the city will still cater for generations to come.

For more inspirational ideas for small homes, check out this tiny apartment in Barcelona and this three-metre design in Taiwan.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

View Offers