House of Porous: Multi-Generational Home Design

Architectural Design of Multi-Generational Homes

Adaptation to Climate and Environment

The design of homes in northern China demonstrates how architecture can adapt to cold climates. The house employs an introverted design strategy, featuring a central light well that provides natural illumination and directs family activities toward the heart of the home. Exterior windows, along with roof openings of varying sizes, ensure a smooth distribution of light, creating a soft and comfortable indoor lighting experience for the residents.

Spatial Planning and Inspiration from Traditional Models

The floor plan is based on the classic nine-square grid, which combines interconnected and independent elements. This layout allows for a seamless transition from public areas dedicated to family activities to private residential zones, while maintaining the privacy of each unit.

Harmony with Local Culture

The nine-square grid spatial pattern represents more than a geometric arrangement; it reflects a deep cultural understanding of the home within the Chinese context. This organization aligns with local traditions in how spaces are used and relationships between family members are managed, connecting the functional and aesthetic dimensions of the home in a cohesive manner. More examples of buildings incorporating traditional cultural principles can be found in our archive.

Interior Organization and Circulation Paths

The Central Courtyard as the Heart of the Home

At the center of the nine-square grid lies a light-filled courtyard, representing the heart of the house. Surrounding it are the main functional areas, such as the entrance, living room, dining room, kitchen, and the staircase to the upper floors. This arrangement creates a harmonious visual and environmental experience, as the courtyard provides natural light and organizes the movement of residents within the home.

Rotation and Dedicated Functions

One corner emphasizes an additional function by rotating the block toward a specific intersection to form a study room overlooking the exterior street. This layout demonstrates how architecture can use rotation and circulation paths to provide privacy and a framed view, while enhancing visual and functional connectivity between different spaces.

Edge Intensification and Spatial Separation

Horizontally, the edges surrounding the center are intensified to form corridors and staircases within double walls. This organization helps separate functional areas from circulation zones, creating a cognitive node for paths and intersections, similar to the experience of pathways in traditional gardens. Differences in floor heights are also used to distinguish a sequence of public spaces according to their functions, reinforcing spatial hierarchy and giving the home a dynamic and flexible character in use. Learn more about building materials that support complex architectural designs.

Spatial Flow and Interior Lighting

Three-Dimensional Spatial Movement

The entrance hall connects to a series of spaces such as the tea room, living room, dining room, and study. These spaces follow a path along a reverse spiral circulation line. This arrangement generates a three-dimensional spatial flow, giving each part of the house clear autonomy while maintaining visual connections between different areas. Additional examples of innovative projects can be explored in our project database.

Relationship Between Interior and Exterior

Variations in floor heights and the design of separate and rotated forms within the plans create complex cross-sectional relationships between the interior and exterior. This dynamic enhances the sense of connection with the surrounding environment while preserving privacy and the distinct functions of each space within the home. See related cities where similar architectural strategies are applied.

Natural Light Distribution

The design incorporates large and small windows on the facades, along with multiple roof openings known as “light polarizers” facing the interior courtyard. These openings bring natural light from different directions and simultaneously create a smooth spatial flow within the building, producing a rich and dynamic lighting experience for the residents. For additional material datasheets related to lighting and facades, check our technical archive.

Spatial Distribution and Architectural Facades

Distinguishing Between Public and Private Spaces

The ground floor serves as a central base housing the public areas of the home, while the bedrooms on the upper floors are designed independently. This organization allows for the creation of open terraces connected to the sky, enhancing the living experience and providing flexible outdoor spaces for residents.

Integrating the Building with Its Surroundings

The bedroom blocks are carefully aligned along the street corner within the XY horizontal plane, generating a visually dynamic and flexible architectural facade. This arrangement helps integrate the building into the surrounding urban context while maintaining a balanced interaction between the architectural form and the overall environment of the residential block. Related architecture competitions have also explored similar integration concepts.

Balance Between Functionality and Aesthetics

Integration of Planning and Lighting

The building’s design demonstrates how the nine-square grid, combined with variations in floor heights, can create a living space that balances functionality and aesthetics. This organization helps regulate movement within the house and defines the relationships between different spaces in a logical and harmonious manner. For more insights, explore our design resources.

Utilization of Natural Light

The diverse natural lighting designs play a central role in enhancing the living experience, providing balanced and comfortable illumination throughout the home. This approach creates an elegant and pleasant interior environment while ensuring a high level of visual and functional comfort for residents, tailored to the needs of multi-generational families. Related interior design principles can also be found in our guide.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The House of Porous project can be regarded as a model demonstrating how the nine-square grid layout can be integrated with variations in floor heights and natural lighting. This approach allows for the study of spatial flow and the relationship between interior and exterior in multi-generational residential buildings. On the positive side, the project highlights the design’s ability to provide balanced natural light and a graduated visual experience, making it a valuable reference for studying the impact of light on residents’ daily life.

However, several considerations may require deeper evaluation when applying this model to other buildings. First, the spatial complexity resulting from spiral loops, height variations, and rotational distribution of spaces may pose challenges in practical use and daily maintenance, especially for families that require a clear and straightforward organization of areas. Second, the high autonomy of individual spaces and the visual overlap between public and private zones may necessitate further study regarding privacy and psychological comfort, particularly within local cultural contexts that might prefer clearer separation between spaces. Third, the strong focus on the central courtyard and lighting through multiple openings may limit flexibility for future expansions or adjustments of interior functions according to changing family needs.

Based on this, the project serves as a rich reference for studying spatial flow, natural light distribution, and interior-exterior interaction. At the same time, it emphasizes the need to balance design complexity with practical functionality, especially when applying the same concepts in different urban or cultural contexts. For more expert discussions, visit our discussion section.