A Loft Mezzanine Cleverly Enlarges This Small Beijing Flat
Awkward sloping ceilings are put to good use in this family apartment known as the Starburst House in Beijing, China.
When a young couple purchased a 1,259-square-feet apartment in Beijing’s Haidian District, there was one element they knew would need to be fixed immediately in order to maximize the small space: the steep, sloping ceilings.
After turning to Taiwanese–based HAO Design Studio, the founder of the firm, Ivan Chen, thought the slanting, asymmetrically pitched roof—which resulted in the sloping ceilings—was one of the apartment’s most beautiful features, so he decided to insert a mezzanine area to take full advantage of the unusual dimensions.
Large wood-framed windows with multi-plane glass help bring more light into the interiors.
Courtesy of Hey!Cheese
Not only did the team make the most of the slanted ceilings by creating a cleverly designed lofted area, they have also redesigned the flat to accommodate the family's "open-ended, unfixed, and flexible" lifestyle.
The open-plan living, dining, and kitchen spaces are located on the ground floor.
Courtesy of Hey!Cheese
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A light gray sofa sits in the living lounge.
Courtesy of Hey!Cheese
Plastic floor tiles, faux stone accents, metal bricks, crisp white walls, and wooden floors come together to give this attic-like apartment—now known as the Starburst House—quaint, cozy vibes.
Sliding doors have been installed between the dining and kitchen area so the two zones can be separated when needed.
Courtesy of Hey!Cheese
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ShopThe open sliding doors of the kitchen and children’s room can flexibly stretch the space, and when fully opened, improve circulation.
Courtesy of Hey!Cheese
An entryway with perforated walls.
Courtesy of Hey!Cheese
The front of the wall that separates the kitchen from this playroom is a chalkboard where the couple’s son can play and draw.
Courtesy of Hey!Cheese
The mezzanine is accessed via an industrial-style concrete staircase.
Courtesy of Hey!Cheese
Across from the living lounge, tucked under the mezzanine study, is a child’s playroom.
Courtesy of Hey!Cheese
Mountain-shaped wall cushions line the wall of this cloistered playroom, echoing the peaked ceiling of the apartment.
Courtesy of Hey!Cheese
The choice of colors and materials work together to create a bright, cheerful, and romantic atmosphere.
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The second bathroom is located within the mezzanine.
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A gray table, mint-green pendant lamp, and pink-and-turquoise dining chairs are located in the dining area.
Courtesy of Hey!Cheese
The mezzanine loft looks down to the living and dining rooms.
Courtesy of Hey!Cheese
Built-in shelves run along the entire length of the wall of the mezzanine study loft.
Courtesy of Hey!Cheese
The lofted study is an idyllic addition to the floor plan, especially since the husband regularly works from home.
Courtesy of Hey!Cheese
Here, a timber desk is slotted into a cozy corner in the study loft.
Courtesy of Hey!Cheese
The Starburst House Diagram Drawing
Courtesy of HAO Design Studio
The Starburst House Floor Plan
Courtesy of HAO Design Studio
Project Credits:
Architecture and interior design: HAO Design
Photography: Hey! Cheese / @heycheese.tw
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