MENGJIE LI
Designer
Size
Completed
Photography
Mengjie Li
250 sqm
2020
FF Studio
This three-level residence, one basement level and two above ground, was designed for a couple and their young children as their new family home in Qingpu, Shanghai. The husband is an avid collector of Chinese antiques and Ming-style furniture, while the wife prefers a Scandinavian and modern aesthetic. Both place strong importance on education and daily companionship, hoping the home will not only reflect their own tastes but also support their children’s play, learning, and growing independence. Sharing the house with two dogs (and occasionally visiting cats and parrots), the family envisioned a warm, lively, and flexible environment.
Design Strategy
The original structure contained several sunken areas; by leveraging the vertical height, we introduced mezzanine spaces with a clear height of 2 m. The lower level accommodates the maid’s room, guest bathroom, and storage. With only 4.3 m total height, the mezzanine study was designed with a split-height configuration to optimise comfort and usability.- The staircase was completely redesigned. Storage was integrated beneath the steps, and part of the structure was transformed into a “secret passage” for the children.
- Every floor incorporates child-oriented zones—spaces for play, learning, and rest—to encourage independence while maintaining a sense of closeness.