MENGJIE LI
Designer
Size
Completed
Photography
Recognition
Mengjie Li
350sqm
2022
FF Studio
FRAME
A Home That Grows
The Plant House is a private residence renovation, aimed at transforming a dark and compartmentalised lower-unit townhouse into a bright, open, and livable space. The main intervention involved removing part of the floor slab and all lightweight partitions at the basement level, allowing natural light to penetrate deeper into the interior. The redesign transforms a dark basement into a functional living space, with improved light flow, clear public-private zoning, and efficient circulation for a family of three. Photographed six months after move-in, the space reflects real life—filled with greenery personally nurtured by the owner, embodying a calm and evolving lifestyle.
The original two-story house had a confusing layout, with poorly planned spaces that made navigation difficult. The basement, in particular, was a dark, underutilised area with limited natural light, contributing to the overall feeling of isolation within the home.
After
The concept of Plant House is to create a warm, inviting living space that accommodates the diverse needs of the family. By bringing more natural light into the basement, residents can experience the changing seasons and enjoy the warmth of sunlight alongside lush greenery. To achieve this, I introduced light from the garden by creating a strategic opening in the original floor slab, allowing sunlight to penetrate the basement. Additionally, the basement courtyard was transformed into a sunken garden, accessible from the ground level via a staircase, further enhancing the connection with nature.