tsutsumi and associates adds outdoor bath to house X in beijing for barrier-free accessibility

tsutsumi and associates completes house x

Tsutsumi and Associates has renovated a ground-floor apartment in Beijing to enhance accessibility for a homeowner in his 50s and his elderly parents. House X prioritizes barrier-free accessible design, incorporating features like raised flooring, custom handrails, and sliding doors for wheelchair access. Before the intervention, House X’s layout included stage-like steps inspired by European mansions. To address mobility concerns, the Japanese studio raised the living room by 30 centimeters, eliminating height differences between rooms.

Custom handrails were installed throughout the home, especially in areas where safety risks were high, such as the bathroom. Here, these elements are discreetly designed to blend into the interior by doubling as lighting fixtures. Further, natural light and ventilation are emphasized to promote a bright, airy atmosphere ensuring the home retains a sense of warmth despite its functional modifications.

all images courtesy of Tsutsumi and Associates

the space embraces barrier free accessibility

Tsutsumi and Associates reimagined the apartment’s layout to balance accessibility and aesthetic quality. Sliding doors, specially designed for wheelchair use, allow easy access throughout the home. A walk-through toilet anticipates future caregiving needs, while the overall floor plan avoids dead ends, providing smooth mobility throughout the residence. Although it was not possible to eliminate all level differences, particularly at the entrance and tea room, the architects ensured safety with custom-built furniture that provides support. Only the south side of the living room has the floor lowered to its original elevated height, allowing for the placement of a sofa which transforms it into a coffee space separate from the living room.

A key new feature is the open-air bath in the south garden. Connected to the main bedroom’s bathroom via a wooden corridor, the bath’s design balances openness with privacy. The lower part of the enclosure remains open, while sliding wooden doors from waist height upwards offer privacy. Angled louvers on the roof prevent visibility from above while allowing for unobstructed views for those soaking in the bath.

Tsutsumi and Associates completes House X

Natural light and ventilation were prioritized throughout the design. In typical Chinese condominium developments, layouts often result in dark, poorly ventilated interiors. ‘Therefore, in the revised room arrangement, we placed the utmost emphasis on allowing light and air to flow through the space,’ says the team at Tsutsumi and Associates. The guest room, which doubles as a Japanese-style room, remains open to allow light to flow into the house, while bathrooms are positioned along exterior walls to ensure access to natural light and fresh air. Sliding doors prevent rooms from obstructing airflow, contributing to a bright, airy atmosphere that promotes well-being and accessibility for the family.

the renovation prioritizes barrier-free accessible design