Lu House

The Chinese character '合' (to combine), made of three 'mouth' Chinese characters, symbolizes unity. For the family of three, '合' embodies their wish for a fulfilling life. Sandra, the lady of the house, shared that their journey together began with friendship, then blossomed into love. From graduate students to postdocs, from Hong Kong to Changsha, it was only upon having their daughter that their 'union' truly formed.

Photo: GUO Xinxin Stylist: LIAO Roger

"This space is open. It's a home, a studio, a reading room, a playground, a study, an office, a lounge... No single area stands alone; it can be one person's haven or a shared family space when needed. It reflects my nearly all-encompassing aspirations for life and meets my criteria for a beautiful living." Sandra and her husband, both university professors with no extensive background in interior design, have a clear vision for their dwelling.

Spanning 370 square meters, the design, grounded in practicality, embraces Sandra's desire for openness. She prefers simplicity, a decluttered space free from the previous design's complexities, tearing down the literal and figurative barriers to reimagine the home's layout.