Living by the Mountains is a minimal home located in Chengdu, China, designed by OneHouse Design Studio. At the heart of this 160-square-meter dwelling lies an act of structural alchemy. The load-bearing column that once simply held up the indoor balcony has been reimagined as a sculptural frame, creating what the designers describe as a “view-catching opening” that captures the mountain vista like a living painting. This gesture reveals the project’s central philosophy: every functional element can become a canvas for experiencing the natural world beyond.

The choice to embrace circular flow throughout the public spaces reflects a sophisticated understanding of how movement shapes perception. The kitchen island and round dining table work in concert to create what might be called choreographed circulation – inhabitants move from the compressed entry through an expanding sequence of spaces that culminate in the expansive living area. This compression and release creates a visual symphony that echoes the undulating ridges of the mountainscape itself.

Material selection here operates on multiple levels of meaning. The rough-textured pottery, travertine, and solid wood surfaces do more than simply evoke nature – they embody the weathered beauty of geological time. The architectural strategy of removing walls to invite more natural light represents a contemporary interpretation of traditional Chinese spatial concepts. The sliding doors that can transform the study into either open or private space echo the flexibility of traditional screen systems, while the open-plan living areas create a breathable, nature-inspired living environment.