Tiny ‘prison-like’ apartment in Beijing reborn as a light-filled family home

OEU-ChaO Architects have worked absolute magic on this <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/tiny-homes">tiny 300-square-foot home</a> in Bejing. What was once an incredibly dark and dingy space has been transformed into a welcoming family home that uses an <a href="http://inhabitat.com/japanese-kindergarten-features-awesome-green-courtyard-where-kids-can-run-and-climb/">outer courtyard</a> and sloped wooden ceiling to bring optimal <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/natural-light" target="_blank">natural light</a> and character to the small space.

Located on the second ring road of Beijing City's Xirongxian Hutong, the tiny structure is squeezed in-between five other homes, and is virtually hidden from the narrow street out front.

Taking into account the restrictive spatial limits of the space, the renovation strategy focused on opening up the area to provide natural light and air circulation as well as a comfortable living space.

The first unit was installed as a hallway that leads to a courtyard at the back of the home.

This outdoor space is strategically blended into the home's interior living space through two long tables that run under the window from the outside to the inside.

The outdoor courtyard is strategically blended into the family's living space.

This feature not only adds a light airiness to the interior, but serves as the heart of the home by allowing the family to enjoy a nice sitting area in good or bad weather.

The high ceilings were also useful to install the child's room, which sits on the second level and is accessible by ladder.

The second unit is what gives the home its cabin-like character: a sloped wooden gallery roof.

The original space was dark and dingy and incredible isolated.

The renovation of the courtyard was essential in the design process.

The restrictive nature of the space challenged the architects to find create ways to open up the space.