Family Dynamics
The small home of a Chinese-German immigrant family here in Pittsburgh did not communicate the owners’ passion for art and exploration. They came to us hoping to create a series of interactive and cultural experiences for themselves and their children. After a series of conversations, we completed the renovation by opening up their fragmented first floor and expanding their second floor to include a new master bedroom with a deck.
Read More >This renovation integrates diverse experiences: Lin, a Chinese artist nurturing creativity, and Goeran, a German father who values precision and the outdoors. The design promotes sensory engagement, adaptable spaces with pocket doors, and shoji screens for privacy without losing connection. Asian influences are evident in material choices, particularly in the wet-room bathroom inspired by traditional bathing rituals. The upstairs layout balances children’s and parents’ areas while distinguishing public and private spaces. Movement is key, encouraging physical activity and blurring indoor-outdoor boundaries. The home becomes a canvas for creativity, reflection, and family growth.
Amidst construction challenges, the Clients contracted the home themselves. As a result, we created a multitude of unexpected additional drawings and sketches to facilitate their process. Though the Cor-ten siding of the new construction nods to Pittsburgh’s industrial history (such as the iconic Pittsburgh Steel Tower), the interior expression brings to mind a world of Chinese landscapes filled with natural tones and traditional Asian elements, while new sustainable features like solar panels and a rainwater collection system reflect the owners’ concern for the environment.
For more projects featuring renovation of an existing home, click here to view the Ormond Renovation and here for Kentucky Ave.
