The house, with a history of over 30 years, is a tower block with one elevator serving ten households, and each floor's apartments are arranged around a central courtyard. The public spaces are extremely cramped and all have only single-sided lighting. With an area of 53 square meters, there isn't even a living room, and the kitchen and bathroom are small, dark, and narrow, making it a true "old shabby shack". This place holds many childhood memories for the female homeowner. Due to its location in a sought-after school district and the deep emotional attachment the homeowner has to the house, she and her husband decided to move with their daughter from a larger suburban house into this smaller one, to embark on a new, comfortable life as a family of three. Renovation became particularly important in this context.

We proposed six versions of renovation plans based on the potential modifications to the old house, discussing each in detail regarding lifestyle implications. Ultimately, the boldest plan was chosen. We demolished all internal walls, redivided the space, expanded the communal areas, compressed the bedrooms to a comfortable size, and added abundant clothing storage space. The independent kitchen was transformed into an open space, fulfilling the female homeowner's long-awaited dream of an island counter design. The kitchen was seamlessly linked to the dining area, creating a comfortable flow of movement. Simultaneously, the toilet was relocated to create a separate wet and dry bathroom, maximizing space functionality. The balcony was cleverly designed as both a workspace for the male homeowner and an area for household chores, catering to various lifestyle needs.

During the project's construction phase, neighbors often questioned, "How is this house worth all the effort you're putting into it?" However, upon completion, neighbors visited and expressed interest in replicating the design. Such renovation of an old house not only addresses the lifestyle needs and habits of the family living there, but also enhances the functionality and practicality of the space, allowing the old house to shine with new life. The design changed attitudes towards living, making all the effort worthwhile.