Living with art transforms a house into a narrative, a reflection of its dweller's stories and sensibilities. This philosophy guided the transformation of a three-bedroom, two-living-room apartment in the heart of Shanghai in China, into an open and fluid sanctuary. Designed by Studio8 Architects for a collector who values freedom and openness in living, the Puro apartment blurs the boundaries between creativity and function, crafting a dynamic environment.

The overhaul begins at the elevator hall, where uniform stone architecture, lighting and mirrors create an inviting transition into the private residence. Once inside, the layout has been entirely reconfigured. The original south-facing master bedroom was opened up to merge with the living area, creating a spacious and sunlit zone for social and personal activities. Meanwhile, the two northern rooms converge into a quieter and more private master suite, reducing the apartment to a one-bedroom, one-living-room configuration.

The newly expanded living space features a thoughtfully structured hierarchy of zones that fosters a sense of centrality. Anchored by carefully chosen furniture designs, the living room, reception area and open island kitchen flow together while maintaining distinct identities. At the heart of this layout is a dining table that reflects the owner’s love for narrative with its materiality and craftsmanship, telling a story of their own. Crafted from brass, semi-transparent resin panels and solid wood, the table design serves as a focal point for daily life. “The brass plate will age gracefully, bearing the marks of time, while the resin panels let light filter through, connecting the table to its surroundings,” note the architects in the press release. The design encourages a sense of equality, with intersecting armchairs welcoming guests to gather and connect.

The lounge area, located at the opposite end of the dining space, offers flexibility. Sliding doors allow the space to function as a temporary guest room or to open up entirely, maintaining the fluidity of the residential architecture. A key feature of this area is London-based visual artist Julian Opie’s artwork, Walking in Hackney.2, (2016), the only fixed piece in the home. Its dynamic figures seem to resonate with the movement within the space, while the vivid orange background energises the living room. Complementing this is artist Cai Zebin’s Fulcrum (2017), which introduces a visual tension that balances bold aesthetics and subtlety.

Art is not confined to the living areas; it flows into every corner of the interior design. The guest bathroom, though compact, exudes a sense of artistic flair, continuing the theme of unrestricted creativity. In the open kitchen, a juxtaposition of materials, volcanic rock and a stainless steel wine cabinet creates a striking visual contrast. The kitchen wall also serves as a subtle partition, guiding the transition into the master bedroom’s secluded space.

The master suite exemplifies tranquillity and function. Behind an invisible axis door lies a serene retreat that includes an open walk-in closet and a carefully designed bathroom. The shower, positioned behind a narrow window, can be discreetly shielded by a sliding door. To counter the apartment’s low ceilings, concealed lighting and no-ceiling designs were employed, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Minimalist lighting in the bedroom furthers a sense of calm, providing a sanctuary for rest and reflection.

The role of light as an influential element within the apartment design cannot be overstated. From natural light streaming through the expansive windows to the curated placement of fixtures, lighting design creates an atmosphere that shifts throughout the day, adding depth and texture to the interiors. It enhances the visual impact of the artworks and defines spaces without rigid boundaries. The interplay of light and shadow gives the art installation Spine an ever-changing quality, allowing it to shift in perception as the day progresses.

The concept of art-filled interiors extends beyond static displays to embrace an interactive relationship between the resident and their surroundings. Each artwork and furniture contributes to an evolving narrative, where the home itself becomes a canvas for life. This approach tailors the space to suit individual preferences while prioritising functionality, ensuring the home becomes a meaningful and practical environment.

Beyond the owner’s personal collection, the home features custom-designed furniture by the Chinese architects’ brand, CAOZITOU. Pieces like the seabed stone bench in the elevator hall, crafted from French stone with embedded shell patterns, combine functionality and sculptural beauty. The bench doubles as a night light, welcoming the homeowner with a subtle glow. Shanghai’s duality as a city steeped in tradition yet embracing modernity is reflected in the residential interiors. This interplay is evident in the choice of materials and the fluid layout, which balances the home’s artistic focus with the bustling urban context.

Studio8 Architects’ multidisciplinary approach shines through in this project. Based in Shanghai, the boutique studio integrates architecture, interior design, visual identity and FF&E into cohesive solutions. Their designs draw from both Chinese architecture and Western influences, ensuring each project retains its locality and originality while embracing modern design. Their guiding principle, “Time is the only expression,” reflects a deep understanding of how spaces evolve with use. “We listen to the site and the client, curating how people spend time in the space and how the space changes over time,” the team explains.

This balance between structure and flexibility is central to the project. The residential design ensures that every detail serves both function and imagination. From the shifting roles of spaces to the timeless materials chosen, Puro Apartment embraces life’s unpredictability and possibilities. By respecting the owner’s aesthetics and lifestyle, the architects created a residence that feels alive, evolving as art and life converge in an ever-changing dance of form and function.

Project Details

Client: Private Owner
Location: Shanghai
Project Type: Residential
Project Size: 260 square meters
Lead Architects: Shirley Dong, Matteo Piotti, Andrea Maira
Design Team: Studio8 Architects Team, Hutsov Yakiv, Jose Maria Romero Rubio
Scope of Design: Interior Design, FFE
Contractor: Jiangzun Architectural Design and Engineering (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
Main Materials: Wood, Stainless Steel, Artistic Paint, Glass, Volcanic Rock, Corian, Sintered Stone
Brands: Caozitou, Motelni&C, Bottega Veneta, Living Divani, Glas Italia, Viabizzuno, Delta, Nobilia, Gaggenau, Grado, Antoniolupi, Gessi, Compac, Imondi, Liaigre