Xin House in Old Town: A Model for Vertical Housing Design in Shanghai

In Shanghai, one of China's largest metropolises with over 24 million residents, housing shortages are a pressing issue—especially in historic districts like Hongkou. With its rich cultural past and growing technological present, Hongkou District faces the challenge of adapting aging buildings to meet modern demands. Enter “Xin” House In Old Town, a shining example of vertical housing design, which reimagines old town architecture for the future.

Designed by Yuqing Zhang, Yuan Jiang, Jiaming Fan, and Hong Zhuang, this shortlisted entry for Nano Nest 2020 takes inspiration from the word "Xin"—a homophone for both "new" and "heart" in Chinese. It symbolizes the project’s goal to create new spaces while preserving emotional ties and cultural memory.

Urban Context and Architectural Challenge

Shanghai's old urban areas have outdated infrastructure and cramped spaces. The cost and complexity of demolishing and rebuilding entire blocks have led architects to explore sustainable renovation. Vertical housing design offers a solution—leveraging height, light, and modern materials to transform narrow plots into functional family homes.

Design Strategy and Space Optimization

Xin House is tailored for a three-generation family of six. Each floor serves a specific purpose:

• F1 – Kitchen Courtyard & Dining Area: A tree in the courtyard brings nature indoors, with smart use of stairwell space for storage and e-bike charging.
• F2 – Elderly Room: Offers convenient access and optimal sunshine for the elderly.
• F3 – Children’s Room: Includes a kids’ activity area and twin beds to accommodate two children.
• F4 – Master Bedroom & Study: Designed for parents, combining work and rest areas.
• F5 – Roof Garden: Features a BBQ area, pool, and relaxation deck—enhancing both leisure and ventilation.

Climate-Responsive and Sustainable Materials

Considering Shanghai’s humid subtropical climate, the house uses lightweight and eco-friendly materials. Double-entry insulated glass, light steel framing, and breathable interior finishes reduce energy costs and improve ventilation. The design cuts traditional renovation costs by more than 40%.

Living with Nature in a Vertical Urban Home

The project integrates nature at every level. The internal courtyard and hollow-out sunlight channel allow natural light to penetrate deep into the structure, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. A tree planted on the first floor infuses life and freshness into the home, while the rooftop pool becomes a symbolic escape from dense urban surroundings.

Cultural Continuity and Future Vision

Despite modernization, Xin House preserves the essence of Shanghai’s old town. It reflects the memory and habits of longtime residents—family meals, tea rituals, and shared balconies—all reinterpreted in a vertical layout. As the city evolves, this project offers a scalable and emotional model for future urban housing solutions.

Xin House isn’t just a building—it’s a blueprint for revitalizing urban neighborhoods through thoughtful, vertical housing design that merges functionality, sustainability, and soul.

Project by Yuqing Zhang, Yuan Jiang, Jiaming Fan, and Hong Zhuang – Shortlisted entry of Nano Nest 2020.