House Z begins with the distinct needs of an intergenerational family. In Xiangxiang, Hunan, a simple composition responds to limits on area, budget and construction, placing the emphasis on how rooms are used and how family members meet in everyday life.

A ground-floor bedroom reduces the need for older residents to use the stairs. Shared living and kitchen spaces accommodate family activities, while flexible rooms allow for changes in use. A terrace takes the place of an additional storey, bringing outdoor occupation into the organisation of the house. Balconies, windows and the stairwell translate these needs into spatial depth.

Quiet finishes and framed views establish an intimate scale inside. The hearth gives the living area a shared centre, grounding the house in the relationship between generations, daily habits and spatial arrangement.