Homes Designs: shanghai

This is one home to make many of us green with envy.

When Chinese architect Rao Qing bought over this apartment in Shanghai, the interior was a mess. The unit's elongated shape (with windows located only at each end) meant minimal daylight. Putting his creative energy and architectural training to good use, Rao decided to give the apartment a massive rejuvenation - to very surprising results.

Working within a confined space, Rao first pushed the living area from the middle section to the end (near the balcony) to ensure plenty of light falls into an area in which he and his wife Xiao Ling would spend most of their time. The decor of the living area evokes images of a comfy lounge bar, with an outstanding red couch taking center stage.

Rao conceived the idea of a lime green glass tunnel to connect the entrance (and dining area) directly to the living area, in view of its distance from the main door. The tunnel is slightly tilted up towards the balcony end to compensate for the difference in floor level.

The fantasy glass walkway also acts as a divider between the different sections of the apartment, with an access opening to the work area and reading corner. Curtain effectively partitions off the sleeping area.