Not all beach houses take inspiration from its surroundings – some of them are designed to be part of the landscape itself.
In the resort town of Aranya, an hour’s drive south of the coastal city of Qinhuangdao, China, a house had undergone renovation not only to match its setting, but also to contribute to the seaside horizon.
![A Chic and Soothing Beachside House in Qinhuangdao, China](http://img.homejournal.com/201908/5d44d4f0934f9.jpg)
Qinhuangdao has grown popular among Beijing and Tianjin residents in the west as a holiday destination in the last five years, with visitors coming in droves for the beach.
![A Chic and Soothing Beachside House in Qinhuangdao, China](http://img.homejournal.com/201908/5d44d5032aa3a.jpg)
All of this easily makes the house, a two-storey, 3,500sqft residence, part of the scenic route to the water.
![A Chic and Soothing Beachside House in Qinhuangdao, China](http://img.homejournal.com/201908/5d44d50e8e137.jpg)
Tasked with redesigning the house, Beijing-based META-Project sought to create open-plan living areas, enhance the flow of spaces throughout the home, and make it more conducive to gatherings.
![A Chic and Soothing Beachside House in Qinhuangdao, China](http://img.homejournal.com/201908/5d44d5235fa77.jpg)
“Our architectural intent was to create a series of dynamic spaces that could work for multiple gathering niches and more communal spaces for entertaining,” said the firm in a statement. They also sought to maximise views of the sea while blocking the sun.
![A Chic and Soothing Beachside House in Qinhuangdao, China](http://img.homejournal.com/201908/5d44d51700997.jpg)
The resulting home minimises typical beachside elements such as wicker, rattan, and palettes of sand. Instead, a modern sculptural abode stands in its place, as much a part of the scenery as the waves crashing on the shore nearby.
![A Chic and Soothing Beachside House in Qinhuangdao, China](http://img.homejournal.com/201908/5d44d53773d2e.jpg)
Strategically located windows – on every façade of the house – bring in views of the horizon, as well as that of the pitch-roofed chapel.
![A Chic and Soothing Beachside House in Qinhuangdao, China](http://img.homejournal.com/201908/5d44d5538501f.jpg)
A contemporary palette of white, grey, stone, brass, with the intermittent wooden element in shelving and furniture, fill the space, as do light touches of colour – lavender, olive, and cream.
![A Chic and Soothing Beachside House in Qinhuangdao, China](http://img.homejournal.com/201908/5d44d56b544f4.jpg)
Locally sourced materials feature throughout the home, including the terrazzo flooring and pebble mosaic, while contemporary pieces furnish the various rooms.
![A Chic and Soothing Beachside House in Qinhuangdao, China](http://img.homejournal.com/201908/5d44d5762d4d0.jpg)
On ground level, the open-plan living areas provide spaces for communal gatherings and occasions for entertainment.
![A Chic and Soothing Beachside House in Qinhuangdao, China](http://img.homejournal.com/201908/5d44d58046560.jpg)
The full-height living room creates a sense of volume and spaciousness, further accommodating views of the sea and sky outside.
![A Chic and Soothing Beachside House in Qinhuangdao, China](http://img.homejournal.com/201908/5d44d58f693e3.jpg)
A semi-outdoor vestibule, kitchen, dining room and library also find home on the ground floor. The various living spaces are oriented to face the outdoor garden.
![A Chic and Soothing Beachside House in Qinhuangdao, China](http://img.homejournal.com/201908/5d44d59aee5c5.jpg)
The library, with full-height shelving accessible through a built-in ladder, also features skylights and calming vistas of the beach.
![A Chic and Soothing Beachside House in Qinhuangdao, China](http://img.homejournal.com/201908/5d44d5a699066.jpg)
Upstairs are four bedrooms, each with either massive window views of the ocean, or balcony perches from which to enjoy the views.
![A Chic and Soothing Beachside House in Qinhuangdao, China](http://img.homejournal.com/201908/5d44d5b0e3e04.jpg)
Photography by RUIJING Photography, courtesy of META Project
See more: How an abandoned beachside shed turned into a nautical-themed summer home