Penda's doughnut-shaped House O is based on the form of a tree stump
The age-defining rings of a tree stump provided the starting point for this small round house planned by design collective Penda for a wood-carving artist in Beijing (+ slideshow).
![House O by Penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/House-O-by-Penda_dezeen_468_7.jpg)
Named House O, in reference to its circular shape, the house is designed by Penda to provide the client with both a home and a workspace, tailored precisely to suit his day-to-day routine.
![House O by Penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/House-O-by-Penda_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
"The daily routine of the artist is, in a very direct way, translated into the program of the house, which expresses its outer appearance as well," explained studio co-founder and architect Chris Precht, whose past projects include a gallery filled with topsy-turvy openings.
![House O by Penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/House-O-by-Penda_dezeen_468_0.jpg)
Already under construction and due to complete early next year, the two-storey building will feature a central courtyard, creating a doughnut-shaped plan that arches upwards along one edge.
![House O by Penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/House-O-by-Penda_dezeen_468_5.jpg)
The lowest level of the building will be submerged underground. A staircase wrapping the courtyard will connect the two storeys, which trace a route through the occupant's daily activities.
![House O by Penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/House-O-by-Penda_dezeen_468_3.jpg)
"The circulation and the program is arranged along a spiral, leading from a basement with a breakfast area to the highest level, which contains a bedroom," said Precht.
![House O by Penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/House-O-by-Penda_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
The arched edge will help to bring natural light down into the basement, and also raises the bedroom up half a storey above the ground-floor living room.
![House O by Penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/House-O-by-Penda_dezeen_468_6.jpg)
"The lifted part faces toward the south and inhabits the master bedroom, offering a great view over the yard," added the architect.
![House O by Penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/House-O-by-Penda_dezeen_14.gif)
The house will be located on a newly defined plot in the garden of an existing property. Exterior walls will be glazed, screened behind wooden louvres that protect the interior from direct sunlight.
A hedge is also proposed around the perimeter of the building, offering an extra degree of privacy.
![House O by Penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/House-O-by-Penda_dezeen_12.gif)
![House O by Penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/House-O-by-Penda_dezeen_11.gif)
![House O by Penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/House-O-by-Penda_dezeen_10.gif)
![House O by Penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/House-O-by-Penda_dezeen_13.gif)