The kitchen Li Xiang designed had a main structure of reinforced concrete, with walls made of thick red bricks. It had three rooms above ground and three below.
Because the three underground rooms were to be used as a cellar, the walls and floors had to be waterproofed to prevent dampness. Additionally, ventilation ducts would be installed, running all the way to the top of the kitchen.
The ventilation ducts were designed with small exhaust fans and isolation mesh. The outlets would be curved downwards and positioned not too low, otherwise snakes, insects, and rodents could crawl inside.
Above ground, there was a covered walkway connecting the kitchen to the back door of the old house. This way, there would be no need for an umbrella when going back and forth on rainy days. The design was inspired by the covered walkways of wealthy ancient households.
