“Tiny” doesn’t have to mean “shy” Project Manager Javis Ma of Urban Design & Build maintained this mantra in mind when turning a small Hong Kong residence to a trendy one. The 630-square-foot flat is located within an old tong lau construction in Central Hong Kong; tong lau buildings were originally tenements, usually built from the first to mid-20th century. This building now contains small units designed for both residential and industrial purposes.
Stripping the unit down to its bones, Ma designed a new layout which makes use of the flat’s long and narrow shape. A kitchen with a workspace serves as the heart, and a living area, bedroom and bathroom complete the area. Smart storage options and a couple of visual tricks take advantage from the flat’s limited square footage.
in a Glance
Who lives here: A single expat businessman
Location: Central Hong Kong
Size: 630 square feet; 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Cost: Around $45,000
Urban Design & Build Limited
A number of these tong-lau buildings were renovated and turned to rental units throughout the postwar years, which saw an influx of immigrants to Hong Kong. Single rooms were frequently split into sleeping areas with bunk beds, while residents shared the bathrooms and kitchens.
This specific building had an extremely traditional tong-lau layout, with the most amount of square footage utilized and a higher ceiling height compared to many residential flats in Hong Kong.
Urban Design & Build Limited
Ma designed the flat using a multipurpose waist with different spaces at both end. The kitchen is the center of the apartment. The custom worktable may be used for dispensing foods, eating or working.
With restricted access to the outside, the flat had poor air circulation, and one side faces a busy road. A brand new air conditioning and ventilation system today provides clean air.
Bar Condominiums: X2 Beat Stool, Homeless Hong Kong
Urban Design & Build Limited
A built-in closet offers storage without taking up extra room. Chalkboard paint means it could double as a place for writing shopping lists and recipes.
Urban Design & Build Limited
The easy furniture highlights the flat’s industrial and contemporary mix of raw concrete and clean white lines. Splashes of natural feel, neon blues, vivid yellow and burnt green add visual flavor to the otherwise stark space.
Couch: habit; java table: Klubbo, Ikea
Urban Design & Build Limited
Rest and play areas are on both sides of the kitchen. The layout makes for a seamless transition from one action to another.
Constructed upper cabinetry lines one full wall of the flat for plenty of storage. The shortage of hardware helps the units combine into the wall.
Rug: Hampen, Ikea
Urban Design & Build Limited
The kitchen presented some unique challenges. Ma wanted to design an area that looked minimalist but still had all the vital functions for a multipurpose space which could fit in the flat’s limited square footage. Expanding the kitchen countertop marginally into the living room created more prep room and makes the room look bigger.
Urban Design & Build Limited
The lineup of the kitchen counter tops visually extends to the bedroom, separating the customized MDF headboard out of a cork bulletin board.
Table lamp: Lane Crawford Hong Kong
Urban Design & Build Limited
A thin piece of aluminum divides the two substances, while “collapsing” built-in MDF shelving emphasizes the natural, natural feel in the room.
Urban Design & Build Limited
A toilet and shower area in the back of the bedroom will get plenty of natural light from a window in the back of this unit.
Urban Design & Build Limited
Customized stone tilework complements space-efficient storage.
Urban Design & Build Limited
Inspired by stained glass churches, the bedroom sliding door diffuses soft light to the area. Each of the yellow panels slides out separately, creating different light patterns in each area based on the time of day.