It could easily be made less “sci if”-the sci fi bits are really just a few finishes and colour palette. But the layout and design, with different fabrics and furniture, would still work very well.
An interesting project with some unique pieces, but I'm not so sure going from a 2 bedroom unit to a no bedroom unit is the best use of resources (particularly if the client ever intends on selling). Still, it certainly has it's own individual flavour!
I was thinking the same! Also I'm not sure how this apartment fits into the never too small ethos, which is about using good design to make smaller spaces more adapted to a wider population. Some interesting design elements none the less.
This is probably for a rich transnational Hong Kong person, who has residences in other world capitals--New York, LA, London. This person will likely fly in to use the space and offer it up to friends and family and business associates who will use it. He will probably just fly in for business. Regarding cost, you have to realize that in this part of Asia, people routinely buy empty boxes that they expect to build out. So the next buyer will be paying millions and expect to gut it.
@@swicheroo1 if they were a transnational Hong Kong person who offers the space to others to use, they wouldn't go to the trouble of getting a Feng Shui master to work out the bed placement. That is only done for very personal spaces.
Would love to have seen a floor plan with furniture placement to understand the changes from before to after. I couldn't quite work out how a 2 bedroom place became a studio and still feels a bit small.
I wondered the same. On the plan, there was a place called " wardrobe" which was bigger than the actual bathroom. I couldn't figure out why this was done and if we got to see this huge wardrobe.
Wondering how much the custom made sink has cost and still wobbling like the cheapest furniture I have ever seen 🤷♀️ I mean it looks very stylish artificial but for my personal taste too much room wasted, not enough natural light and feels a bit narrow.
635sqft is not small for HK, and this redesign is more for the artsy appearance than utilization. The bedroom feel like a deluxe capsule hotel in Japan. It's kind of silly to decimate a 2 bedroom unit into this. Definitely not a fan of this design.
I agree on the apartment size. Even for international standard, this apartment is definitely not small. And he also mentioned that the client wanted an "escape" space from Hong Kong. I think that's why he wants the apartment to have as much personality it can have, even if that means sacrificing utility. Not a fan of this design too tho, but I think the architect did a great job fulfilling his client's wish.
I'm sorry to post a not so positive comment, but I have to agree with some of these comments... The place feels so small, all the doors will most likely stand open, and having so many moving parts just sets one up for expensive maintenance later on. This is by far one of my least favourite places featured on NTS. A lot of names of designers, but... Sorry, not a fan. Personal taste, of course.
Obviously, the goal wasn't to maximise space in a small living area. The architect clearly said that it was about upgrading the flat. The place was never addressed as "small". In addition, it should be clear that this place is for someone fortunate.
I wouldn't change sleeping in a bedroom (no matter how small it is) for sleeping in a box in the middle of the livingroom, despite how nice it looks. Not my cup of tea
totally not my style, but the entire apartment is so cohesive and fits perfectly into the client's needs whilst being genuinely functional despite looking like a futuristic gallery
Okay. The positives; I love the clean, openness with the touches of pastels bringing colour into the main space. I also love the gentle lighting was maintain throughout and the surplus of storage. I do like some of the sculptural bits in the door and the furniture pieces. The negatives; turning a 2 bedroom into a studio apartment where one of the former bedrooms becomes a walk-in closet feels wasteful. And despite the kitchen boasting a surplus of amenities, the space still feels narrow. I think what makes this video feels... jarring and a little upsetting is that the last few videos have been focused on unwanted spaces that have been given new life in a way that didn't feel ostentation. This is the polar opposite of the previous videos. That said, I recognize that the clientele for small spaces are not singular and have varying needs. The designer met their client's brief and I just need to accept that this is not my cup of tea.
I agree. Just because it's not my taste, doesn't mean it's a bad design. They're great and functional still. I think that's the beauty of NTS. Every designer is different but the designs are still spot on 😍
I loved the futuristic but yes I find it more of a trendy hotel room to stay in for a few days than an apartment I would live in - Bathroom is phenomenal though!!!
This type of decor might have been considered "futuristic" in the 80's, but now it has more of a retro/sci-fi vibe. Not my style, but definitely looks unique and clean, well done.
Yes and because in HK you don't get much apartment for your money it sort of justifies why one would also want to design for efficient internal space planning and splurge on high end finishes. In less expensive cities you would just buy a bigger apartment.
that first shot was great at showing off the lighting wow. the apartment is so fun, i love the colors in the main space. also props to whoever chose the music
yeah but when it’s unfolded, you’re most likely stationary or suing the area this it’s not in the way. i like it personally. would have been nicer if it just slid straight into the walls but i’m not sure it was possible
The definition of small really depends on where the apartment is. Over 600 sq feet cannot be described as a ‘small’ apartment in HK definitely, due to the majority are living in
Having an international audience, they certainly know what they are going for. This is small enough where I am (100 sq feet apartments wouldn't even be allowed here).
Putting everything behind doors just creates "clutter" when you have to open and close them to do anything much. But having said that it's always interesting to see how other people prefer to use their limited space.
Oddly the redesign makes this space not only impersonal, but also claustrophobic with the low ceilings, minimal natural light, and all the doors and enclosures.
Interesting. I guess I don't hate it, but the size and placement of the wardrobe seems like a waste of space, and the bathroom looks a bit... prison-like?
I think the owner must have a very busy lifestyle, therefore, he wouldn't spend much time in the bathroom or kitchen, so the whole place is more for a show-off rather than daily life.. dining table is way too small, and the kitchen is depressive for cooking. it's beautiful but starts suffocating at some point and idk why... but I hope the owner is content and that's the main point! the architect's tree house is luv luv luv btw
It's fascinating how what seems depressing, sterile or jail-like to some, feels pure, appeasing and harmonious to others. I'm of the latter crowd and I love the aesthetics of the apartment, especially the kitchen, I love the kitchen - makes for quiet mornings, brewing coffee in a clean and peaceful sphere, which I favour. And the bedroom is also lovely when viewed with our eyes turned to the window : feels like floating in a futuristic way, love this. Overall, the lights, the wavy lines and the minimalist surfaces throughout the flat, are also a highlight! And wow, the artificial skylight! I do miss some plants but if the owner doesn't live there on a permanent basis, I understand the lack of it (or maybe they just don't like plants, it should be respected too). I'm not a fan of the layout either, as some other commenters have stated. Seems to me the cube in the middle of the living room, in combination with the overwhelming vertical closets, make this space feel cluttered, which appears to come in contradiction with the aim of the project. I understand that it was the wish of the owner and that it was also laid out considering feng shui energies which I'm also sensitive too. I really appreciate the work of the architect anyway. I think everyone can state their preferences but one has to recognize the work of an architect, considering the demands of an owner, and be mindful of their words... Thank you NTS for showcasing another unique project.
i dont like: - enterance directly into the kitchen... (kitchen is however nice and clearly expensive as hell) - terrible dining set (both table and chairs) - wardrobe entrance from the bathroom..? no humidity problems? - having enterance point the "bedroom" directly behind your heads while lying in the bed... (what does feng shui tells about that?) i like: - kitchen furniture - sofa - lots of storage everywhere (you would need to buy stuff you dont need just to fill it up :D )
As much as I enjoy some out of the box thinking, I don't know how I feel about this apartment. It's way bigger than others but the only bedroom is in the living area, the kitchen is a bit locked-in and the wardrobe is too spatious
I appreciate the imagination and creativity that went into this project. It is completely opposite of my design aesthetic. Almost uncomfortable to even watch, let alone think about living there.
This is the scariest 'home' I've ever encountered. A nightmare, if I'm perfectly honest. But as my awesome father used to ask: "Are you happy with it? Then, good." Thanks for sharing.
So they kinda turned it into a studio, traped between panel doors, with a massive closet. Not thanks to that vision of future where valuable space is given away for... clothing.
I feel like the big wardrobe was an unnecessary addition to the planning. Instead that could have been the bedroom and the current bedroom could be used for some other function.
I absolutely love this. Having watched all of this channel, this is the first that I have wanted to comment on. Fabulous design and use of space. I would stay here in a heartbeat. 💗
Interesting how most people aren't into it, but this is my favorite place featured so far on this channel. I love everything about this apartment (except maybe the dining/arm chairs).
On the surface, this apartment seems simple, but there are design decisions that are clearly personalized for the client--like the placement of the bed being based on feng shui, and the custom wardrobe. This living space is a great balance of form and function unique to the client.
Omg i thought this whole apartment was very Sabine Marcelis-esque (choice of colors and materials, etc)... and yes! clearly was very inspired by Sabine with those wonderful pieces in here! Very cool space!
The “before” & “after” don’t work 🙃 Before - we’re shown a lived-in, pre-tidied view; after - we’re shown unused version (eg 2 weeks after occupants move back into accommodation how many doors are left open, how cluttered is each space, etc. 2-3 minutes end user’s comments would significantly upgrade the video. Respectfully submitted.
I appreciated the comment that feng shui decided the position of the bed as it seemed plonked in the middle otherwise. As others have said, a bit too futuristic for my personal taste but certainly a beautiful design.
I loved almost everything, except the furniture, would love to see a plant somewhere the kitchen probably, (that kitchen is a dream come true). I don´t love much, that kind of feeling of artificial stuff, even when I love sci fi movies or series; however, somehow the future will ask for these kind of apartments very soon is my guessing.
Honestly, this feels like something that the writers of the original Star Trek Series would have thought of as futuristic. Metal all around screams public bathroom to me. I would, personally, be very uncomfortable in that appartment.
Clearly, the video is not about an efficient use of a small apartment, rather its redesign according to the owner's needs and taste, The result is a sophisticated place, although I don't like entering an apartment through the kitchen which is, however, very stilish and fully functional. With that kitchen I would never expect such small table and two chairs, which could suggest that the owner will not have friends for dinner! I like the neighbourhood and, personally, I am very fascinated by the old buildings.
I appreciate how the architect has tried to interpret the owner's lifestyle and his love for art into the space. But if I am not wrong housing in Hong Kong is quite expensive and for me the space could have achieved more if it was to be designed for a family the real challenge lies there to accommodate the needs of a family in a small space with aesthetics and functionality.
Love the colour combinations, the lighting and the choice of the furnitures in this apartment, but less folding doors would be nice. Great episode as always!
Oh my goodness, I can't even. It's like all my Star Trek/Dune/Anarchy Online/Battlestar Galactica dreams have come true. My one tweak would be to add some green plants to bring in an eco-friendly feel. I wish, in the NTS video series, there could be more side-by-sides of the original floor plan and the renovated floor plan. And side-by-side photos of before/after.
Evoques a synthetic life. Too sterile. Nice place for a robot to live. A real human would, inevitably, bring up a human mess and instantly break up the editorial look. It only takes one cup out of place to end the illusion. By the way, the funniest is the “one boiled egg” meal. People need more than one egg to survive. People cook.
I understand whet he was trying to do, and I do like the bathroom, but thats where it stops. The place looks so very small, especially with that sleeping cube. The floor plan showed a massive closet? Why wasn't that the bedroom? I can not imagine how uncomfortable those seats are.... My apartment is actually smaller than this, by 10 Square metres, yet mine feels huge (it's only 1 bedroom).
Beautiful Art Piece. I love the contrast between the sci-fi essence from the kitchen/bathroom incorporating with the living room candy furnitures (Playful, yet Serious) & that 1 piece curve door really sculpted a interesting signature as the lines leads up to the curve ceiling. Subtle move bold statement. Very detailed designer Nelson.
although vertical panels were a bit too visible when folded e.g. hinges etc., everything else was perfect. Like wow level perfect. Like it made me check the architect's website perfect. Color pallet was perfect, everything was perfect. Even I think panels were prefect if they opened a bit differently but where they were close no complain.
The amount of 'single use' spaces makes this look a lot smaller than 59 sqm. Not sure if this layout would appeal to new buyers because of the cost to undo all those structural changes.
the curbed ceiling was so difficult to watch even in the video, I can't even imagine how irritating it would be for me to live there. Loved the kitchen and the bathroom though, but the ceiling in the living area makes the room feel so claustrophobic and the asymmetry it creates seems involuntary. Honestly, if the curbed ceiling (that is not found in any other areas except the living room) was not there I would have liked the proposal much more.
omg i wanna live here or at least, have a holiday/retreat here!!!! EVERYTHING LOOKS EXQUISITE but not in an over-the-top kinda way! such a lovely space.
Tai HANG not Tai HUNG and Tai Hang certainly doesn't mean valley, it means a big water channel/pipe this apartment right by Lai Tak Chuen should be 788 sqft not 635sqft altho it now appears much smaller than that
Interesting concept, but 59 sqm isn't really small - my place in Australia is 54 sqm and quite comfortable. Not everyone lives in McMansions, even in "big" countries
The interior design and colour combination seem living in a capsule hotel, not a home Btw, 635 sqft in HK not a small apartment .My flat only 380 sqft but three persons living here🙃
Now I do like the vision of the design however I'm not a big fan of the drooping ceiling. It only made it look heavy and did exactly the opposite of "enhancing the headspace". They free'd up a bunch of circulation space by hiding everything in the walls but made the room seem even smaller by making the ceiling slope down. Maybe if they made it slope up instead and installed upward facing LEDs to reflect more light to the room, then it would've made the space seem much bigger. Additionally, the space is very poorly/dimly lit, much too different from the "gallery-like" description of which is brightly lit and is also usually accompanied with high ceilings.
I have never felt more uncomfortable looking at an apartment than this.. it seems very uninviting, impractical, dated (70s "futurism") and claustrophobic. I probably would not even fall asleep here, but if the owner likes it then that is the only thing important!
Apparently the owner only requires one sleeping area, so all power to him to use the other former bedrooms for something else. This is a unique peace of architecture. Super high quality finishes and attention to detail by the looks of it, and I can only applaud anyone for taking risks and showing their personality through interior design. Lighting's on point too. This is just radiating style, whether the design is your cup of tea or not.
The comments-to-date are very interesting and illustrates how things seem odd depending on your background. 1) I know very affluent people when traveling must have a separate room for their luggage/clothes. This is more common than many realize. 2) The client is not refurbishing the apartment on a budget but wants this property to reflect their needs while in Hong Kong. Pretty much every ceiling panel to accessory appears custom $$$$. If you are a wealthy couple or single, this may be a city apartment and their second home may be elsewhere. He/she is not doing this renovation for maximum resale value but to meet their personal wants. I have a 68 sq m apartment on the West Coast (California) and a 278 sq m permanent residence on the Eastern seaboard. I split my time between the two properties and they function quite differently. If I were wealthy, I would want the rooms I appreciate the most be bigger with the best views (others can be reduced in size). This is a high net worth customer.
