When IT engineer Eric Chan and freelance writer Mary Wong set out to optimize their brick-heavy Hong Kong apartment for the wellbeing of their five-year-old twin boys, they reached out to a friend, architect Patrick Lam of Sim-Plex Design Studio, to lead a renovation that would set the scene for a richer family life.

Set in the private residential area of Taikoo Sing in eastern Hong Kong, the 723-square-foot apartment had sweeping sea views but was dark and compartmentalized inside. Eric and Mary approached Lam in admiration for Sim-Plex’s “adaptability and flexibility in design,” Mary notes, adding, “We like how he balances functionality and poeticism.”

Before: Entrance

After: Entrance

When Lam first viewed the apartment, he appreciated that there weren’t too many structural elements to work around. However, its low ceiling height of seven feet, eight inches, which reinforced the poky nature of the piecemeal rooms, presented a challenge.

“Due to the cost-efficiency prioritized by real estate developers, they typically aim to maximize the number of rooms within the smallest square feet, using concrete or brick walls to separate and isolate each space,” says Lam. Adjusting them to improve family life was critical, says Eric: “We wanted to have closer relationship with our children.”

The guiding questions for the owners and Lam accordingly became, How can we create a cohesive and comfortable living environment that allows parents to easily care for their children? How can we incorporate flexible and adaptable living spaces? And how can we ensure both storage functionality and child-friendly safety in the layout?

Their brief accordingly centered on creating a “connected and inclusive space that facilitates care,” says Lam. Sim-Plex focused on the concept of permeability, which Lam defines as denoting clarity and harmony. To compensate for the low ceilings through enhanced light and volume, Lam opened the floor plan, demolishing the existing brick walls before redrawing its contours with curved storage, clear glass, and sliding doors.

True to the concept of permeability, Lam focused on fostering connectivity and clear sightlines between the living spaces and the kitchen, replacing the previously enclosed kitchen with a semi-open design. Its lower half features light maple storage drawers for kitchen utensils, while its upper section comprises reinforced clear glass set in black-accented white oak frames. A sliding door at the end of the kitchen leads to their helper’s bedroom, which features a loft bed with storage space underneath.

Before: Kids’ Bedroom

After: Kids’ Bedroom

The previously long and dark hallway, characterized by brick walls, was brightened with a duo-tone combination of light maple topped with white oak, which creates visual continuity with the kitchen. Lam doubled down on the hall’s heavy-duty functionality by fitting it with storage compartments.

Before: Study

After: Study

A large sliding door now gives way to the study, which is connected to the children’s room. Light maple bookshelves accented by gray floating oak panels and double sliding doors segment them, allowing Mary to keep an eye on the twins in their room and close the sliding doors when taking meetings online.

A democratic approach to the boys’ bedroom was key to equalizing their spatial division, says Lam. In addition to two single beds, each has its own dedicated study desk. One desk is located within the hollow space of the wardrobe. There’s a gray oak floating panel above for books, as well as integrated lighting. The other desk is set by the window, with curved corner panels on both sides and a floating panel for books above.”

The family’s health and wellbeing informed Sim-Plex’s choice of materials. “A safe and comfortable home environment was essential,” notes Lam. This informed the choice of Formica and melamine board finishes to minimize VOC emissions as well as a paint product from Nippon that advertises antibacterial and air-purifying qualities.

Before: Bathroom

After: Bathroom

The primary bedroom is finished in dark walnut and light maple, with the homeowners’ bed facing the darker tones. A wardrobe and dressing table with a mirrored cabinet bedecked with vanity lights are hidden behind doors, “keeping the mirror away from children’s hands,” says Lam.

Lam avoided sharp corners throughout the design, creating furniture with smooth edges that match the apartments curves. Their colors were selected for their pleasing contrast with the rich wood of the built-ins.

Before: Primary Bedroom

After: Primary Bedroom

Playful touches punctuate the functional interiors. “There are storage cabinets on both sides of the main entrance door, one of which houses a concealed refrigerator,” says Lam. “The side is equipped with gray oak magnetic boards, which can be used for play or posting reminders. The floor tiles in the foyer are also coordinated with gray tiles, which contrast with the wooden tiles in the living room.”

For Eric and Mary, the apartment’s permeability creates an ideal environment for connection with their kids. They note the semi-open kitchen as a favorite feature. “We like this design very much, as we can cook while watching the children in living room,” Mary says. Adds Lam, “Through clear, harmonious spaces and curved functionalities, we were able to create a healthy and comfortable home for the children [where their parents can provide] love and care.”

More from Sim-Plex Design Studio

This Tiny Transforming Apartment Is a Playground For Pets

A Tiny Apartment in Hong Kong Uses Adaptable Joinery to Expand the Space

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Sim-Plex Design Studio / @sim_plexdesignstudio

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