With the supply of nano flats continuing to surge1, Hong Kong architects and designers will play a decisive role in shaping the way we live in the future. From transformable elements to space-saving storage, design studios are challenged, more than ever before, to find new ways of turning tight spaces into functional, contemporary havens.
In the interview below, via.’s Principal Frank reveals his new design for small spaces and how Sai Ying Pun’s history influenced the interiors of 15 Western St, an upcoming property offering flats sized 213 square feet and up.
With the supply of nano flats continuing to surge1, Hong Kong architects and designers will play a decisive role in shaping the way we live in the future. From transformable elements to space-saving storage, design studios are challenged, more than ever before, to find new ways of turning tight spaces into functional, contemporary havens.
In the interview below, via.’s Principal Frank reveals his new design for small spaces and how Sai Ying Pun’s history influenced the interiors of 15 Western St, an upcoming property offering flats sized 213 square feet and up.
1. Tell us about the project?
15 Western St marks the first time we’re collaborating with VANKE, one of the most forward thinking developers working today. Situated in a prime location with a sought-after school network, 15 Western St is part of a vibrant neighborhood with a mix of locals and expatriates, as well as a growing restaurant and bar scene. For the project, our aim was to create something that’s rooted in the neighborhood, yet entirely contemporary – a place where residents can feel totally at home.
Our studio was commissioned to design the interiors for the property, including the standard units, lobbies and clubhouse, as well as a separate marketing gallery.
2. How did the location of Sai Ying Pun inform your design?
We began by looking into the history of Sai Ying Pun as one of the oldest neighborhoods in Hong Kong. I have a personal connection to the area, having spent my childhood years here. We took elements of old Hong Kong as our inspiration, especially woven textures from bamboo dim sum baskets, folding gates, neon signs, and explored how these could inspire a particular design, as well as a unique typeface.
3. What were the main design considerations and challenges?
Designing for nano-apartments is always challenging. Every element we include has to be relevant and meaningful for its future residents. At the same time, it’s essential to retain a high degree of flexibility to meet the varying and changing needs of modern urbanites. Throughout the design process, we challenged ourselves by looking at ways to optimize usable space, where all of the fundamental aspects of a living environment are retained in every apartment unit.
4. What are the design elements unique to 15 Western St?
There are two main types of apartments in the development. For the one-bedroom units, we emphasized the role of the kitchen. A lot of thought went into creating an island of activities – storage, display and social hub, in addition to cooking.
The studio units are designed like serviced suites, incorporating all essential aspects of living (bed, bath and kitchen) in clearly-defined spaces. We achieved this through a unique movable wall – a key feature for all studio units – that doubles as an entertainment/ display panel and a sliding door for either the kitchen or bathroom. The design language for these details are derived from woven patterns – a core inspiration for the building’s architecture.
In the bathroom, the vanity counter and mirror cabinet form the focal point. We adopted an asymmetrical approach, with a blend of open and closed storage, mirror and light fixtures. The Mondrian-like composition is again echoing traditional weaving textures found in old Hong Kong.
5. What other details were included to enrich the spatial quality?
Interior materials are an extension from the palette used for the façade. A selection of muted stones and grey terrazzo are employed with bronze trims and cabinetry to highlight a modern look and feel.
For the typical lobby, we developed a custom font from traditional neon signs. The apartments’ entrance portals make use of textured glass is used with a dissecting pattern taken from folding gates often found in old buildings in the neighborhood.
Located on the junction of Western Street and Third Street in Sai Ying Pun, 15 Western St is scheduled to complete in Q3 2021.
All photography taken by Kenneth Chao at 15 Western St’s marketing gallery.
Client: VANKE
Location: Sai Ying Pun (Marketing Gallery in Wanchai)
Completion: Q3 2021
1 JLL (July 30, 2019). Supply of new nano flats in 2019-2021 to increase by 60%. https://www.jll.com.hk/en/newsroom/residential-sales-monitor-july-2019