A Simple and Sophisticated Mid-Levels Apartment

Hong Kong studio JAAK’s design of this petite apartment was inspired by the surrounding architecture and the aim to prioritise comfort and functionality

Local firm JAAK has designed this cosy wood-filled apartment for a young professional living in the leafy residential neighbourhood of Mid-Levels. The client wanted a comfortable and practical home, and the design team looked to the layout and architectural details of heritage buildings found in the city’s Western district for inspiration. The resulting transformation involved rearranging all of the rooms and internal spaces; a large storage unit, made up of closets, a TV cabinet and bookshelves, now acts as a room divider, while one of the two bedrooms was turned into a multifunctional guest room and study. Pivot doors are used maximise space and minimise visual clutter, while rounded edges, especially on the large storage box and in the bathroom, are intended to soften the apartment’s appearance.

In the absence of overt decoration, materials take centre stage. A bespoke natural wood veneer is the focal point, and its distinct grain effect was achieved by rotary cutting raw wooden logs into natural veneers. The rest of the apartment adopts a muted and monotone palette of warm whites, dark greys and wood, and the restrained furniture selection includes a Japanese walnut dining table and chairs from ALOT living, sofa from Menu, coffee table by Ariake and floor lamp by WUU. 

‘Inspired by veganism, we try to discourage indulgence or extravagance. One of our missions is to create humble and uncontrived spaces that remind people of the beauty of minimalism, in a world full of overindulgence and overconsumption. We appreciate the essence of subtlety, sophistication and a focus on substance rather than design features,’ says Calvin Cheng, design director at JAAK.

Text / Babette Radclyffe-Thomas 
Images / Courtesy of JAAK