Nicholas Lam and Mary Ng wanted to find a sense of calm amid the chaos of Hong Kong’s fast pace, so they called on Sim-Plex Design Studio to update their apartment. More specifically, that meant making the 367-square-foot space as efficient as possible so they could stay organized. Patrick Lam, founder of the studio, recalls Nicholas and Mary's main request: “They wanted an open-feeling living room that could be flexible, but they also needed a high capacity of storage.”

The firm is known for creating custom modular built-ins with precision millwork that allows rooms to shift shape and serve multiple functions. And that’s exactly what they did for Nicholas and Mary’s apartment.

The couple loves izakaya culture, where bars often follow a U-shape, so they asked Sim-Plex to incorporate that into the design. New built-ins in the living area follow that pattern, and so does the kitchen’s plan, which is just through the front door on the left. Set into one wall are a refrigerator, washing machine, and microwave, and on the adjacent wall is the sink. Completing the U-shape is a cooking range with more cabinets above, and below, where a dining table pulls out with a folding base to prop it up.

It's one of Lam’s favorite parts of the home, he says, but explains that it wasn’t easy to execute. “The U-shaped base is irregular,” he says. “The work of fitting the custom pieces together and then into the existing wall was a challenge.”

The kitchen has everything Nicholas and Mary need, despite its small footprint." layout="wide" credit="Courtesy of Patrick Lam" photoUserId=""/>The pull-out table is architect Patrick Lam’s favorite part of the design." layout="" credit="Courtesy of Patrick Lam" photoUserId=""/>

The living area features built-in magazine racks, while open cubbies hold items the couple wants to have on hand. These moments are incorporated into larger storage units that line the spaces. A mounted TV positioned in a recess between cabinets and shelving can be pulled out and swiveled, depending on whether the couple is eating, relaxing, or gathering with friends. At the entry, Sim-Plex included a bench with storage where the couple keep their shoes.

Being able to neatly put everything away into its contained space allows the living area to serve many purposes, a major advantage in such a small apartment. The couple can practice yoga in one moment, and in the next, pull out the dining table for a meal.

In the bedroom, the mattress is set on top of a wall-to-wall storage unit with different compartments, while more built-ins line one of the walls. At the headboard is more open shelving for books or beverages.

Even though Nicholas and Mary couldn’t travel to Japan during the pandemic, their home serves up something similar, with its warm, woody atmosphere that allows them to live efficiently day to day, and invite friends over for a meal to recreate the feeling of an izakaya.

More from Sim-Plex Design Studio:

This Shape-Shifting Pad in Hong Kong Challenges What You Think of Smart Homes

This Tiny Transforming Apartment Is a Playground for Pets

Project Credits:

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