Transforming Compact Apartments Without a Balcony

The concept of Our Beloved Home emerged as a “cocoon,” enveloping a spacious, soft, and natural interior. The architect reshaped the space by altering the entire layout, reorganizing functionality, and blending Wabi Sabi with Mid-Century Modern to balance emotions.

Given the newly handed-over apartment’s inadequate layout, the architect and homeowner agreed to dismantle, relocate, and rebuild walls, ceilings, and floors. Two bedrooms were restructured to include a small indoor garden, acting as the home’s “green lung.” The master bathroom was redesigned into two bathrooms: one master and one shared. The kitchen was integrated with a kitchen island and dining table, serving as both a central hub and a feng shui focal point.

Within the 130m² space, Our Beloved Home was reimagined to include:

An open-plan living room and kitchen with a kitchen island doubling as a dining table, connected to a small garden—the home’s “green lung.” This space is where the family cooks, converses, and enjoys city views, engaging in activities uniquely meaningful to them.

A cozy, minimalist master bedroom combining raw wood and textured walls to perfectly align with the homeowner’s vision.

To balance the bold layout changes, horizontal expansion, and vertical symmetry, accent elements like patterned tiles and textured surfaces were incorporated. These Wabi Sabi touches create emotional focal points and subtly delineate interior spaces.

The homeowner prefers a rustic yet refined aesthetic, so alongside Wabi Sabi elements, sleek Mid-Century Modern lines were introduced to soften and refine the wooden interiors. Earthy tones and geometric patterns create striking contrasts, enhancing the design’s personalization and fostering a genuine sense of belonging.