03/08/2026
The project began with the empty floor plan of a simple three-bedroom home featuring a straightforward, conventional layout. The house included a kitchen with a single entrance and three balconies, offering functional outdoor access but little else in terms of spatial character. While practical in its planning, the layout lacked distinctive architectural features, presenting a blank canvas with significant potential for thoughtful transformation through design.
The original furniture layout was equally conventional, with little consideration for spatial efficiency or the overall living experience. Oversized furniture and poorly planned arrangements consumed much of the usable floor area, making the home feel cramped and visually cluttered. Although multiple functional zones were created, they lacked purpose and flexibility, leaving insufficient open space for comfortable movement or everyday living.
The redesign began with a carefully planned demolition strategy to unlock the home’s full potential. The kitchen was opened up and provided with a second entrance to improve circulation and connectivity. A sculptural dining table was integrated with the existing pillar, doubling as a grazing counter and creating a distinctive architectural feature. The balconies were enclosed and incorporated into the interior, allowing additional utility spaces and functional zones to be seamlessly integrated into the overall layout.
Enclosing the balconies was a significant design decision, particularly because the apartment is located on the 17th floor. At this height, even modest window openings allow ample fresh air and natural ventilation, making large open balconies less essential for airflow. They also help avoid the strong wind pressures that can cause doors to slam shut forcefully, posing a safety concern for the occupants. The reclaimed balcony areas were thoughtfully repurposed into highly functional utility spaces and a bay window in the master bedroom
By bringing the balconies into the main footprint, the home gained a more connected and cohesive layout. The redesigned plan improved the relationship between spaces, encouraging greater interaction among family member
