Compact Living - Richmond Apartment by Tsai Design

Inspired by the lack of access to natural daylight, each room was an opportunity to play with geometry, materiality and texture, to make the limited ceiling-heighted space, feel vaster than it is. Together with an understanding of restricted outdoor space, ‘the starting point of the design (was) to overcome these constraints’, where ‘the solution (was) a timber/joinery puzzle box inserted into the apartment, stretching the entire length of the apartment, connecting all of the spaces together.’

A multitude of methods were utilized to maximize the function of each of the four rooms (Bedroom, Kitchen, Bathroom, Living/Office) where the most obvious inclusion of fully integrating appliances is combined with hidden electronic cupboards, and multi-function fold-down joinery elements that served both the Home and the Office brief.

Jack Chen of Tsai Design saw the potential for a combined space; apartment and home office in one, without compromise on your standard residential offering.

According to Chen, ‘Layering and overlapping is the key to planning for small spaces’, where ‘two different functions can co-exist in the same space at different times, and it comes down to the detailing of the Joinery to make it an effortless transition.’ It is the combination of custom joinery design, together with clever and clearly articulated resolutions of function that make this such an interesting resulting space.

Chen’s approach to the modern domestic life is more subdued, he believes ‘it is important to know when to take a step back, and let the architecture become the backdrop. He sees ‘a simple white space as an ‘ok solution, if it provides enough backdrop for the furniture, displays and the occupants themselves to animate and become the focus to the space.’ There is a pared-backness to what seems to be a complex and well-orchestrated operation, and behind that there is clearly a strong rigor.