Type St Small Living

An Innovative Apartment Design by Jack Chen

The Type St Small Living project is a renovation and interior design of a 33m2 1 bedroom apartment located in Richmond, Victoria, Australia. The objective was to fit a whole house into this compact space, which also doubles as an office during the day. The result is a thoughtfully designed apartment that showcases the possibilities of living small.

The highlight of the design is an abstract timber box that extends the entire length of the apartment. This box serves as a backdrop and houses various functions, including the kitchen, bathroom, laundry, entry foyer, mini cellar, and dining space. It also acts as a bedhead for the bedroom. The bathroom, located at the end of the apartment, features a secret door accessible through the bedroom. It connects with the kitchen through a window insert, allowing natural light to enter while maintaining privacy with a switchable frosted privacy film on the glass. A feature green moss wall at the end of the bathroom creates an inviting atmosphere and gives the illusion of an outdoor space.

The living room and bedroom are kept white and paired back, creating a sense of space and simplicity. A function wall divides the two spaces and conceals the TV and a folding desk for office operations. A full-height built-in wardrobe blends seamlessly with the white backdrop, providing ample storage and contributing to the overall sense of decluttering.

The Type St Small Living project was realized using 3D modeling in Sketchup, allowing for detailed communication with the cabinet maker to achieve the desired custom design details. The production process involved the use of factories to fabricate the components, which were then assembled on-site.

This innovative apartment design showcases the possibilities of living small without compromising on functionality and comfort. By incorporating flexible furniture and clever spatial arrangements, the apartment seamlessly transitions between different functions and configurations. For example, the study nook and office equipment are hidden away in the living room during the day and can be easily accessed when needed. The dining table, designed to be hidden away when not in use, slides out from the wall and folds down to accommodate up to four people for small gatherings.

The Type St Small Living project overcame several challenges, including the small footprint of the apartment, low ceiling height, lack of outdoor space, and the unconventional placement of the north-facing window in the bathroom. Despite these constraints, the design successfully creates a comfortable and inviting living environment.

This project draws inspiration from Japanese design and minimal living philosophy, combining simplicity with warmth and comfort. The aim was to challenge the notion that minimal design must be stark and devoid of modern living accessories. The Type St Small Living project proves that it is possible to create a minimal living environment that is both functional and visually appealing.

The Type St Small Living project, designed by Jack Chen, received the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2020. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.