Disappearing Corridor: A Harmony of Functionality and Aesthetics

Bean Buro's Award-Winning Residential Design in Hong Kong

The Disappearing Corridor is a residential apartment that breaks away from the traditional compartmentalized layout. Instead, it features a long, slithering wooden wall that seamlessly connects the living spaces and the kitchen. This design element not only provides ample concealed storage and display niches but also creates an open, airy, and light-filled environment. The apartment is further enhanced by strategically positioned mirrors and glass partitions that extend daylight and offer stunning ocean views.

The entrance to the apartment is a semi-enclosed foyer, marking a clear threshold between the outside world and the tranquility of the home. Equipped with a comfortable seat, playful hooks, and concealed shoe and coat cabinets, the foyer offers a moment of pause and appreciation before entering the main living area.

The apartment's unique design features were realized through careful planning and innovative use of materials. The designers used a fresh material palette of wood and fabric to create a sense of tranquility and retreat. Storage spaces are cleverly concealed, with featured niches for displaying art, keeping the space minimal and clutter-free. The ensuite bathroom celebrates natural materials, translucent partitions, and playful accessories, further enhancing the apartment's relaxed and fresh ambiance.

Designed with children in mind, the Disappearing Corridor encourages exploration and play. Large wooden sliding doors can fully open the children's bedrooms onto the corridor, creating a large shared room for play. Glass interstices allow for playful peeking into the living spaces, while wall niches make for great hiding spots. This thoughtful design approach ensures that the apartment is not just a living space, but also a fun and engaging environment for the children.

The Disappearing Corridor project started in October 2015 and was completed in May 2016. The design brief was to refurbish a 1,485sqft apartment for a young family of four. Bean Buro's innovative approach to making the corridor disappear using sliding partitions allowed two children's rooms to be joined together, creating a large playroom. This design was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2017, a testament to its outstanding expertise and innovation.

In conclusion, the Disappearing Corridor is a shining example of how innovative design can transform a residential space into a functional, aesthetic, and playful environment. It showcases how thoughtful design can cater to both adults and children, creating a home that is not just a place to live, but a space to enjoy and explore.