324 Gallery: A Tiny Apartment Transformed into an Artistic Haven

A Gallery Within an Apartment

Sim-Plex Design Studio took inspiration from the client's desire to have a gallery-like space within his apartment. The client, an avid lover of ceramic and sculptural artwork, wanted numerous display areas to showcase his mini art collections. Additionally, the client frequently entertains friends and wanted to impress them with his artwork. This inspired Sim-Plex to create a design concept that would turn the apartment into a gallery.

The main challenge in this project was the limited space of the apartment, which is a common issue in Hong Kong. Sim-Plex addressed this challenge by using custom cabinetry to create a three-person living open plan home. The studio introduced a cabinetry feature wall with a variety of cave-in crystallized slots, which act as a backdrop for specific sculptural interventions. The inclined surface and back-lit light trough with a yellow backdrop highlight the artworks and illuminate the living room, creating a unique and playful sense of space.

One of the standout features of the design is the organic-shaped storage platform. In Hong Kong, where space is at a premium, storage platforms or ceilings are often used to create extra storage. In the 324 Gallery, an organic-shaped wooden platform serves as both storage and a single bed for the client's daughter. The organic shape helps to reduce the bulkiness of the platform, and each step is equipped with a light trough to create a sense of lightness.

The design also incorporates various smart storage solutions to maximize the functionality of the compact home. Adjustable tables, concealed storage, sliding doors, and louver screens allow for flexible living spaces. The 324 Gallery demonstrates how a small residential unit can be used efficiently and multi-functionally, serving not only as a living space but also as an artwork showroom.

The project, which started in June 2017, went through the construction phase in August 2017 and was completed in October 2017 in Hong Kong. Throughout the design process, Sim-Plex conducted extensive research on storage methods and had continuous discussions with the client to understand his requirements for displaying artwork. The result is a design that is not only functional but also visually stunning.

The 324 Gallery has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2019 in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The 324 Gallery stands out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to a better world through fulfilling and positive design.