Nomadless: A Transformable Residential House in Hong Kong

A Breathing Paradise in the Hustle and Bustle

In a bustling city like Hong Kong, finding a stable place to call home can be a challenge. However, the Nomadless residential house, designed by Chhavi Cheng and Hoiman Chan, offers a unique solution. With its simplicity, functionality, and connection with nature, this house brings back the stillness of a settled lifestyle.

The Nomadless house is a 320 sq.ft public housing unit that fully caters to various needs within a single space. Inspired by the concept of Zen emptiness, the house exudes a sense of tranquility with its use of raw pale teak wood, natural sunlight, and traditional Hong Kong touch gates. The design aims to provide a haven for relaxation and socializing, eliminating the need for a nomadic lifestyle.

One of the standout features of the Nomadless house is its ability to transform and adapt to different purposes. A large shelf and storage platform can be converted into a space for dining and entertaining up to 15 guests. It can also be transformed into a theater, a Zen tea house, a mini library, or an artistic working studio. This flexibility allows residents to create personalized spaces for relaxation and socializing within the confines of a small Hong Kong apartment.

The design of the Nomadless house incorporates the principles of Zen microcosm, creating a sense of stillness and serenity. The functional areas seamlessly blend with a meditation room, allowing residents to find inner peace within their living space. The use of recessed teak wood cabinets along the kitchen concrete wall provides ample storage space while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.

Creating a welcoming co-cooking experience was another priority for the designers. The standard kitchen setting was demolished to make way for a more inclusive and interactive cooking space. The result is a kitchen that encourages collaboration and shared experiences.

The Nomadless house is a testament to the designers' ingenuity and creativity in making the most of limited space. By incorporating transformable furniture and maximizing natural light and airflow, the house offers a unique living experience in the heart of Hong Kong.

Completed in October 2018, the Nomadless project posed several challenges. The furniture had to be custom-made on-site to fit every corner of the room, and the construction process had to be reversed due to the design of the partitions and glass dividers. Despite these obstacles, the designers successfully created a functional and aesthetically pleasing living space.

The Nomadless house has garnered recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2021. This prestigious award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Nomadless house stands as a testament to the designers' ability to integrate industry best practices and create a space that brings fulfillment and positive feelings to its residents.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Chhavi Hoiman
Image Credits: Ryan Kawing
Project Team Members: Creative Director: Chhavi Cheng Creative Director: Ji Chan
Project Name: Nomadless
Project Client: Chhavi Hoiman


Nomadless IMG #2
Nomadless IMG #3
Nomadless IMG #4
Nomadless IMG #5
Nomadless IMG #5

Read More on Design Radiant