Cerese F: A Small Space Transformed into a Functional and Bright Home

Residential Interior Design

A small unit with only 32 square meters, Cerese F is the home of a couple and their newborn baby. The challenge was to accommodate the necessary two-bedroom area while also isolating different functional areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. The designers successfully redesigned the layout to meet these requirements, with one exception - the baby room was windowless.

To address this issue, a functional partition was designed. The partition consists of two wooden strips that create a movable wall, allowing sunlight and fresh air to enter the room while maintaining privacy. This partition serves as a feature wall in the space, adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The shoe cabinet acts as a divider between the baby room and the foyer, and it also contains a TV hub. The home console receivers are cleverly placed on the wood partition, facing the sofa. This multi-functional divider not only separates different areas but also enhances the overall design of the space.

The design of Cerese F focuses on utilizing wood and glass to invite natural light and visually enlarge the space. The partition effectively divides the foyer and living room, creating a larger TV wall. The kitchen wall features a glass panel that allows sunlight to enter the space, while the embossed glass door in the bathroom serves the same purpose.

With a total area of 32 square meters, Cerese F is divided into a foyer (3 sqm), kitchen and dining area (4.5 sqm), living room (8 sqm), master bedroom (6.5 sqm), baby room (4.2 sqm), and bathroom (4.8 sqm). Despite the limited space, the design successfully maximizes functionality and creates distinct areas for different purposes.

The Cerese F design team, consisting of Sadie Wong and Stanley Chun, meticulously planned the space to ensure each area receives enough natural light. The partition plays a crucial role in allowing sunlight and air to enter the baby room while maintaining privacy. The overall atmosphere of the space is bright and warm, with a combination of white and wood textures creating a cozy ambiance.

The Cerese F project was completed between June 2018 and October 2018 in Macau. The design process involved observing and communicating with the family to understand their individual preferences and needs. The space was carefully studied, taking into account factors such as orientation, sunlight, airflow, and existing fixtures. Computer-aided design tools were used to experiment with different layouts, colors, lighting, spacing, and materials. The final design was reviewed with the client to ensure it aligned with their living style.

One of the main challenges faced during the design process was the limited space. Every inch of the area had to be utilized effectively. Relocating the bathroom and baby room proved to be particularly challenging. However, through experimentation, the designers came up with the idea of a movable wall that transformed the space into a private area with ample light and fresh air. This functional wall also served as part of the TV wall, showcasing the concept of "form follows function".

The Cerese F project is a testament to how innovative design techniques can transform a small space into a functional and bright home. By prioritizing functionality and utilizing creative solutions such as the movable partition, the designers successfully created a unique and practical living environment for the family.

Image Credits: Photographer Nick Tam

Awards and Accolades: The Cerese F design was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2019 in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Cerese F design stood out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to a better world.