Poggibonsi: A Small Apartment Design Inspired by the Five Elements Theory

Blending Natural Elements for a Soul-Soothing Home

The apartment, located on the southeastern coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong, is surrounded by mountains and the beautiful South China Sea. This serene environment inspired the design team to incorporate the Five Elements Theory, a Chinese philosophy that describes the interactions and relationships between wood, fire, metal, earth, and water.

To bring the vitality of nature into the interior, the designers carefully blended materials such as wooden veneer, colorful marble, and metal trimming. These elements, rarely used in small apartments, create a mood of tranquility and infuse the space with a sense of natural harmony.

The apartment's bedrooms were reconfigured to include a separate study area, allowing for open flexibility. A sliding glass door divides the spaces, optimizing functionality. The design also includes a storage room in the corridor, further maximizing the use of space.

One of the standout features of the design is the use of curated marble with distinct patterns to represent each of the five elements. For example, the bedrooms incorporate turquoise colors to echo the water element. Even the custom-made wardrobe handles, designed with inward curves, represent the fluidity of water.

The apartment covers a net size of 770 sq.ft and is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful design choices made by the COMODO Interior & Furniture Design team.

The essence of the Five Elements Theory is subtly expressed through the lively palette and expertly curated combinations of materials and furniture. Light wooden veneer and metal trimming lay the foundation of earth, metal, and wood in the apartment. The carefully sourced marbles and fabrics with ideal patterns and colors echo the peaceful serenity of the space.

The concept development for the project began in July 2018, and the construction was completed in February 2019 in Hong Kong. The design team conducted several site visits to understand the serenity of the surrounding area and the client's slow-paced lifestyle. This inspired them to create an apartment that could connect with the outdoor greenery, ocean, and fresh air, bringing in the natural vitality and presenting a lifestyle in perfect harmony with the environment.

One of the challenges faced during the design process was sourcing the ideal marble materials. Marble is a natural material with unique characteristics, and finding slabs with the right patterns and colors that fit perfectly into the concept without overwhelming the small apartment required extensive visits to various marble suppliers in Mainland China. The team also had to carefully select loose furniture that could echo the concept and strike a balance between natural and luxury.

The Poggibonsi design is a testament to the creativity and technical expertise of the COMODO Interior & Furniture Design team. By blending the richness of the five elements, they have created a space that not only connects with nature but also showcases design details and personality in every area.

This design by COMODO Interior & Furniture Design Co Ltd has been awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2020. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding and creatively ingenious designs that contribute to quality of life improvements, making the world a better place.