NC Design & Architecture has applied an array of naturally flawed materials throughout this Hong Kong apartment, which has been designed in accordance with the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi.
NC Design & Architecture was initially asked by Imperfect Residence's owners to create a highly functional space that looks beautiful and ages well.
The Hong Kong-based studio decided to look to wabi-sabi ? an ancient Japanese philosophy that accepts transience and imperfection, and celebrates natural objects and processes.

This has been translated to the apartment through the use of natural materials like wood and marble, as well as "imperfect" finishes like oxidised bronze and textured plaster.
"The residence inspires to accept the beauty of imperfection and incompleteness, setting the residents free from the everyday," said the studio's founder, Nelson Chow. "On a psychological level, the design should make the occupants feel relaxed, like a little oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong."

The 157 square-metre apartment is divided into three main sections ? a living room, bedroom and bathroom ? separated by darkened passages. A kitchen, powder room and study are located at the back of the floor plan.
The apartment is entered through a dark vestibule clad in timber. This leads immediately to a living room that's been conceived as a "sculpture garden".
Geometric fragments of marble and oxidised metal have been integrated i...