Voice-activated technology and space-saving furniture helped Sim-Plex Design Studio turn a two-bedroom home in Hong Kong into Smart Zendo, a four-bedroom apartment with hidden storage.
Smart Zendo is in Hong Kong's Coastal Skyline neighbourhood. The project has been shortlisted for Dezeen Awards 2020 in the small interior of the year category.
A coffee table appears on voice command
Sim-Plex Design Studio converted the home for a couple who often travel for work and needed room for multigenerational living.
"Eric and Lory moved to Hong Kong from Taiwan many years ago and have a son," said Sim-Plex founder Patrick Lam.
Benches hide storage in the kitchen area
"Eric needs to travel frequently throughout the country, and Lory is a flight attendant. The lack of time spent at home means they often need their grandmother to take care of the children," added Lam. "Eric and Lory often talk about the scenery and homestay in Taiwan and how they missed them so much."
The apartment can now house four or five people
Sim-Plex Design Studio aimed to recreate the feeling of their old home in Taiwan while building a flexible living space that could make the most of the 492-square-foot home.
Wide windows make the most of the views and pale Maplewood floors and cabinets were chosen to create a calm and warm atmosphere.
A screen unfolds to turn the living area into a private room
The floor of the living room is a raised platform with trap door-style elements that ...