Thanks to TLC, we’re all aware of the dangers of chasing waterfalls, but how about using waterfalls to inspire your latest design project? That’s what one Hong Kong-based studio did to stunning effect for a seaside family home tucked away in the picturesque valley of Pok Fu Lam.

Home to a family of four, Bean Buro’s Curvy Chambers project is not your average family apartment. It’s sleek and understated, yet it boasts functionality and flexibility – the two heroes of everyday family life. With its abundance of hidden storage and sliding partitions, just think of it as the visual translation of modern efficiency.

“We drew inspiration from a nearby secret waterfall which was discovered during a site visit. The continuously flowing water and curvy topography of the natural rocks, became a metaphor for two juxtaposed architectural elements.”

Aquatic Inspiration

Design-wise, the apartment is dominated by two waterfall-inspired features. The first is a curvy blue volume that gently snakes its way through half the apartment. Beginning as a bookshelf in the living area, it seamlessly transforms into a corridor that conceals the kids bedroom and guest room. It then flows towards the master bedroom, where it forms a storage volume with an in-built seating niche.

Running counterpoint is a rectilinear gray concrete element, complete with atmospheric LED lighting. Rooted in the entrance foyer, it makes up the backdrop of the dining area before taking its solid form towards the master bedroom, concealing a guest shower room, a walk in storage cupboard and study room along the way.

Clever Design

Apartment living with two young children is difficult enough, but what about when your job requires you to work from home? The answer lies in a concealed sliding door separating the master suite and study from the rest of the apartment. The choice of sliding door is key here, offering an option for privacy when closed, and connection to the open social spaces when left open.

In order to ensure complete quiet in this grown-ups only area, the sliding door is fitted with acoustic separation. To further increase privacy, an additional sliding door separates the study from the master bedroom. This allows flexibility for one parent to sleep while the other works.

All At Sea

One of the standout features of this home has to be that arresting ocean view. Thanks to a brand new layout, even the deepest spaces of the apartment have a connection to the sea.

“Being next to the seaside, we love the way we could use the incredible amount of daylight as our ‘material’. The apartment benefits from the beautiful views and the setting of the ocean. We managed to create a calming, natural and comfortable interior that creates a dialogue with the outside.”

True Blue

True to its seaside location, the whole apartment is decked out in calming shades of blue. Matte cool toned blues are the order of the day here, paired with minimalist white accents and chrome finishes. For the flooring, a ceramic tile with wood texture has been used. This material is durable as a hard surface, yet at the same time adds a visual warmth to the space.

“We are extremely happy to hear that the homeowners love their new home. The husband has a stressful job in the city, and he says he feels relaxed every time he comes home from work.”