This round of behind the scenes will feature a 2-Bedroom apartment in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur that will turn into 1-Bedroom. Why do that?
As properties are shrinking, we are always emphasising on the quality of living rather than just the quantity (of bedrooms, size, facilities, you name it). While size matters, we helped this particular define his priorities and what a home means to him without just looking at the numbers.
While bigger spaces that we have featured before this gives a certain amount of freedom of expression, smaller homes like these requires finesse and clear understanding of how each space will be used, especially when there are limited spare or unused space.
Project: Fera Residence @ The Quartz, Wangsa Maju
Type: 2-Bedroom Apartment
Notable works: Combining 2 smaller bedrooms into a single larger Principle Bedroom.
Strategy: Blurring the edge and boundary usage of each space and area to provide greater flexibility and utility, i.e. more than one usage for any particular space.
Issue we have with current apartment layouts are that it doesn't account for modern living (especially with the on-going pandemic) while trying to fit a same set of program into a congested space. Programs like Living area, Dining, Kitchen, Foyer.
It is just providing, indicating or even labelling an open space just to tick boxes.
An avid cook, we want the Kitchen to be a feature on it's own and be open at the same time. So a glass sliding door maintains this while having the ability to close off the smell and smoke from cooking.
A hero in the form of the Kitchen Island dominates the entire main area of the home, representing the hub/ heart of the house. Working, cooking preperation and Dining all packed into one sleek but practical block of utility, wrapped in stone.
Openable feature walls provides even more flexibility by occasionally turning a 1-Bedroom apartment into a fully open studio apartment.
Typical principle bedroom that comes with an en-suite bathroom. Minimal space for a wardrobe.
The smaller bedroom, while having a similar window view with Master Bedroom, does feel a little congested to have a Queen-sized bed there.
As this is a single occupant home for now, turning this into a lounge or living area may be a good idea. However, we have yet to pick up the habit of countries like the UK, where the Living Room is a separate room. So the strategy is to break the wall dividing both bedrooms, running it into one spacious Bedroom with a lounge area.
Now the principle Bedroom has become more luxurious, with the dual entrance concept providing more versatility especially when you have guests coming over.
Sometimes minor actions can cause major changes. This is the mindset of this renovation venture. Not just due to structural constraints, but a financial one too.
Follow us through this documented mini-series and hopefully you may find some ideas or inspiration of your own.
