Bespoke & blissful

AD Architecture created a central walk-in closet which also forms the backdrop wall for the TV, resulting in a space which can be shared by the family members and adds a sense of freedom and playfulness

With its sweeping views over the river and coast, this Shantou City apartment is blessed with a unique interior design

The home of a post-90s online streamer and his trendy mother, L Apartment is located on the east coast of Shantou City, embracing beautiful views of both river and sea. Wishing to have a simple, sleek interior design, AD Architecture responded by presenting a plan which would create a natural, harmonious and relaxed atmosphere.

People are usually the protagonists of any given location, and this is especially true for dwellings — however, in approaching this project, AD Architecture’s chief designer, Xie Peihe, set out to express the character of the space itself as well.

Living spaces usually emphasise practicality, and for many people this means configuring as many functional and storage spaces as possible. But with just two occupants in this apartment, AD Architecture interpreted practicality in terms of high frequency usage of every square meter of the space.

In the kitchen, the island is again multifunctional, providing storage, worktop surface and dining space in one

For example, in most ordinary homes, the walk-in closet is relatively private and is integrated into the bedroom. However, L Apartment breaks with the convention: the wardrobe is set behind the TV backdrop wall, which is separated from the ceiling, resulting in the layering of space via architectural languages, as well as forming a pragmatic functional area.

As the clients are the sole occupants of the apartment, neither guestroom nor shared bathroom were needed. Similarly, there is no defined living room. The spatial design is intended as an expression of the occupants’ lifestyle — either relaxing on the sofa to watching TV, grabbing a book to read, gazing at the surrounding views through the large French window, or simply engaging with their mobile phones.

A classic Eames lounger in sumptuous black leather adds a focal visual point in the space

Natural textures such as wood are used judiciously, with wall panelling and floorboards adding warmth and texture to the apartment

In the kitchen, the island acts as both countertop and dining table, and can also be a bar counter. The bedrooms are set near the central walk-in closet, featuring a natural, cosy ambience. The relatively compact scale of these rooms provides the dwellers with a sense of security, and creates a warm, comfortable and tranquil atmosphere.

In terms of the materials and colour palettes, these are mainly characterised by soft hues and textures. Beige paint, microcement flooring and wood elements combine to generate clean, natural visual effects while also conveying the warmth of the materials.

Project: L Apartment Location: Shantou, Guangdong, China Design firm: AD Architecture | www.arch-ad.com Chief designer: Xie Peihe Project size: 165 sq-m

The TV backdrop wall also functions as a storage and creates a corridor leading to the private rooms of the occupants

A curved chair back echoes the curves of the wall forming the space for the study