Embodying the philosophy Wabi Sabi

The title “The Imperfect Residence” references the designer’s inspiration for the renovation of a 1 bedroom apartment based the ancient Japanese philosophy Wabi Sabi which is to find beauty in the imperfect and valuing simplicity. Translated into the language of interior design, these principles have produced a residence of understated elegance and contemporary minimalism where everything is seamlessly integrated into the building fabric and where bold geometries are combined with materials in their natural unfinished state.
Designed by Nelson Chow of Hong Kong-based architecture practice NCDA the apartment is configured as a ceremonial three-step journey that takes you from Sculpture Garden, to the Sanctuary, to the Altar. Connected by darker passages, the three principal spaces are airy, and bright, holistically designed as concise compositions.
Entering through a dark timber-clad entry, the sculpture garden-inspired living room features smooth hand-brushed plaster walls, parquet flooring inlaid with marble and oxidized metal pieces, and black and grey marble risers that form a “landscaped” backdrop to an eclectic selection of sculptural elements.
Attesting to the designer’s minimalist ethos, all storage units are concealed by shoji screen-inspired folding panels seamlessly integrated into the walls, while the audio cabinet is hidden by the marble riser running the length of the room.