The reworking of a large but boxy apartment has resulted in a family home that uses its dramatic vistas to maximum effect.
When Evan Cheng and his wife, Taylor Hayashi, bought an apartment in a development renowned for its views of rolling hills on one side and skyscrapers on the other, they knew they had to take advantage of their location. Although the flat was in a beautiful setting, its original design had failed to make the most of the vistas.
Recognising that the 2,300-square-foot Parkview flat layout was awkward, he concluded the best plan would be to 'break the boxes'. Lee built a scale model showing how living areas could be opened to invite in breathtaking views and more light. To this end, he also planned to 'remove corners' so walls did not meet at T-junctions.
'Right away they had an idea about what I wanted,' he says, adding that, after fine-tuning with the couple's help, the walls of one room in the living area were removed. In its place is a raised study with frosted-glass doors that slide closed to create a private space for slumber beside the master bedroom.
To create what Lee calls 'spatial hierarchy', the floor of the study/spare bedroom is not only elevated but also covered in Ipe wood, which contrasts with the grey, self-levelling surface used elsewhere in the flat. The platform also allows for space below a hydraulic hatch in which to store a futon bed.
