Bean Buro Limited

Urban Cocoon

Urban Cocoon

Urban Cocoon

Bean Buro

ARCHITECTS
Bean Buro

STATUS
Built

BUDGET
Undisclosed

AREA
1000 Sqft - 3000 Sqft

YEAR
2018

LOCATION
Hong Kong

TYPE
Residential › Apartment

Bean Buro has designed a 1,200 sqft (110sqm) apartment located in Happy Valley, overlooking the race course, for a couple and their new born child.

Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon

The concept for the space grew in the form of cocoons, adapted for each living area to become a sacred space.

Each of the zones are adapted and custom designed to respond to the needs of the family.

Everyday activities such as reading a book or taking a nap become a special moment as the members of the apartment can nest in those personal nooks and crannies.

Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon

After carefully studying the site, we decided to locate the ‘cocoons’ such as bedrooms and study where they could have access to the best views.

This would also allow plenty of natural light in, as it was essential for the family to feel at ease in the areas in which they would be spending most of their time.

A light timber finish is used to clad the inside of the bedroom and living area cocoons. As we advance in transitionary spaces such as the entrance and hallway, these materials change to a calming grey paint finish.

Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon

Slatted bookshelves with integrated hooks for coats and hats are used as dividers between those spaces.

The palette for the design takes its inspiration from traditional Japanese architecture in which light wood is widely used to create a warm and soothing atmosphere.

Other materials for this project include copper, leather ceramic tiles, and sometimes marble.

Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon

All these finishes were selected in neutral tones as to fit in a minimalist, neutral palette.

Two big mirrors facing each other from the entrance all the way down the corridor to the master bedroom create a conversation in the space.

Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon

As the couple works from home, one of the challenges for this project revolved around the working areas.

As the husband required a private enclosed working space, the wife preferred an open hidden nook with an integrated desk, sufficient storage for school books and in proximity of the piano, on which she occasionally plays to take a quick break from work.

Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon

Hence, piano and study nook are integrated in a continuous inhabitable wall. The child’s space is designed with Montessori theories in mind.

As a newly born, the baby will grow learning and playing in a space carefully crafted for him.

Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon

All ledges, bookshelf and working station are custom-built to his height, tucked away under the bed as a safe space for childhood fantasies and development.


Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon


Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon


Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon
Urban Cocoon

Bean Buro Limited
T +852 2690 9550
Bean Buro Limited
Unit 901-904, 41 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong 香港黃竹坑香葉道41號901-904室