NEVER TOO SMALL: Japanese Style Small Seaside Apartment Sydney 52sqm/560sqft
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
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Dform Projects were tasked with transforming a dark and stuffy apartment into a tranquil, natural space more suited to its Sydney beach setting. By stacking and overlapping rooms and spaces, they were able to completely reconfigure the home's layout, and introduce more natural light and airflow throughout. A Japanese bedroom with a connecting meditation room is built on a raised platform which extends seamlessly from the kitchen counter into the bedroom itself. Here, a zero maintenance zen garden and bonsai tree creates a connecting green space. This raised platform also allows for dedicated storage underneath the bedroom and meditation space, with further storage is cleverly concealed within the bathroom. A study space is neatly tucked away in the 2nd bedroom in the nook created by extending the hallway. Customised to its owners dreams of beachside living, the home reflects an approach that could be applied to any home design, large or small.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Project Name: The Ryakon
Designer: www.dform.com.au/
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director/Camera Operator: Nam Tran
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Colin Chee
Music: Lucid Dreaming by Dear Gravity
"Reconnect with nature" Pulls back curtain to a parking lot lol. Such is life. Very beautiful.
Yeah that was somewhat interesting 😳
The upper part of the view is the top of the tree and pure sky. I think that is what he means. ;-)
Not to mention the "zero maintenance vertical garden" i.e. plastic plants.
Human nature i guess
Hahaha, well said.
Am I the only one who thinks the second bedroom looks considerably more spacious, comfortable and liveable than the main bedroom? Easily the highlight of the entire apartment.
Agree, but it needs more storage. While this is a beautiful space, it is extremely impractical.
@@lindagarrido4353 tbf in context with the rest of the apartment seemingly all of the storage is under the main bedroom so it wouldn’t be as much of an issue. On its own tho it would definitely need at least a proper wardrobe and set of draws.
@@_dont_mind_me I personally dislike storing below ground or under beds as I prefer to hang my clothing. Plus, bending down gets difficult as you age.
@@lindagarrido4353 I agree, that storage space is like what a loft would be in a multi-storey house, you only put the suitcases and Christmas decorations in there. There needs to be some kind of clothes storage space somewhere, cause no one’s gonna crawl under the bedroom to get their clothes every day
I think the apartment is renovated for rent or very young couples. Without the second bedroom, I understand the design of high platform and hidden storage.
First one of these videos that I did not think, “I could live there.” Having to walk across the kitchen counter to get to the bedroom, having to pull the refrigerator out to access storage, no closet, and tiny frig. Definite no go for me!
Exactly! The idea of walking on your kitchen cabinet space to enter another room just sounds...icky.
Creates a better incentive to clean the kitchen before bedtime.
The designers have never had to really clean a living space. Humans (life) are filthy.
@@paulabroadway1697 They could've completely just removed the stairs and lower the bed platform, but keep the glass wall. Just a few alteration could make this practical while keeping the beautiful aesthetics, I think.
But I still probably would sleep very nicely there! Everyday.
I'd need that meditation room for sure because sitting on a hard kitchen floor to drink a cup of tea and eat some cake with my knees around my neck as I try not to slide down the wall for back support watching a tiny TV a few inches off the floor at a 45 degree angle would stress me out real quick! That whole place is completely bonkers but hey good for them if they like it.
Lol
Absolutely agree! And to crawl thru small hole to get to a room or access storage.?!? Just not good . Maybe clients requested that but, I have to say this is the worst layout I have seen on this channel after many years of following….
I have computer in my bedroom. I had turn my neck in 45 degree to watch my computer monitor. My neck got really pain for weeks. Now, I watch my tablet on my bed.
😭
Lmaooooo
I can’t focus on anything except the fact that he is wearing shoes in the house!
Same here. Fake Asians?
Same! After making the whole “Japanese entrance space” with shoe space too.
same. feels totally off...
It's gorgeous but I have to wonder where the wardrobe is- and how practical it is to have a fridge in the same space where you access storage from
My question is the same. Were to go with the fridge, when yoy want to 'visit' your storage?
i kept thinking the same thing while watching. maybe the upper bedroom walls have those hidden closet walls?
It's behind the TV
As he said only seasonal items were kept it that so i think it kinda works but moving the fridge can be annoying sometimes.
definitely not designed for taller ppl. would hate to crawl into the storage space & lower my head everyday to get into the meditation room
There are many strong design elements in this space that make it aesthetically successful. But I’m questioning a lot of the impractical solutions - like the hard platforms for sitting, stepping over the kitchen counters to access the guest bedroom, climbing through a window to access a meditation space, etc. This feels like a architectural student experiment. Great on paper, but terribly impractical in my opinion.
I have to add: bathroom off the dining room...
@@Justadisciple502 and when you get up at night to go to the bathroom, you just tripping over the hardwood platform...😓
Right?!? You took a lovely kitchen and turned it into a marginally useful room (unless you do a LOT of meditating. ) And now the kitchen is much smaller with inadequate refrigerator space and people walking on the counter (ew!)
I agree with your. This unit may not be suitable for someone who want to live at here for a long term. Perhaps that it's used as Airbnb, a hotel or something like that might be good.
I also am concerned about the zen room cleaning... the pebbles will make it hard to vacuum :( But the overall aesthetic is great!!!!!!
This is a beautiful apartment. I was very surprised to see that the occupants wore their shoes inside. I would have thought that wearing shoes inside was disappearing, but especially for a Japanese style home.
Same!! It bothered me so much to see the clearly street shoes being worn inside the home because that's very much a no no in Japan
And especially because so much of the walking space doubles as other things, i.e, living room seating, kitchen bench, crawl through for the meditation room…
what bothered me the most was the walking on the countertops... if you're gonna be obligated to do this, take your shoes off 😭
The space looks very serene, and has been thoughtfully designed to fit the clients needs. I am hardwired to need a comfortable sitting area, and I wouldn't like standing on the kitchen bench or crawling around the storage space. If the bedroom wasn't on a raised platform, the space under the meditation room could be accessed like a small wardrobe - hanging space for shirts and shelves for folded clothes. I'd probably brutalise the meditation room by making it my tv room.
Agree. My zen is having access to a walk-in closet so for me, the zen room is wasted space. And please, I need a comfy couch to relax on.
i'd rather make the zen room a small reading room with all my books and a comfy chair with loads of sunlight. Make it actually relaxing and not just an empty room to sit on the floor
No brutalising in that because the "meditation room" looks out to a parking lot and other buildings. 😄
@@user-kq2we1ex3h As you get older, sitting on the floor is not an option.
This is great for an Airbnb (because you only stay for a few nights), but not the best for daily living. I do love the warmth of the wood and the meditation space, but that's it.
Beautiful as it is, this apartment as it is shown has some impractical features for everyday living. I guess it must be for short stay living. Like a Pied a Terre, a B&B or a second home. It has many inspirational ideas. The Bonsai tree, the black wall, the meditation room, the white curtains, the entrance area, the bathroom tiling, the bronze mirror, etc.
Sitting side ways to watch the TV just screams back and neck ache
@@Crazee108 The overall apartment was designed as a Japanese style house/apartment. People in Japan are used to sitting on hardwood floors (They have tatami rooms specifically for that). Most people commenting impractical here are obviously not used to that and are used to a sofa setting. But to say one thing is bad/impractical without even experiencing it is just wrong. Hardwood floors are perfectly fine to sit on with a mat as long as your back is straight.
@@Yoruzako my comment wasnt related to the floor.
It was about sitting side ways to watch TV. I'll make the same comment if a couch was present
@@Crazee108 Understandable, have a good day.
""""zero maintenance plants""""
...just say plastic
And they are dust magnets so not really maintenance free
👍😂
I also noticed it, maybe there's too much in the meditation space. But the plant in the bedroom is nice.
@@lizzie1897 totally agree 👍🏼💯
Contemplating nature via a carpark
The overall aesthetics is very soothing and pleasant, and I really like it. I love that it is essential, minimal, showing that we don't need much, but a space for calmness and serenity. As European I lack the background to understand and appreciate sitting on plain hardwood to watch tv or when socializing with friend/family. Giving more importance and space to your mental wellbeing (meditation space) than to storing your bulk of stuff, is something that I take with me from this video.
My personal favourite of Never too small! Truly relaxation home/space in the middle of modern busy city! The meditation room definitely the spot light of this home!
I love the standard of finish and choice of materials in this project. Using levels to differentiate between spaces is always a great idea to establish the flow of a home. I cant say I love every aspect of the design here, but certainly beautiful end result!
Excellent design
Really love the different levels and the appearance of wood and greenery - looks peaceful and cosy.
Stunning. Don’t think my western elderly body would like living on so much floor. Still. Outstanding.
I hope people don't misunderstand Japanese style because of this video 😭
We never ever step or sit down on the place where to deal with food. We're even taught not to sit on a table.
And that's not tatami, that's what we call a floor just like you guys... We rarely don't sit on a bare floor. Maybe the architect just googled the images of tatami and never seen it on his own eyes or touched it...?
However, I love the entrance of meditation room.
I always really enjoy the videos on this channel, sorry for complaining this time🙇♂️
This channel never ceases to bring me calm, happiness, and a renewed excitement for design. Thank you very much.
The design was one of the best I've seen in this "Never too small" channel. This is what I would call practical minimalist design.
(Pros) Color scheme is simple yet elegant. Garden is the best. Having light and air in the bedroom is smart.
(Cons) Having to sit without chairs (Japanese style), kitchen table is connected together with bedroom floor is very controversial and some might find it very hard to accept.
This just instantly makes me feel calm and like myself.
Very nice .... pure and simple lean and fresh.....style design...clever storage... Excellent quality throughout. It got my vote..
I love it all, it’s very different but it packs a lot of unique features that really suit its owners. Well done. I want a meditation room!!
The 2nd bedroom is the best feature of the whole apartment.
Open your eyes and don't lie (unless you're colorblind)
This apartment makes me fee so calm. What doesn't make me calm is homeboy walking about a Japanese style apartment WITH HIS SHOES ON!! The SE Asian in me is raging inside.
So you have to crawl through the kitchen to access storage, walk on the kitchen counter to go to the bedroom, sit on the hard floor and look diagonale to watch the TV, or go back to bed if you want to be compfy ... I'm very confused 🥲
At the very very least I would put a divider between the bedroom landing and the kitchen counter top. Seriously unhygienic the way it is now.
🤣🤣🤣
Wait a minute, you have to actually remove the fridge to access the storage area 😃
Let's see the typical american house: Cluttered with hundreds if not thousands of things that aren't needed and fill your head.
@@woolypuffin392Exactly. The Americans also have a weird obsession with having many, many bathrooms (usually more than the number of bedrooms!) and their fridges are gigantic. This particular place is very small, footage-wise, but I think the architect and the owners made it livable for their needs/wants. It is not to everyone's taste but as long as it meets the criteria set out by the clients, it is a success. I personally like it and it could very well be a starter home for a young couple.
I really enjoyed seeing this unique space and especially like the videos that show Asian design elements!
I like that the meditation room effectively creates a balcony-type location for an apartment that otherwise doesn't have direct access to outside. I can see that it would be the type of space to sit and have tea or read a book when you want a change of scenery. I can't remember if the architect says in the video but the way I saw it, the elevated bedroom is more like a guest room, so you wouldn't have to worry about stepping across the kitchen bench all the time. Also the dining space with the dark wall and the bay window is beautiful.
Mental note to add a meditation room in my future house 👌
Visually - stunning. As far as function goes - I think it's terrible at best. Bathroom entrance was right originally from the hallway - now it's directly from the dining/kitchen area and the toilet is in front of the door? Meditation room gets all the sunlight and bedroom gets some indirect? Why? The priorities for this appartment are so out of order, it baffles my mind.
Incorrect. I agree with the bathroom detail, but to be honest it’s not a big deal. Having a bathroom anteroom takes space that you could use somewhere else and if we want to be picky then no shopping addicted person could live there because there’s no big walking closet. Meditation room is connected to the light as the room is, since there’s no door that covers the spaces. I can tell you the my room has direct light from 8 am to 2 pm and I hate it. Is just too hot. Lastly, you’re not the owner of the apartment nor the person that lives there, if they like it and think it has a great and practical layout (and I agree) then what’s the problem? Sometimes you just have to give up on unnecessary aesthetic thing to achieve a bit more of sustainability. 👍
You are 100% right. The functionality of this space is horrible.
Not to mention the acessibility. There is so many obstacles in the way! The acess to the storage, to the meditation room, a stair with nothing to protect from falling and also you keep steping on the kitchen counter! Where you are suposed to cook! Personaly I think it is not that much hygienic. And the nano fridge...there is space for nothing on it! I think they make their own food in rare ocasions. Well, like you said, these priorities are very strange to me also
Thank you for sharing architectural contents with us. I have just noticed how effective is your video editing and quality to make us better understanding of interior space
They definitely achieved the relaxing, calming Zen atmosphere. The unit does not feel impaired in any way, every design choice was very purposeful. Beautiful result.
Love the use of wood on floors and bedroom (not so much the bathroom) and the splashes of nature inside the apartment.
Tremendous amount of wasted space and awkward layout for me.
This is the most project i've ever seen. the bansai tree looks like heaven when sunlight hit it. amazing design
incredible. And the quirkiness is SO on purpose!! very cool
Mixed feelings from the project. I can't say for sure that I like something completely. However, the color of the floor and kitchen furniture combine well. Some elements of the bath are also good.
i like how they put the bonsai garden vertically, .. it is fresh and artsy at the same time!
Agreed. However it's plastic and therefore dead material getting dusty. Sure, I don't havea better solution but a real Japanese interior designer and or a feng shui expert would 😊
Lovely calm space, but probably not practical for the majority. I would like to see examples of spaces which are practical for everyone. Children, aging adults, and those with mobility issues (of all kinds, from minor to major) are rarely considered on this channel: if we are all to live in these sized spaces in the future we need to be shown how they can fulfil the needs of all sections of society, youngest to oldest, able-bodied to disabled.
I definitely agree, we probably just need more architects to come forward with these projects! They just bring what the clients request of them, and people with the disposable income to have a micro apartment rebuilt from the ground up will probably be healthy, city-living young adults. Most projects on this channel appear to be in very old buildings in city centres, which already lack infrastructure for people with any mobility or access needs and probably wouldn't purchase a place with those features (small, high floors, and hire an architect to work on it) regardless. Absolutely agree with you but I suppose this channel isn't an architectural showcase but rather real people who happen to live in unconventional homes under 50sqm
there have been heaps of family homes on this channel. no home is suitable to everyone, but every home should be suitable to someone
I think the only thing that doesn't appeal for most people is the Japanese style of sitting on hard wood floors instead of couches which most people are used to. The fridge and storage area are also very limited but I think you can still adjust those accordingly.
Absolutely stunning. Those that comment on the sitting space near the tv. Japanese in general are very used to the simple and clear spaces, and they don't need all the cushioning we westerners are used to. For me everything so tastefully done and unique.
Lots of really great elements, could definitely be better but gave me some awesome ideas! Having a plant wall in a meditation room would be amazing, although I would do real plants and I'd want the room to be tall enough that I can't touch the ceiling to allow for movement as well. The thing about small spaces is that they really need to be customized for each of us so this place isn't perfect for me but was still very inspiring!
Simply lovely, elegant, interesting and with green plants inside 💚💚🐾🐾
I wouldn't want to live there, but I can still appreciate its aesthetic beauty.
this is sooooo beautiful i'm gasping
A few nice design elements (the cosy bedroom nook, the bonsai tree with skylight, colour / material accents with the timber, black and white walls and mirror splash back in the living space etc), so it is a pity that I feel there are some poor fundamental design decisions. Whilst the entry is serene and well designed, I don't feel it was worth the compromise of having the bathroom door directly off the living space. Not only for privacy, but also compromising the usability of the long wall opposite the kitchen (e.g. for a proper seating area!) But hey, it is a design customised to the client's needs, so each to their own!
One of the most radical designs we've seen yet. Bravo.
lovely design! personally I dislike the different levels but that's on me, NOT the designer. I wanted to tackle the young man and forcibly remove his shoes! 😂
Wow! I am super in love with this design!
Awesome design! I love it as a modern Japanese. Living with such a bonsai system is my dream …
But you need tatami at tatami living space. Tatami gives more comfort because it’s soft , warm in winter, cool in summer.
I love this space. There is something about it that brings me back to why I started to fall in love with small space design. This is very much for young people though, like 20-mid 30s. Seniors could not be comfortable in this space. And I think that's okay. Not every space is meant for everyone.
I agree. I was actually mesmerized until I saw the comments. I would just put the TV the same height as the dining table with armchairs and make tatami optional.
@@atomnous great suggestion! I think it would be a fun place to live in for a little bit! We all need something different now and then!
You created a a master piece . The Zen garden ...❤
By far this is the best design I have ever seen!!! Oh my God! Such a talented interior designer. I have searched for him in LinkedIn to thank him for making such a lovely house and sharing it with others but unfortunately, I couldn't find him!!!
it’s giving a bit of an old castle energy. exceedingly beautiful, slightly impractical, but so many surprises. super delightful to watch this tour!
As a New Zealander, seeing someone sitting and standing on a kitchen bench is just too much for me. UGH. I can see this as an art installation but not a home.
yeah that bit made me a bit uncomfortable as well
Living with a man who makes all the surface of kitchen counter top full of crumbs 24/7 I feel so frustrated by this design 😝
You don't really use that part as the stairs are in front of it and the actually used area for cooking is seperated by the sink. Additionally, I don't think this appartment is used for heavy cooking
@@ppbur Any interaction between sitting and food prep areas is pretty unacceptable in New Zealand. It's from Māori culture but is pretty much considered taboo by everyone here. So the continuation of the bench to the sitting/standing area makes me very uncomfortable, even if practically they may not overlap.
Yeah, no way. I CRINGE when there's a shoe anywhere near the kitchen counter. Also, let say a loft where the stair (or the loft itself) is above the kitchen...? ALL the dust falling down every step you take.. no way!
I'm quite surprised about all the critic voices in the comment section. I found this to be one of the best NTS projects, because it tackles a certain problem with small spaces which other projects completely neglect - monotony. They create so many different perspectives and varying perceptions with their playful approach of dividing space vertically. For people who have their problems with steady environments, this is heaven wrapped in a NTS-concept. Love it!
This is about the first time I've seen an interior that conspires to look truly bigger than it actually is. Fantastically thought-out and, I imagine, a pleasure to live. This is a space imbued a sense of calmness that aids a sense of escaping from the madding crowds...
my place would look bigger too if I got rid of my closets and practical fridge, etc...
Have we seen the same video? 🤔
One of my favorites of all I have seen yet! Just amazing.
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Love the vertical garden and wood accents.
Everything was beautiful I’d love to live in this house well done enjoy it living in that beautiful house
Thank you for sharing it with us
So many unique ideas, this is stunning. I wonder where all the odeas are born, these creators are magic ;-)
What a clever design and idea!! One of my fave from NTS.
Japanese master design as its best ! Love the « spiritual » places ! Very zen indeed!
Mixed feelings about this one. Overall I appreciate the aesthetic and minimalism, but a practical living space it is not. Entry way and hallways - beautiful, kitchen - nice, bonsai installation - cool. However - huge miss on storage, no one's going to move the fridge out of the way to access a tiny crawl space under the floor on a daily basis. Meditation room is a waste of space and comfort (intentionally make it impossible to stand in?), there is no tatami or living room as such - a few cushions on a hard floor are not very inviting, no ones going to sit there awkwardly looking at the tv, and the bathroom exposed plastic plumbing is a crime. The rest of the apartment was thought out and finished very neatly and it feels like either they ran out of money or someone forgot about designing the vanity area altogether.
Simple, classy, and timeless.
Those two bedrooms are incredible arrangement 👍
It's really beautiful and very unique design
This is beautiful.
This is my new fave design! It is really pretty, simple and classic!
Did I miss something? what is the valid reason for raising the bedroom floor behind the kitchen? And storage access via the kitchen, like you have to clear the stuff in the lower cabinet before you can crawl in to get into the under bed storage then crawl back out again?? I really don’t understand…
Because you shouldn't spend all your time in the bedroom. It's only used for the bed.
Wow, its so clever and beautiful!
I absolutely love this design! For me, it's best as a short-term rental instead of a daily residence. The style is pure zen and that meditation area is perfection. 🙏💕
Mixed feelings about this one, with lots of great ideas to inspire me as well! I appreciate unconventional layouts that challenge my design style. Thanks for sharing! 🥰❤
I like the aesthetics but I don't think it is practical at least for me. Firstly, there could have been a better second enclosed bedroom rather than the open bedroom just behind the kitchen . Secondly, the toilet just off the dining/living room is not good design. Thirdly, the access to the storage space is just too restrictive. Lastly, lowering the height in the meditation room is just giving up valuable storage space in a small dwelling.
This is surreal.. Magnificent. I would stay there forever.
Overall I really like the design. For the propose of the video they should have had the "models" take their shoes off at the genkan to show the design intent. As for the "tatami" area maybe they could have used a type of low profile carpet or other somewhat soft material to mimic tatami. I can't imagine anyone sitting on hardwood floors very long.
that bath, bedroom and meditation room is everything
For very young, agile little people, it is cute.
Oh i want to live here so much 😍 makes my soul feel peaceful
Wow, I love this beautifully designed zen accommodation which obviously suits the client it was renovated for. I wonder if the end use is short term stays only for those seeking a beach-side escape.
Much of the design however, would need altering to suit long-term residency in my opinion. For example, altering the raised Japanese style seating area to provide more same-level living and dining, and include a comfortable sofa. The storage area under the stairs is, in many ways genius but also impractical with a fridge blocking the entry into what looks like a challenging space to get in and out of and manoeuvre within in any case. There does not appear to be any or sufficient clothing and/or linen storage either and that would be a must for consideration.
For airbnb, this stunning design will guarantee you to have a unique and wonderful experience.
I appreciate the wonderful light to this space. I'm sure many people would love to live here. I think the storage under the bedroom is brilliant. Where are the bedroom closets? I don't think I would want to walk on the kitchen counter to get to the bedroom. I do however appreciate that everyone is different and that many would love this layout and none of the issues I have. I do love the meditation space as well.
It feels like your bedroom is an extension of you kitchen sink.. but I like the most is the hidden meditation area where it would be also a perfect place for reading books and morning coffee,,
I adore the look, but my back is already stiff just by watching the video.
Beautiful design. I love the tree coming out from the wall.
There are quite a few lovely elements in the design. I appreciate the meditation nook right next to the bedroom. Like others, I see this best as a short-term stay, and it is mostly because of the kitchen. I wouldn’t be comfortable with making food there. I’d worry about the potential dust, dirt, and so forth getting trudged in by frequent movement on the short flight of stairs right next to the prep area.
Wow! Simply wow!
Unfortunately I’m not a fan of this one, access under bedroom looked very restrictive. The change in tone of the wood like tiles was too much being that it was next to the living space, my preference would have been lighter. This doesn’t look like a home but an advert for an Airbnb especially as they call it a ryokan.
Sitting on the floor is more my style than couches so it's definitely for someone like me.
Yikes, as beautiful as it is, I couldn’t prep and cook food on the same counter that you use to walk into the bedroom (the floor essentially). Surprised that this Japanese style apartment with storage area for shoes is being shown to us by a man with street shoes on. The Scandinavians must be having a cow. Love the wall gardens though!
Beautiful apartment. I loved the meditation room particularly.
Strange AF and cool at the same time, it's why I love Japanese architecture
Such a lovely space wow 👏🏼👏🏼
I really liked this flat!! And the glass door combined with a curtain for privacy… really well thought out. I also liked the storage under the meditation room. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Please pass on my appreciation to the architects and owners 🧡🥰
How beautiful and peaceful!!! Love it so much.
Warm greetings from old Pinkie
I've seen a lot of small apartments, but this is by far the most beautiful and creative. Great job!
I absolutely love this apartment I think it's beautifully done you can see the calming elements the warmth from the wood elements It's sublime and its simplicity well done I absolutely love it I'd be jolly happy to live there❤
This is gorgeous, and thoughtfully designed for their clients. Really beautiful
Absolutely stunning. Love every aspect of this design after living in Japan.
A classic case of design over substance. Some practical considerations have been sacrificed for dubious style statements. I will steal the level change idea for my next project.