The smallest apartment in Hong Kong, located in the T Plus building in Tuen Mun, highlights the severe housing challenges in one of the world’s most densely populated cities. It measures just 11.89 square meters (128 square feet), this “nano flat” is part of a 356-unit development built by Jiayuan International Group and Stan Group. Initially launched at 2.85 million HKD (€341,300, $364,150, £295,300) in 2018, prices dropped by 38% to 1.73 million HKD (€207,200, $222,200, £179,300) in 2019 due to low demand. Innovative solutions such as multifunctional furniture, lightweight materials, and vertical storage help address space constraints, but challenges like limited ventilation, noise control, and market volatility persist. Nano flats remain a niche housing option, underscoring the complexities of providing affordable yet practical housing in high-density urban environments.
Where is the smallest apartment in Hong Kong located?
The smallest apartment in Hong Kong is located in the T Plus building at 2 Tsing Min Path, Tuen Mun, New Territories. The “nano flat” is part of a residential project that epitomizes the extreme housing challenges in Hong Kong, offering ultra-compact living spaces smaller than a standard parking spot. The T Plus development is situated in the Tuen Mun San Hui neighborhood, an area known for its accessibility and proximity to public transport, including the West Rail Line. The GPS coordinates for the location are 22.400723° N, 113.971832° E.
What is the size of the smallest apartment in Hong Kong?
The smallest apartment in Hong Kong is a 11.89 square meters (128 square feet) unit located in the T Plus building at 2 Tsing Min Path, Tuen Mun, New Territories. It is located in the Tuen Mun neighborhood, a residential area in the New Territories, it is known for its mix of older public housing and newer private developments.
What is the price of the smallest apartment in Hong Kong?
The smallest apartment in Hong Kong was initially priced at 2.85 million HKD (€341,300, $364,150, £295,300) during its launch in 2018. However, due to low demand, the developer reduced the price by 38% in 2019, bringing it down to a starting price of 1.73 million HKD (€207,200, $222,200, £179,300). It equates to 13,577 HKD (€1,625, $1,746, £1,407) per square foot, making it one of the most affordable properties in Hong Kong on a per-square-foot basis.
How many bedrooms are there in the smallest apartment in Hong Kong?
The smallest apartment in Hong Kong is a studio flat and does not have any separate bedrooms. The 11.89 square metres (128 square feet) are designed as a single open space that combines living, sleeping, and kitchen functions. The unit includes an 88-square-foot living area with an open kitchen, with no partition walls for a bedroom. The layout reflects the “nano flat” trend in Hong Kong, where developers aim to maximize functionality in minimal square footage. These flats are typically suitable for single occupants or individuals seeking low-cost housing options.
How many bathrooms are there in the smallest apartment in Hong Kong?
The smallest apartment in Hong Kong has one bathroom, which is extremely compact and includes basic amenities: a toilet, sink, and shower. The bathroom utilizes an efficient layout, with fixtures placed close together to save space. Often, there is minimal separation between the shower area and the rest of the bathroom, catering to practicality over comfort.
Who is the current owner of the smallest apartment in Hong Kong?
The specific ownership details of individual units within the T Plus building are not publicly disclosed. The development was built by Jiayuan International Group and Stan Group, who sold these units starting at 1.73 million HKD (€207,200, $222,200, £179,300) after the price reductions in 2019. Units were purchased by private buyers or investors looking for affordable entry points into Hong Kong’s property market. Some apartments may now belong to landlords renting them out to tenants seeking low-cost housing.
Who designed the smallest apartment in Hong Kong?
The smallest apartment in Hong Kong was not attributed to a specific architect or designer. However, the project was developed by Jiayuan International Group in collaboration with Stan Group. These developers are known for creating ultra-compact living spaces, often referred to as “nano flats,” to address Hong Kong’s housing challenges. The design philosophy behind such units focuses on maximizing functionality within minimal square footage, driven by the city’s limited land supply and high property prices. The T Plus flats are designed with open layouts, compact kitchens, and small bathrooms to optimize space efficiency.
Who built the smallest apartment in Hong Kong?
The smallest apartment in Hong Kong, found in the T Plus building in Tuen Mun, was built by Jiayuan International Group and Stan Group, two prominent property developers. Jiayuan International Group is a Chinese real estate company that expanded into Hong Kong’s market with projects like T Plus, while Stan Group is a local developer focused on innovative urban housing solutions. The construction of the T Plus building was completed in March 2019 and includes 356 residential units ranging from 128 to 794 square feet. The developers aimed to create affordable housing options for first-time buyers and investors by capitalizing on the growing demand for smaller living spaces.
What architectural style is the smallest apartment in Hong Kong built with?
The smallest apartment in Hong Kong, located in the T Plus building in Tuen Mun, follows a modern minimalist architectural style tailored for high-density urban environments. The design of these “nano flats” incorporates open-plan layouts without unnecessary partitions to maximize usable space within the 128-square-foot unit. Key features include compact kitchens integrated into living areas, small bathrooms with efficient layouts, and large windows or glass panels to create an illusion of openness despite the limited size. The building itself reflects contemporary high-rise architecture typical of Hong Kong, designed to accommodate as many units as possible within a vertical structure while adhering to local regulations for safety and ventilation.
What materials are preferred for small-scale apartments in Hong Kong and why?
In the 128-square-foot unit located in the T Plus building in Tuen Mun, materials are carefully selected to maximize space efficiency, durability, and functionality while maintaining affordability. The following materials are commonly preferred:
- Lightweight and Compact Fixtures: Lightweight and compact materials like aluminum or lightweight steel are used for kitchen cabinets, shelving, and bathroom fixtures. These materials are durable and help reduce the weight load in high-rise buildings.
- Glass: Glass is often used for partitions or windows to create an illusion of openness and allow natural light to flow through the compact space. It helps make the apartment feel larger than it is.
- Laminate or Vinyl Flooring: Laminate or Vinyl flooring materials are chosen for their affordability, ease of maintenance, and ability to withstand wear and tear in high-traffic areas like small apartments.
- Built-in Furniture Materials: Plywood or MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) is commonly used for built-in furniture such as foldable beds, tables, or storage units. These materials are cost-effective and versatile for custom designs.
- Tile for Wet Areas: Ceramic or porcelain tiles are used in bathrooms due to their water resistance and ease of cleaning. Their reflective surfaces can also enhance the perception of space.
- Painted Walls with Light Colors: Light-colored paints or wallpapers are used on walls to brighten the space, making it appear larger and more inviting.
What furniture solutions are used to maximize space?
Furniture solutions are specifically designed to maximize functionality and efficiency in such a restricted space. Transforming furniture is a key feature, such as sofa beds that double as seating during the day and sleeping areas at night. Foldable dining tables or wall-mounted desks are also common, allowing residents to use the same space for multiple purposes. Custom-built furniture with integrated storage, such as beds with drawers underneath or modular cabinets, helps minimize clutter. For example, shoe cabinets may double as kitchen counters or side tables. Tall shelving units or wall-mounted cabinets take advantage of vertical space, offering additional storage without encroaching on the limited floor area. Folding chairs, tables, or stackable stools can be stored away when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space. Furniture with slim profiles, such as narrow tables or compact sofas, ensures that every piece fits proportionally within the small apartment.
How is the kitchen area designed to be functional in such a restricted space?
In the 128-square-foot unit located in the T Plus building in Tuen Mun, the kitchen area is designed with extreme efficiency to maximize functionality within the limited space. The kitchen typically features compact appliances, such as a single-burner electric stove, a small refrigerator, and a microwave, all strategically placed to reduce clutter. Vertical storage solutions, like wall-mounted cabinets and shelves, are implemented to utilize every inch of available space. The countertops are minimal but sufficient for basic food preparation, often doubling as dining or workspace areas. To further save space, foldable or sliding surfaces may be used. The design emphasizes open layouts, integrating the kitchen with the living area to avoid unnecessary partitions. Light-colored finishes and reflective materials are often employed to create an illusion of spaciousness.
What designs are used for the bathroom in a minimal space setting?
The bathroom in the 128-square-foot unit at T Plus is designed as a wet room, where the shower, toilet, and sink share the same compact area without partitions. This layout optimizes space usage by eliminating separate enclosures for each function. Fixtures are typically wall-mounted, including the sink and toilet, to free up floor space and create a streamlined appearance. The shower area often lacks a dedicated cubicle or curtain, with water draining directly through a floor drain. Storage is incorporated through recessed shelves or small cabinets above the sink or toilet. To enhance functionality, compact fixtures such as a corner sink or foldable shower head are commonly used. Light-colored tiles and mirrors are integrated into the design to make the small bathroom feel more open and less confined.
What are the main architectural challenges in designing such a small living space?
Designing ultra-compact living spaces, such as the 128-square-foot unit in the T Plus building in Tuen Mun, presents several significant architectural challenges:
- Space Optimization: The primary challenge is maximizing functionality within an extremely limited area. Architects must carefully plan layouts to ensure that essential living spaces—such as sleeping, cooking, and hygiene areas—fit without feeling cramped.
- Lighting and Ventilation: Small units often lack natural light and proper ventilation due to their compact design. The loosening of regulations in Hong Kong allowed for open kitchens and windowless bathrooms, but this creates challenges in maintaining adequate airflow and brightness, which are critical for livability.
- Privacy and Noise Control: In high-density buildings like T Plus, units are closely packed together, which can lead to noise issues and a lack of privacy. Architects must incorporate soundproofing materials and thoughtful layouts to mitigate these problems.
- Structural Constraints: Integrating utilities like plumbing, air conditioning, and electrical systems into such tight spaces is complex. Water heaters and air conditioning pipes are embedded into walls to save space, but this makes repairs more difficult.
- Livability vs. Profitability: Developers prioritize profitability by maximizing the number of units per building, often at the expense of livability. This creates tension between meeting market demand for affordable housing and ensuring that spaces remain functional and humane.
- Flexibility of Use: Designing spaces that can adapt to different functions (e.g., a living room doubling as a bedroom) requires innovative solutions like foldable furniture or sliding partitions, which can be costly or logistically challenging to implement.
Is Hong Kong’s smallest apartment part of a condominium complex?
Yes, the smallest apartment in Hong Kong is a condominium complex located at 2 Tsing Min Path, Tuen Mun, New Territories. The T Plus development consists of a single 19-story residential block with a total of 356 units, ranging from studio flats to three-bedroom apartments. Completed in March 2019, this project was developed by Jiayuan International Group and Stan Group. The building offers shared amenities such as a clubhouse, entertainment facilities, and nearby retail spaces, making it a self-contained residential community.
What is the market demand for such small apartments in Hong Kong?
The market demand for nano flats like those in the T Plus building remains significant, albeit with some fluctuations. These ultra-compact units are popular among first-time buyers and investors due to their relatively lower upfront costs compared to larger apartments in Hong Kong’s expensive housing market. For instance, during its launch, over 12,000 buyers submitted bids for 344 units at T Plus, including the smallest 128-square-foot flats, which sold out quickly despite their size. However, demand has cooled in recent years due to concerns over livability and the declining affordability of even these small spaces.
Featured Image © Nora Tam
