Welcome to Ryokan, where the beach is your backyard, and space is more than just square footage—it’s a state of mind. Nestled right in front of Manly Beach, famous for its ferries, surfing, and epic beach volleyball tournaments, this Zen designed apartment takes coastal living to a whole new level. Forget cookie-cutter condos; this is where Victorian charm meets modern minimalism, wrapped up in a design philosophy that’s all about stacking, overlapping, and a little bit of mind-bending creativity.
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Victorian Tavern Meets Modern Vibes
This building has history. Originally built as a two-story Victorian tavern in the 18th century, it’s seen more than its fair share of pints and parties. Fast forward a century, and two more stories were added, turning the top floors into apartments and the ground level into retail space. For the past 20 years, this apartment has been a rental, but let’s just say the maintenance didn’t keep up with the times. The old floor plan was a dark, cramped mess, with plumbing straight out of a horror movie. But all that’s changed.
The redesign kicked off by moving the bathroom doorway away from the entrance—because who wants to be greeted by a toilet? The kitchen, living, and dining areas were combined into one seamless space, and the once-dark bedroom wall was knocked down to flood the place with natural light. The result? A chic, serene space that’s equal parts functional and fabulous, truly embodying the essence of a Zen designed apartment.
A Foreshadowing Foyer and Tatami Twists
Stepping into this Japanese style apartment feels like entering a tranquil retreat. The foyer sets the tone with a symbolic house-shaped geometry—a nod to traditional Japanese design. It’s not just a pretty face, though. This hybrid mudroom-genkan (a Japanese entranceway) has a niche for your jackets and keys, and a clever pocket for shoe storage. The floating platform extends into the living space, doubling as a tatami-style seating area. It’s a bit like stepping into a serene temple, but with better Wi-Fi.
Dark walls and ceilings cocoon the space in calm, while the platform’s height shift marks the transition from living to dining. It’s like the apartment knows you need a nudge to switch gears from Netflix to dinner.
Kitchen Confidential: Matte Black and Mirrors
In the kitchen, matte black elements keep the vibe sleek and stylish, transitioning smoothly from the darker living area. But the real star here? A bronze mirror backsplash that adds a soft, ambient reflection. It’s like a Snapchat filter for your kitchen, making everything look just a little more glam. Underneath the timber frame lies a crisp white kitchen, complete with a matching microwave oven that blends seamlessly into the cabinetry. The fridge? Hidden behind a hinge door because not everything needs to be on display, right?
Zen Spaces: Bonsai Dreams and Meditation Magic
This Japanese style apartment is all about balance, and nothing says “inner peace” like a Zen garden. Accessed via three steps from the kitchen, the Japanese bedroom welcomes you with a zero-maintenance bonsai tree—no green thumb required. Positioned under a skylight, the tree catches natural sunlight around midday, bringing the space to life without any of the upkeep.
The bedroom itself is a cozy sanctuary, complete with a bedhead made from the same bronze mirror as the kitchen splashback. Nifty niches on either side of the bed keep your phone and glasses close, while minimalist wall lights provide just the right amount of glow for bedtime reading.
And if that’s not enough tranquility, there’s a dedicated meditation space next door. Inspired by traditional Japanese tea houses, this room is all about intentional design. The ceiling is lowered, and the platform raised, nudging you to sit down and relax. A vertical garden adds a touch of green, but like the bonsai, it’s zero-maintenance. Here, you can finally detach from the daily grind and reconnect with nature—through a thoughtfully placed window, of course.
Hidden Storage and the Perfect Bathroom
Storage is always a challenge in small spaces, but this Zen designed apartment laughs in the face of clutter. Beneath the Japanese bedroom and meditation space lies a whopping 15 cubic meters of storage, ideal for stashing seasonal items and bulky gear. Accessible via the kitchen, this hidden gem ensures everything has its place.
The second bedroom, tucked on the other side of the apartment, is a masterclass in spatial illusion. When the door opens, the timber-clad wall converses with the genghan-style timber, creating the sense of a larger space. There’s a double bed, storage for clothes, and even a hidden study nook for when work calls.
The bathroom? A masterpiece of form and function. Clad in ceramic timber tiles that mimic a traditional bathhouse, it’s all about spa vibes without the high maintenance. A wall-mounted basin floats above the floor, while matte black plumbing fixtures blend seamlessly with the apartment’s sleek aesthetic. A floor-to-ceiling storage unit hides the washing machine and offers adjustable shelves for all your bathroom essentials.
Sustainability Meets Style
This Zen designed apartment is proof that small spaces don’t have to mean compromise. With a design that focuses on creativity, efficiency, and sustainability, it challenges the very notion of what living spaces should be. Whether you’re surfing the waves at Many Beach or just surfing the web from your tatami-style seating, this apartment offers a unique experience that’s both manly and mindful—without sacrificing style.
Who knew stacking and overlapping could look this good?
Source: Never Too Small
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