Hong Kong's Unique 'Eyeglass Flat' Layout

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The "eyeglass flat" is a common residential layout in Hong Kong, named for its two bedrooms that are side by side facing the same direction. This layout is most commonly found in old buildings with small units of 300 to 400 square feet, and can be seen in apartments, public housing, and private estates such as City One Shatin, Amoy Gardens, and Richland Gardens. Newer units generally no longer feature this design.

The "eyeglass flat" layout often evokes mixed feelings, and the most extreme example is the "five-door fusion" layout, where all five doors face the living room, causing quite a headache for homeowners during the design process. Let's explore the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of the "eyeglass flat", along with some practical renovation methods to make the most of this layout with some thoughtful planning.

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What is an "Eyeglass Flat"?

The "eyeglass flat" typically refers to a two-bedroom unit where the doors of the two bedrooms are side by side, facing the living room, creating an appearance similar to a pair of eyeglasses. This layout usually does not have corridors or entrances, resulting in an open-plan layout.

Advantages of the "Eyeglass Flat"

High Space Practicality: Without corridors or entrances, the entire space feels more spacious and practical.
Flexibility: The walls between the bedrooms are usually non-load-bearing, allowing for modifications according to needs.
Square Layout: Compared to units with irregular shapes, the "eyeglass flat" has a more straightforward and square layout without odd corners.

Disadvantages of the "Eyeglass Flat"

Lack of Privacy: The open-plan layout means that one can see the entire unit at a glance upon entering, resulting in a lack of privacy.
Limited Furniture Arrangement: With the four walls accommodating two bedroom doors, and possibly the kitchen, bathroom, and main door, the wall space becomes fragmented, often restricting the placement of large furniture.
Lighting Issues: "Eyeglass flats" typically have fewer windows, which may result in insufficient lighting.

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Methods to Modify and Renovate a Box Room:

1. Tear Down Walls:

Tearing down walls might be the most straightforward approach. For example, combining two rooms to create a larger master bedroom or transforming one of the rooms into a living/dining area results in a more spacious environment, providing homeowners with more options for sofa or large appliance placement.

2. Modify the Door:

Convert a traditional door to a hidden door to subtly conceal the room facing the hallway, integrating it with the wall. Sliding doors are another excellent option, providing a sense of continuity while saving space required for opening and closing the door.

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3. Add Partitions:

To create clearer usage zones, place a screen or shoe cabinet between the entrance and the living room. This not only creates a玄關 (genkan, an entrance area in Japanese-style homes) effect but also enhances privacy and provides additional storage space. Cleverly divide spaces using furniture, such as placing a short cabinet between the living and dining areas, which can serve as a sofa backrest, enhancing the separation and providing extra storage.

4. Enhance Lighting:

Box room units typically have windows in the bedroom, resulting in a lack of natural light in the living room. It's necessary to incorporate additional lighting design to address potential insufficient lighting issues. Glass doors, with their high light transmittance, can introduce light into the living room. Alternatively, reflective materials or mirrors can be used to enhance the sense of space and brightness.