?Zen Oasis? – A home gateway infused with Japanese aesthetics designed by Minus Workshop. The founder of Minus Workshop, Kevin Yiu has long been inspired by Eastern philosophies. He has taken over this residential design project into a modified version of the spirit of zen in Japan for a family who loves Japanese culture and wants a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. With the simple three worded design brief ?Japanese, zen and calm? to request Kevin to design his 120 square metre apartment. As a result, Yiu also breaks through the paradox between how we imagine stereotypical Japanese minimalism. Photography by Steven Ko.

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The design concept seeks contentment in simplicity, purity and restraint for the end-user. The dining area is seated at the end of the hallway facing the entrance, encouraging the family to cherish their time upon entry to their sweet home. Meanwhile, much attention is paid to the plant statement corner in the dining area, aiming to add a grounded personality to the apartment. The segment is delightfully enhanced by a solid wood background wall in fish scaled pattern and features an unexpected extendable lighting system practically to support plant growth. To demonstrate a Kevin?s version of Wabi features, the design avoids excess decoration yet arranges ample statement ideas to master the living room. An extraordinary ocean inspired art piece on the warm white plaster wall was created by Agape, promi...