Kitchen and bathroom spaces in small Hong Kong apartments are extremely limited.
Through scientific ventilation design and moisture-proof configurations, the problems of grease and smoke in open kitchens, as well as mold in windowless bathrooms, can be thoroughly resolved . This guide breaks down the key points of renovation, helping you create a dry, odorless, comfortable, and practical living space.
1. High-Efficiency Range Hood Configuration
The biggest fear with an open kitchen is the spread of grease and smoke. It is essential to purchase a powerful range hood with an exhaust volume of over 1,000 cubic meters per hour. It is recommended to choose a model with a slanted or deep-hood design, which can quickly centralize and extract cooking fumes before they spread to the living area. Meanwhile, the installation of the exhaust duct should be kept as short as possible with minimal bends to maintain optimal overall extraction performance.
2. Indoor Air Convection Design
Relying solely on a range hood is not enough; open kitchens require good indoor air convection to disperse residual odors. While cooking, slightly open the window in the living room furthest from the kitchen, and use a circulator fan to guide fresh air toward the cooking area. This effectively creates a cross-ventilation effect, preventing grease and food odors from lingering in indoor dead corners for extended periods.
3. Upgrading the Ventilation System in Windowless Bathrooms
Windowless bathrooms are highly prone to accumulating moisture. Installing a thermo ventilator or a powerful exhaust fan with a high air exchange rate is the key to moisture-proofing. The exhaust equipment should be connected to an independent duct leading directly to the buildings exterior wall, and it should remain running for at least half an hour after showering to maintain indoor negative pressure. When combined with the drying or dehumidification mode of the thermo ventilator, it can rapidly extract residual moisture from the air and walls.
4. Wet and Dry Separation with Moisture-Resistant Materials
Implementing wet and dry separation in a cramped windowless bathroom can significantly reduce the scattering of water vapor throughout the entire space while showering. For material selection, avoid using highly absorbent wooden doors; instead, opt for slip-resistant faux-stone tiles and aluminum alloy sliding doors to enhance moisture resistance. The walls and ceilings can be coated with specialized bathroom paint possessing anti-mold and antibacterial properties, effectively blocking mold growth at the source.
5. Preventing Airflow Backdraft in Ducts
To save space, many small apartments connect the kitchen and bathroom exhaust pipes to the same ventilation shaft, which easily leads to building odors flowing back into the unit. During renovation, a backdraft damper (check valve) must be installed at the end of the exhaust duct to ensure that indoor air can only flow outward in one direction. Regularly inspecting and cleaning the grease and dust inside the ducts will also maintain the long-term patency and hygiene of the ventilation system.
Get your free quotation：bit.ly/3Iym3wN
Photos: Pexels
