Journal
Why does Hong Kong have baywindow built inside apartments?
Have you ever wondered why we have baywindows in apartments even though they are not very large? They are not even pretty, yet they block a significant amount of window space. Is it because the building is safer this way?
In fact, none of those are the real reason. In the 1980s, real estate developers discovered new ways to develop residential buildings. When the government sold land, a plot ratio was specified — you could not simply build as high as you liked. Window-sill space was counted as construction area, not net floor area.
By constructing a window sill or baywindow, each unit could be slightly larger in gross area and sold at a higher price. The construction cost of the window sill was higher, but Hong Kong property was expensive enough that developers still made more money by building baywindows into each apartment.
That is the origin of the window sill. If you would like to turn yours into a resting space, our colleagues can help you order cushions and pillows to fit.