Condo / Apartments
Houzz Tours
Hong Kong Houzz Tour: Light and Sights Featured with Raw Appeal
Located in the mountainous landscape of Hong Kong, this renovated flat redefines simple luxury
Just like Singapore, Hong Kong is a land-scarce city, where most apartments are designed to be functionally small. This former three-bedroom condo unit is no different, and the owners, both from the creative industry, yearned for a modern yet timeless space where they can pause and rejuvenate after a busy work day. According to Roystern Goh, design principal of Singapore-based firm 0932 Design Consultants, who helmed the total revamp of this apartment, “The project brief was mainly to enhance and design a simple artful space with a blend of modern oriental style,” he says. Taking advantage of its hilly location, the team’s vision was to make this home “at once a tranquil art gallery and a comfortable residence; [with] white walls as a simple canvas that bears the quiet sophistication of hovering sculptures and framed compositions of brushstrokes and purposeful blots.”
Originally, the unit was separated into smaller rooms, with a low ceiling height mainly due to the concealment of structural beams that run across the unit. The existing configuration also did not capture the beauty of the natural landscape and skyline, says Goh.
To create more breathing room, one bedroom was opened up, thereby creating a more seamless living, dining and reading area. Structural beams were exposed to enhance the vertical space. Bay windows were also utilised to bathe the communal areas with natural light.
To create more breathing room, one bedroom was opened up, thereby creating a more seamless living, dining and reading area. Structural beams were exposed to enhance the vertical space. Bay windows were also utilised to bathe the communal areas with natural light.
The design team took a no-frills furnishing approach. Minimal furniture and wood-grained ceramic tile flooring emphasise the ‘simple luxury’ theme. At a glance, the only thing that pops out in this very neutral-hued space is the area rug in the living area. Its circular detail evokes a Zen garden.
The highlight of the reading area is the guzheng, also known as Chinese zither, a traditional Chinese instrument that has a history dating back to 500 B.C. The wife is well-versed in this 16-string instrument, and fills the home with pentatonic melodies.
The highlight of the reading area is the guzheng, also known as Chinese zither, a traditional Chinese instrument that has a history dating back to 500 B.C. The wife is well-versed in this 16-string instrument, and fills the home with pentatonic melodies.
The team fully implemented an open-plan layout to help maintain visual connection between the spaces. For example, the living and reading areas are visually demarcated only by the large TV and tall speakers placed on a low stand. This way, light and sound sweep through the spaces.
The dining area is defined by sliding timber panels in walnut veneer finish, which also contain and conceal the sideboard. The wood tone of the panels, as well as the dining table and the legs of the dining chairs, adds a layer of warmth to the open space.
White and transparent furniture and accessories blend into the clean canvas.
The subtle elegance of immaculate spaces is also brought to the fore in the master bedroom. As with the communal spaces, a bay window serves as a source of light, as well as a relaxing nook.
Next to the bed is a streamlined work desk. A pendant lamp hung low and concealed lighting under the shelf brighten up the area.
Standing by the bedroom entry is this sculpture with a sprite-like figure by artist Teng Chuan Yu, which was handpicked by the owner from a Taiwanese gallery.
In the master bathroom, tiles in a honeycomb pattern lend textural interest to the monochromatic palette.
Adding to the raw appeal are the wooden shelf with metal supports and the cement screed finish in the shower area.
TELL US
What did you find most striking about this home? Share in the Comments below.
What did you find most striking about this home? Share in the Comments below.
Sponsored
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple
Location: Hong Kong
Size: 1,195 square feet (111 square metres)
Project duration: 12 weeks
With bay windows framing the mountainous scenes, this apartment encapsulates the design philosophy of the firm: there is luxury in simplicity. Effortlessly incorporating outdoor elements into the living space highlights a tranquil setting.
The team’s effort paid off, as this home won the Gold for Best Apartment Under 2,000 square feet category for Asia Pacific in the recent Interior Design Excellence Awards (I-DEA) 2016, the annual event organised by the Interior Design Confederation Singapore (IDCS).
Singapore interior designers recognised for design excellence