The apartment unit sits very close to a hill in the Kowloon peninsula, and its main living space captures a calming view of the hillside. In the rectangular volume of the main space, part of the wall is set back to form a wide opening that merges with the original corridor. This creates a slightly dimmer cavelike niche in front of the hill. The inner sides of the niche are cladded in a contrasting hard and soft finishing, to reflect the different volumes and depths of this alcove. Right in the middle, a kitchen island is placed, which also functions as a bar next to the living area. The components in the alcove appear as geometric elements when viewed through the portal from the living area.

The apartment unit sits very close to a hill in the Kowloon peninsula, and its main living space captures a calming view of the hillside. In the rectangular volume of the main space, part of the wall is set back to form a wide opening that merges with the original corridor. This creates a slightly dimmer cavelike niche in front of the hill. The inner sides of the niche are cladded in a contrasting hard and soft finishing, to reflect the different volumes and depths of this alcove. Right in the middle, a kitchen island is placed, which also functions as a bar next to the living area. The components in the alcove appear as geometric elements when viewed through the portal from the living area.

The apartment unit sits very close to a hill in the Kowloon peninsula, and its main living space captures a calming view of the hillside. In the rectangular volume of the main space, part of the wall is set back to form a wide opening that merges with the original corridor. This creates a slightly dimmer cavelike niche in front of the hill. The inner sides of the niche are cladded in a contrasting hard and soft finishing, to reflect the different volumes and depths of this alcove. Right in the middle, a kitchen island is placed, which also functions as a bar next to the living area. The components in the alcove appear as geometric elements when viewed through the portal from the living area.

This lobby is lit with two distinct light sources: sideways natural light from the existing windows at one end, and static light from a new ceiling aperture created at the opposite end. Between the two light sources, a series of objects is placed longitudinally along the line of symmetry. In sequence, light from the aperture shines on a dark island (pantry) which is concealed behind a metal panel that also sets the backdrop to the concrete mass (receiving counter). Progressing along the marble ground (waiting area) layered glass screens have been placed in the centre. When the screens unfold they partition off a glazed meeting room, the users inside will see the objects emerge again yet contained behind a glass plane as exhibits distanced on a marble stage.

This lobby is lit with two distinct light sources: sideways natural light from the existing windows at one end, and static light from a new ceiling aperture created at the opposite end. Between the two light sources, a series of objects is placed longitudinally along the line of symmetry. In sequence, light from the aperture shines on a dark island (pantry) which is concealed behind a metal panel that also sets the backdrop to the concrete mass (receiving counter). Progressing along the marble ground (waiting area) layered glass screens have been placed in the centre. When the screens unfold they partition off a glazed meeting room, the users inside will see the objects emerge again yet contained behind a glass plane as exhibits distanced on a marble stage.

This lobby is lit with two distinct light sources: sideways natural light from the existing windows at one end, and static light from a new ceiling aperture created at the opposite end. Between the two light sources, a series of objects is placed longitudinally along the line of symmetry. In sequence, light from the aperture shines on a dark island (pantry) which is concealed behind a metal panel that also sets the backdrop to the concrete mass (receiving counter). Progressing along the marble ground (waiting area) layered glass screens have been placed in the centre. When the screens unfold they partition off a glazed meeting room, the users inside will see the objects emerge again yet contained behind a glass plane as exhibits distanced on a marble stage.

The objective of this project is to convert an old residential unit, located in a high-density 1970s residential complex and next to a relatively new business district of Hong Kong, into a contemporary urban studio for expatriates. The original unit has architectural elements which manifest old memories of Hong Kong. The approach is to keep these characteristics, and to reintroduce materials associated with that period, but with a contemporary interpretation. Various functions are united in this compact space. The multi-purpose counter that forms the kitchen top extends into a bar table and a desk, interlocks with a raised deck that connects with the bed. A multi-functional headboard spans across to meet the routine of the habitant.

The objective of this project is to convert an old residential unit, located in a high-density 1970s residential complex and next to a relatively new business district of Hong Kong, into a contemporary urban studio for expatriates. The original unit has architectural elements which manifest old memories of Hong Kong. The approach is to keep these characteristics, and to reintroduce materials associated with that period, but with a contemporary interpretation. Various functions are united in this compact space. The multi-purpose counter that forms the kitchen top extends into a bar table and a desk, interlocks with a raised deck that connects with the bed. A multi-functional headboard spans across to meet the routine of the habitant.

The objective of this project is to convert an old residential unit, located in a high-density 1970s residential complex and next to a relatively new business district of Hong Kong, into a contemporary urban studio for expatriates. The original unit has architectural elements which manifest old memories of Hong Kong. The approach is to keep these characteristics, and to reintroduce materials associated with that period, but with a contemporary interpretation. Various functions are united in this compact space. The multi-purpose counter that forms the kitchen top extends into a bar table and a desk, interlocks with a raised deck that connects with the bed. A multi-functional headboard spans across to meet the routine of the habitant.

For this high-rise apartment unit in the southern part of Hong Kong Island, a family of four wishes to convert it with specific intentions: to have a study that can be shared between the parents and the children, and to have an occasional guest room. A functional core is first inserted to diffuse the boundaries between the study, living and circulation areas, in order to unite them into one larger shared family space. The core, as the centre of this space, consolidates the required components for various family activities, and has been designed so that it could be easily reconfigured to suit different spatial requirements. The elements of the design rationale are extended throughout the unit, to form a coherent whole that adapts to the living patterns of the habitants.

For this high-rise apartment unit in the southern part of Hong Kong Island, a family of four wishes to convert it with specific intentions: to have a study that can be shared between the parents and the children, and to have an occasional guest room. A functional core is first inserted to diffuse the boundaries between the study, living and circulation areas, in order to unite them into one larger shared family space. The core, as the centre of this space, consolidates the required components for various family activities, and has been designed so that it could be easily reconfigured to suit different spatial requirements. The elements of the design rationale are extended throughout the unit, to form a coherent whole that adapts to the living patterns of the habitants.

For this high-rise apartment unit in the southern part of Hong Kong Island, a family of four wishes to convert it with specific intentions: to have a study that can be shared between the parents and the children, and to have an occasional guest room. A functional core is first inserted to diffuse the boundaries between the study, living and circulation areas, in order to unite them into one larger shared family space. The core, as the centre of this space, consolidates the required components for various family activities, and has been designed so that it could be easily reconfigured to suit different spatial requirements. The elements of the design rationale are extended throughout the unit, to form a coherent whole that adapts to the living patterns of the habitants.

The building, in which this studio flat is located, is a six-storey early 1980s tenement house in Sham Shui Po. To strengthen its character, the original framework of the unit is taken as guides for the new spatial configuration of the studio flat. The dark aluminium fixture is arranged to project a visual partitioning that reinforces the orthogonal quality of the framework, and the built-in fluorescent lamp lights up the framework to further reveal this quality. Collectively, they define the different spaces in the unit. A new layer of fixtures, including a folded timber plane, a rattan plane and a stone counter, provides the required functional surfaces and hides all the required storage. With the hinged and sliding partitions, the whole space in its framework could be visible in its entirety.

The building, in which this studio flat is located, is a six-storey early 1980s tenement house in Sham Shui Po. To strengthen its character, the original framework of the unit is taken as guides for the new spatial configuration of the studio flat. The dark aluminium fixture is arranged to project a visual partitioning that reinforces the orthogonal quality of the framework, and the built-in fluorescent lamp lights up the framework to further reveal this quality. Collectively, they define the different spaces in the unit. A new layer of fixtures, including a folded timber plane, a rattan plane and a stone counter, provides the required functional surfaces and hides all the required storage. With the hinged and sliding partitions, the whole space in its framework could be visible in its entirety.

The building, in which this studio flat is located, is a six-storey early 1980s tenement house in Sham Shui Po. To strengthen its character, the original framework of the unit is taken as guides for the new spatial configuration of the studio flat. The dark aluminium fixture is arranged to project a visual partitioning that reinforces the orthogonal quality of the framework, and the built-in fluorescent lamp lights up the framework to further reveal this quality. Collectively, they define the different spaces in the unit. A new layer of fixtures, including a folded timber plane, a rattan plane and a stone counter, provides the required functional surfaces and hides all the required storage. With the hinged and sliding partitions, the whole space in its framework could be visible in its entirety.

Deep in the suburb of Hong Kong, a 700' ground floor unit of a local village house is set next to a 1,200' terrace with a glimpse of the South China Sea. The design searches for a stronger coherency between the unit and the terrace as a means to embrace rural living. To relate elements that speak to our senses, a carved stone, a water surface and a timber deck are introduced. These components are arranged to create a series of sensory experience that can be appreciated from both the unit and the terrace, which also strengthens the link between them.

Deep in the suburb of Hong Kong, a 700' ground floor unit of a local village house is set next to a 1,200' terrace with a glimpse of the South China Sea. The design searches for a stronger coherency between the unit and the terrace as a means to embrace rural living. To relate elements that speak to our senses, a carved stone, a water surface and a timber deck are introduced. These components are arranged to create a series of sensory experience that can be appreciated from both the unit and the terrace, which also strengthens the link between them.

Deep in the suburb of Hong Kong, a 700' ground floor unit of a local village house is set next to a 1,200' terrace with a glimpse of the South China Sea. The design searches for a stronger coherency between the unit and the terrace as a means to embrace rural living. To relate elements that speak to our senses, a carved stone, a water surface and a timber deck are introduced. These components are arranged to create a series of sensory experience that can be appreciated from both the unit and the terrace, which also strengthens the link between them.

A German kitchen brand founded in 1965 requires a platform that aligns with its philosophy for functionality and design. The showroom is comprised of five kitchen zones, each creating a distinct environment. A metal folding piece connects the zones in a sequence, and conceals the back-of-house. Each fold presents a function in relation to the kitchen zone it serves. The piece stands at the showroom entrance and begins as a reception counter. It folds into a signage wall at the focal zone, then into a video wall at the meeting zone, and finishes as a transition portal between the brand's two product lines. The dark metal, in its simplest form, contrasts with the products and integrates into the setting, serving as an echo of the brand identity.

A German kitchen brand founded in 1965 requires a platform that aligns with its philosophy for functionality and design. The showroom is comprised of five kitchen zones, each creating a distinct environment. A metal folding piece connects the zones in a sequence, and conceals the back-of-house. Each fold presents a function in relation to the kitchen zone it serves. The piece stands at the showroom entrance and begins as a reception counter. It folds into a signage wall at the focal zone, then into a video wall at the meeting zone, and finishes as a transition portal between the brand's two product lines. The dark metal, in its simplest form, contrasts with the products and integrates into the setting, serving as an echo of the brand identity.

A German kitchen brand founded in 1965 requires a platform that aligns with its philosophy for functionality and design. The showroom is comprised of five kitchen zones, each creating a distinct environment. A metal folding piece connects the zones in a sequence, and conceals the back-of-house. Each fold presents a function in relation to the kitchen zone it serves. The piece stands at the showroom entrance and begins as a reception counter. It folds into a signage wall at the focal zone, then into a video wall at the meeting zone, and finishes as a transition portal between the brand's two product lines. The dark metal, in its simplest form, contrasts with the products and integrates into the setting, serving as an echo of the brand identity.

A five-by-eleven peripteros, of which the placement of columns following strict proportions is akin to the control in law and order, is established to intersect the layout of this barristers' chambers. The positions of the columns lay the foundation and key axes for organizing the space. Facing the entrance doors, the chambers' logo is partially exposed among the stone walls like a brass artefact being excavated at an archaeological site. Next to it sits the stone reception desk resembling a remnant of the historical ground. The find continues in the five remaining columns, where one will see the chambers' collection of rare books that dates as far back as 1782. Altogether, the pieces symbolize the chambers' history.

A five-by-eleven peripteros, of which the placement of columns following strict proportions is akin to the control in law and order, is established to intersect the layout of this barristers' chambers. The positions of the columns lay the foundation and key axes for organizing the space. Facing the entrance doors, the chambers' logo is partially exposed among the stone walls like a brass artefact being excavated at an archaeological site. Next to it sits the stone reception desk resembling a remnant of the historical ground. The find continues in the five remaining columns, where one will see the chambers' collection of rare books that dates as far back as 1782. Altogether, the pieces symbolize the chambers' history.

A five-by-eleven peripteros, of which the placement of columns following strict proportions is akin to the control in law and order, is established to intersect the layout of this barristers' chambers. The positions of the columns lay the foundation and key axes for organizing the space. Facing the entrance doors, the chambers' logo is partially exposed among the stone walls like a brass artefact being excavated at an archaeological site. Next to it sits the stone reception desk resembling a remnant of the historical ground. The find continues in the five remaining columns, where one will see the chambers' collection of rare books that dates as far back as 1782. Altogether, the pieces symbolize the chambers' history.

For this office overlooking Victoria Harbour, a series of partitions are positioned along a path that extends from the reception, and selectively filters the sightlines and natural lights to strengthen the qualities specific to the context of each space. Steel fins, timber walls, clear and sandblasted glass altogether define the required degree of translucency and transparency. Some offer a glimpse of the office interior that appears only at certain angles, some block undesired view but allowing filtered natural light in, and some direct the users’ and visitors’ perspectives to an unobstructed panoramic view of the harbour. The overall experience amplifies as the journey into the office progresses.

For this office overlooking Victoria Harbour, a series of partitions are positioned along a path that extends from the reception, and selectively filters the sightlines and natural lights to strengthen the qualities specific to the context of each space. Steel fins, timber walls, clear and sandblasted glass altogether define the required degree of translucency and transparency. Some offer a glimpse of the office interior that appears only at certain angles, some block undesired view but allowing filtered natural light in, and some direct the users’ and visitors’ perspectives to an unobstructed panoramic view of the harbour. The overall experience amplifies as the journey into the office progresses.

For this office overlooking Victoria Harbour, a series of partitions are positioned along a path that extends from the reception, and selectively filters the sightlines and natural lights to strengthen the qualities specific to the context of each space. Steel fins, timber walls, clear and sandblasted glass altogether define the required degree of translucency and transparency. Some offer a glimpse of the office interior that appears only at certain angles, some block undesired view but allowing filtered natural light in, and some direct the users’ and visitors’ perspectives to an unobstructed panoramic view of the harbour. The overall experience amplifies as the journey into the office progresses.

Forms, layers and material together organize and connect various areas and rooms in this apartment unit. A timber framework is first integrated into the initial volume. It brings the different areas into alignments. To keep the spaces uninterrupted, all the existing columns and beams, large sliding panels, screens and background lighting are concealed within. Two forms intersect this timber framework. The first is in the form of a curved insert to create a flow from the entrance running the length of the house. The transverse volume, in a lighter shade of timber, contains all the wet areas on one side. The second is in the form of timber fins. It partitions the space but with transparency to create a visual extension of the main living area.

Forms, layers and material together organize and connect various areas and rooms in this apartment unit. A timber framework is first integrated into the initial volume. It brings the different areas into alignments. To keep the spaces uninterrupted, all the existing columns and beams, large sliding panels, screens and background lighting are concealed within. Two forms intersect this timber framework. The first is in the form of a curved insert to create a flow from the entrance running the length of the house. The transverse volume, in a lighter shade of timber, contains all the wet areas on one side. The second is in the form of timber fins. It partitions the space but with transparency to create a visual extension of the main living area.

Forms, layers and material together organize and connect various areas and rooms in this apartment unit. A timber framework is first integrated into the initial volume. It brings the different areas into alignments. To keep the spaces uninterrupted, all the existing columns and beams, large sliding panels, screens and background lighting are concealed within. Two forms intersect this timber framework. The first is in the form of a curved insert to create a flow from the entrance running the length of the house. The transverse volume, in a lighter shade of timber, contains all the wet areas on one side. The second is in the form of timber fins. It partitions the space but with transparency to create a visual extension of the main living area.