THE
BRENDA-
ANNE
APARTMENTS
Photographed from the model
The Brenda-Anne Apartments on R.B.L. 620, Repulse Bay Road, Hong Kong, is an example of a structure which an architect builds for himself as an experiment in modern design.
The outstanding feature of the construction of this building is probably the large proportion of covered verandahs which are being provided. This is due to the fact that the site is facing somewhat west of south and the verandahs afford ample protection from the afternoon
sun.
The site which is a fan shaped ridge set on a steep slope, has been formed into two levels. It was carefully planned with a view towards economy, orientation, scenic aspect and investment possibilities. The building overlooks a sweep of sheltered Deep Water Bay with the islands and hills beyond; the Golf Course lies at the foot of the shoulder 200 odd feet below.
The shape of the site was the principal consideration which influenced the design of this apartment building. It is three and a half stories in height and follows the contours of the area so as to take full advantage of its existing levels. There is not a single foot of wasted space in the floor plan and rooms provide the maximum of comfort within their dimensions.
Since the building is placed on the spur of rather limited area the architects designed the building so as to take full advantage of the solid ground available. Con- sequently, the building is of an unusual irregular shape which manifests itself mainly in the living room-dining room section. A projecting fireplace into which has been incorporated a bookcase of an original shape and an entrance hall which forms part of the main area are the result of the special planning required.
Each unit consists of entrance-hall, bar, living-dining alcove and terrace and it is contemplated by the architect that the social life of the occupants should be centered here. Two bedrooms with their respective baths and a
VERANDAN
VELANDAU
PAN
Kit.
LIVING
Room
Typical Floor Plan
12.
DED RM RAL
DERVANT
DINING
HALL
утиву
CERVANT
HILTO
BATH
DEO RM
convertible study which may be used as an auxiliary guest- room complete the amenities provided on each floor. With each unit is attached a fully equipped pantry-kitchen and servants' quarters.
The lower garden level unit houses the parking garage for four small or three large cars and also a compact three-roomed caretaker's quarters and planned garden outside. There is also a large servants' kitchen and a furniture store into which tenants can deposit odds and ends or boxes. However, the most unusual part of this ground floor is a covered children's playground to which a large proportion of this area has been devoted. This is a feature which the tenants will greatly appreciate as the building is fairly close to the roadside, and the limited amount of garden area attached to the site would be a severe handicap were it not for this most sensible provision.
The architect has selected only the best of materials to be used in the finishing of the apartment but costs have been held down to the minimum consistent with the standard of quality expected. Instead of the usual drab teakwood parquet for flooring, colourful asphalt tiles are to be laid in all rooms including bathrooms and pantry- kitchens. Doors are to be of beautiful grained walnut with American hardware in the finest satin-finish. All bathrooms are roomy and will be equipped with coloured fittings, a different colour combination to each bathroom with selected tiling to match.
Since the view from the building is so picturesque steel windows for all main rooms are planned so that proportions and positions frame the best view for the edification of the occupants.
The construction of the building is well under way and should be completed in the near future.
The architects for the apartments are Alfred V. Alvares & Associates and the contractor is the Grand Engineering Corporation.
Elevation facing Repulse Bay Road
51