NEW PEAK RESIDENCE
Architect's Perspective Drawing of the Building.
The
This is a description of a most unusual building being erected as the residence for Mr. R. A. Wickerson, the Managing Director of China Provident, Loan & Mortgage Co., Ltd. house is unusual in that the huge retaining walls required for the site formation work are being utilized by the architect either as part of the building itself or to contain the lawn which forms part of the outdoor living area attached directly to the house.
The house is situated above Middle Gap Road just beyond Wanchai Gap, and since it is placed on a high ridge, about 40′0′′ above the level of the main road, the site formation required was quite extensive. This included a deep cutting into the hillside at the beginning of the approach road and, as mentioned before, a considerable volume of retaining walls on the site itself. However, the location of the building is a magnificent one and well worth the effort and expense Situated as it is on a deep spur involved in preparing it. from which the ground falls away sharply on three sides, the
CUPO
DRESSING ROOM
BED RM
(1)
OP
ARCH MYER
BATH
(3)
BED RM (3)
CORR DOR
CUPED.
BLA
BATH
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DRY ROOM
BATH AR
LINEA
DOWN
HALL
BED RM. (2)
VERANDAM
STUDY
NAVY
KITCHE
TRY
HALL
LOUNGE
DINING ROOM
SPACE
BALCONY
Ground Floor Plan.
PORCH
HITCHEN
LAUNDRY C
SERVANTES
(1)
QUARTERS
(2)
(3)
GARAG E STORE COAL
Basement Plan.
VERANDAH
FOIL CANY
TURFED
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Plan of the First Floor.
building will command a delightful view of the southern and eastern slopes of Mount Victoria and Mount Kellett and the long valley which terminates in the Pokfulam area of the southern part of the Island of Hong Kong.
The building combines all the features of modern architec- tural requirements, modified by details which contribute an air of dignity and charm to the usual austere lines. It is surmounted by a sloping roof, built of reinforced concrete and surfaced with coloured tiles which lend colour and individua- lity to the character of the building.
The basement, which has been formed from the arrange- ment of the retaining walls, contains a large garage, the servants' quarters complete with separate servants kitchen and W.C., a laundry and stores. There will be a staircase leading up into the main part of the house from inside the basement, although the main stairway leading to the front door will be outside the house and formed as part of the retaining wall.
The ground floor plan includes a magnificent lounge with two covered verandahs on either side, a study which can be closed off entirely from the rest of the floor, and a large dining room on the opposite side of the entrance hall. The kitchen, pantry and guest lavatory complete the amenities on this floor.
Three bedrooms, each with ample cupboard space and attached bathroom, are situated on the first floor, the master bedroom having a separate dressing room with additional cupboards.
Geo. W. Grey, F.R.I.B.A., F.R.I.C.S., was the architect for the whole project. The extensive site formation work was carried out by the Hong Kong Building Service Ltd., while the general contractors for the building are Winsome & Co., who are also doing the installation of the sanitary fittings which are American made by Briggs & Company.
The steel windows which are being supplied through Sir Cyril Young & Son, Ltd., are manufactured in England by the Rustproof Metal Window Co., Ltd.
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