THE CLIFFS
Architects: Messrs. Palmer & Turner
7
IGALA 1103K
Photograph of the house taken from the spacious garden.
The Cliffs is a residence for the the west boundary. There is a steep Chief Manager of The Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation on Section A of R. B. L. No. 27, at 355 The Peak: it is among the largest and most important residen- tial buildings completed in the post- war period, as befits the position of consequence held by this high official of the largest financial institution of the Colony.
slope to the south side, which over looks the old driveway running along the south and east boundaries of the site: this road has been blocked up to allow for a formal garden in this portion of the site — a requirement of the planning. The new driveway, provided from Plantation Road, enters the site at its south-west corner, runs along the base of the small hill and leads directly to the garage or to the front entrance of the house.
must be one of the finest locations on the Peak. All of the principle rooms, which are of very generous propor- tions, have wonderful views. Another important factor to be considered was the large-scale and frequent enter- taining that the Chief Manager would have to do in his home because of the very nature of his important position.
The plan may be divided into three sections-two main wirgs and a secondary wing: the main wings are set at an angle of approximately 130 degrees to one another; the decision to build the house of this shape was influenced by the contours of the site.
The site is quite irregular in plan and was previously occupied by a house also belonging to the Bank, The siting and designing of the which was badly looted and partly residence was dominated amongst demolished during the Second World other things by the excellent views War. The land was mostly flat over obtainable to the north and north- The resulting design is a most happy its entire area of over 70,000 square east over the harbour; the utmost one, getting away as it does from the feet, but sloped up to a small hill near advantage has been taken of what stereotyped square or oblong-shaped
The formal garden
Detail of the entrance.
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