This, then, is a summary of the outstanding features of the Georgian Period, which the architects re-created in their design of the Georgian Mansion. How well they succeeded is amply illustrated in the photographs of the building which we publish with this article. Great credit is due to the architects for their efforts. They succeeded in capturing the spirit of the period even though their design had to be considerably modified through the necessity of incorporating all the practical elements which this modern age expects and demands for its comfort and convenience.
Appreciation of the customs and, therefore, the spirit of an era is the result of the recognition and the general acceptance of certain well-defined principles. In architec- tural and building work this acceptance causes thousands of structures to be erected in groups and masses which, though required for the most diverse purposes, follow certain uniform and constant patterns that by sheer weight of numbers overcome prejudice and opposition, force acceptance and win approval.
To take a period piece out of its setting is like taking a word out of its context-it frequently destroys its mean- ing and the Georgian Mansion suffers the misfortune of being set amongst a group of strictly modern structures which lends it somewhat an air of incongruity. However, this is offset to a great extent by the fact that it is placed on a height within its own fairly extensive grounds and can be appreciated from certain angles free from disturbing influences. In spite of this and other minor faults, it is a fine building of which the owners and the architects can well be proud.
We have, unfortunately, not been able to publish the floor plan of the building which would illustrate one of the principles of planning introduced in the Georgian Era, that is, the simplicity of design and symmetry of arrangement, On each floor, the centre stairhall gives access to an apartment on either side of it. The six apartments, two on each of the three floors, follow exactly the same pattern with the exception of very minor differences in the front centre room over the entrance door. The living room-dining room combination is shaped like a broad "T”. The living room itself is 25'0" X 14′0′′, with three double French windows opening on to the broad front verandah of the building. On the opposite side of the living
The bedroom.
Note the arched window.
room, the dining room 14′0′′ long and somewhat less in width extends to the south wall of the building. The opening between these two rooms extends the whole width of the dining room, the two columns placed in this opening main- taining the classical tradition which permeates throughout the design and decoration of the building.
The two main bedrooms which complete the apartment are placed at the extreme ends of each floor and are accessible through the living room. A smaller studio or bedroom can be made out of the room over the entrance hall mentioned previously.
The walls of the main rooms are gypsum plastered throughout, and all woodwork is of teak. All brickwork is jointed in cream cement.
General Contractors: Lai Kee Co.
Plumbing Fixtures: Andersen, Meyer & Co., Ltd. Plumbing & Sanitary Work: Dodwell & Co., Ltd. Electrical Installations: China Engineers, Ltd.
Bricks: Keen Sang Brickworks.
Marble Work:
Steel Windows:
Raoul Bigazzi,
H.K. Metal Window Mfg. Co. Vitrolite Glass Tiling: Pilkington Ltd. W.I. Grilles: Sheng Fat.
W.I. Lamps: Cheong Ming.
SELECTED FOR THE GEORGIAN MANSION
Standard
PLUMBING FIXTURES
Agents:
CHINA & HONGKONG
ANDERSEN, MEYER & COMPANY, LTD.
David House, Hongkong.
29
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Telephone 28091