DEEPWATER BAY DEVELOPMENT
View of the whole project taken from Repulse Bay Road.
Nothing illustrates more graphically the difficulties of planning extensive residential developments in Hong Kong than the Cable & Wireless project at Deepwater Bay, Well-meaning and public-spirited citizens of the Colony deplore the fact that no attempt has yet been made to encourage the building of medium-priced homes for middle- class residents, along the lines of developments all over the world. Pressing though the need is for this type of construction in Hong Kong, one cannot ignore the fact that the topography of the place simply does not allow for extensive suburban building schemes. The very hills that make Hong Kong so beautiful and which are the residents' pride and joy, are at the same time the greatest obstacle towards low cost construction. Where in the Colony is it possible to plan the construction of several thousand houses which are necessary to relieve the housing situation, with- out first undertaking the extensive site levelling work, the cost of which immediately puts a very substantial premium on each building?
The illustration of the site of the group of buildings constructed for the staff of Cable & Wireless Limited shows but a typical example of the conditions here with which builders have to contend. The site formation of this hill- side development is of formidable proportions since it comprises not only the levelling of the large number of sites, but also the building of the main access road and all the individual approach roads to each building.
In our issue of May June 1949, we gave a complete description of the development, of which Mr. P. L. L. Biau is the architect, so we shall content ourselves, now that
the work is completed, with illustrating some details of the actual designs of the buildings.
Our readers will remember that in order to avoid the monotony and regimentation usual to a housing project of this nature, the bungalows were planned in four different designs, each varying considerably as to style and external arrangement, yet each harmonising with one another and blending pleasantly into one delightful unit. In addition, there is a two-storey staff house, which can be used either as a bachelor's mess or be converted into two separate apartments.
We quote the following from our previous descrip- tion:-
"A study of the floor plans of the various bungalows discloses the thoughtful consideration that has gone into the design and arrangement of the rooms, and the appoint- ments that one expects of modern residences, In all cases, large covered verandahs, conveniently placed in relation to the main living room areas, add to their spaciousness and offer facilities for outdoor relaxation. These form part of the ample lawns which are a feature of the planning and will provide the occupants with oppor- tunities for graceful entertainment.
"The appointments in each building include hot and cold running water to all bathrooms and kitchens. All have three bedrooms with two bathrooms and a guest lavatory. All buildings have been amply provided with built-in cupboards, closets and trunk rooms, and the kitchen and pantry arrangement is sufficiently generous to provide every assistance to this most important department of the home.
Type D bungalows on the upper level.
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View along the lower level road.
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