No_6_September_and_October__1950 — Page 32

R.B.L.

520

REPULSE BAY ROAD

Two photographs of the model of the building.

A

The latest building to be erected in the valley between Wongneichong Gap and Repulse Bay is the residence of Mr. Chau Shiu Kiu, designed by Mr. A. H. Basto. The district is a beautiful one and many houses have been built there on the isolated spurs which command such a magnificent view of Deepwater Bay and the China Sea beyond.

The site of R.B.L. 520 has the additional advantage of having a larger garden than most houses in the area, and the architect has made the most of this. The drive sweeps

up on a long curve to approach the building from the north side, thus leaving the view from the main rooms unimpeded and at the same time increasing the privacy of the garden

area.

Wide verandahs and terraces, and, indeed the whole plar of the house itself, are sympathetic to the shape of the site and to the view. The plan is open, with large well shaded windows. A circular staircase adds grace to the entrance and this shape is reflected in the free curve of the partition which screens the reception room and leads up well to the dining room entrance.

The entrance court, with its fountain and well considered layout, is a feature of the house and an excellent introduction to the environment which the architect has created.

The planning of the building itself takes advantage of the positioning of the house and comprises the main central portion with wings on either side. On the ground floor, this central portion becomes the main living room which, together with the dining room which starts the west wing and excellent terrace connecting the two. results in a reception area of magnificent proportions. To carry out the idea of connecting dining and reception rooms, the walls of both rooms, which open on to the terrace, are practically all of glass.

The east wing contains a study and a guest room, with a large store-room between.

The upper floor contains four bedrooms and the open terrace which extends almost over the whole area of dining room, reception room and verandah on the ground floor.

HIT

19

--

79

The floor plans with the ground floor on the left, and the upper floor on the right.

30

F

J