"PINECREST "
N.K.I.L. 3543, Tai Po Road
On a reclaimed spur which extends above Castle Peak Road from the level of Tai Po Road, and before coming to the Kowloon Reservoir, nestling against the hillside stands the recently completed residence of Major S. M. Churn. The site being part of a former curve of Tai Po Road, which was isolated when this road was realigned, has become a very desirable setting for a private residence such as has been planned for it. It faces due south and commands unobstructed panorama of the harbour.
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Here is a truly suburban house designed on a basis of informal living in natural surroundings, and with a practic- ubility and economy of arrangement which will be readily appreciated by visitors.
In compliance with the express requirements of the owner, the architect has planned the house as an articulated unit of which every area displays the maximum of livability.
Three elements make up the rambling plan: the large living are with the dining space, the study, the pantry and kitchen is one unit; the sleeping area with three bedrooms and attached baths is another; while the third element comprises the entrance hall on the basement floor level which serves as entrance hall and reception room. The three sections are inter-connected by the stairhall which joins the living area to the sleeping area, and the service area to both by means of a passage which leads off the stairhall. The basement entrance hall is large enough to serve as an auxiliary reception room, leaving the upstairs living room free for actual social and family occasions.
The spacious living and dining room is in full accord with modern ideas of informal living and is provided with the maximum efficiency of service from the pantry and kitchen by the close grouping of related facilities for housekeeping. The picture window overlooking the harbour is the main feature of the room. The study, which opens off the living
room, is nicely placed at the farthest and comparatively quieter end of the house with a south window overlooking the harbour. A French window looks out onto a landscaped vista formed by a waterlily pond and a pergola under green foliage, the whole lending an atmosphere of charming restfulness to this retreat.
The familiar modern concept of the relationship of out- door to indoor space has been well handled. The natural contour of the site on two different levels has been taken advantage of to arrange for an outdoor sitting area which provides the maximum amount of open terrace. The covered porchway and balcony catches the sun yet affords ample protection from the wind.
On the lower level, which is easily reached from the open terrace by stone steps, a spacious lawn is laid out with a water fountain set against the slope which supports the terrace. Pine trees are planted at various points in addition to those already on the site, thus enhancing the natural beauty of the grounds and lending their inspiration for the name of the residence, "Pinecrest".
It was the object of the designer to make the house appear, as far as possible, a part of the natural hillside on which it is placed. For that reason local stone was used as far as possible as the principal building material for the walls to express the rustic character of the building.
The roof and suspended ceiling are of reinforced concrete with French roofing tiles over. The air space between the roof and ceiling is to provide insulation, All the doors as well as the cabinet works are of walnut veneered wood.
Mr. Robert Fan of Shanghai, who recently resumed prac- tice in Hong Kong, is the architect responsible for the design and the general decorative treatment of the house.
The General Contractors were Messrs. Mei Hon Co.
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BASEMENT PLAN
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