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D 3
View from south east. Note the deep shadow cast by the wide overhang, protecting the building from sun and rain. This sort of roof design is ideal for Hong Kong climate
STUDY
BAL
DINING LIVING RM
BOUNDARY LINE
BED RM
HALL
BAL.
PANT
ST.
KIT.
SERV.
BAL.
CORRIDOR
BED RM.
BATH
SH
BED RM.
First floor
Planning and Interior Design
The building is raised on columns above the ground, the space below being allocated to car-parking.
main entrance, set well back on the site and not visible from the road, is approached by a brick-paved path.
Across the archway leading to the entrance lobby is a heavy, decorative wrought iron gate, operated electronic- ally by the occupants of the flats above. Built into the wall is an inter- communication system connected to each flat, thus enabling callers to identify themselves before being al- lowed to enter.
The lobby is heavily decorated. Glass mosaic tiles in opulent hues of blue, purple and gold cover the walls, broken at intervals by large slabs of decorative marble. The floor is also marble, laid in a pattern of small rec- tangular strips. Suspended below the ceiling is a heavy network of teak members, supporting the specially de- signed fluorescent light fittings.
An archway at the end of the lobby leads to the staircase. Unlike stair- cases in most apartment houses, this one has been thoughtfully designed. The external wall is fully glazed, creating a feeling of brightness and airiness; the treads are solid teak, con- trasting warmly with the white plaster of the risers and soffit; the simple teak handrail is fixed to black round steel supports.
At the first floor landing one is confronted by a wall of rich, vermilion Italian glazed tiles, surrounding the entrance door to the first flat.
Each flat occupies an entire floor and has an approximate area of 2,000 sq. ft.
All the flats are similar in
design and detail.
Central Hall
The rooms are grouped around the central entrance hall, with the living area to one side and the sleeping quar- ters to the other. The entrance hall is perhaps the only disconcerting element in the overall design. It is small and confined, enclosed by walls which are punctuated by numerous doors. This cluttered feeling is further increased by the variety of materials used in this small area.
The flooring is composed of small strips of richly grained marble, while one wall is sheathed in vertical boards of knotted pine, contrasting oddly with the rosewood veneer of the doors.
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The remainder of the flat, however, is of a consistently high standard. The main room is L-shaped and divides into three sections living, dining and study. The study has an unusual feature a projecting glazed alcove, a modern version of the Georgian bay window.
The living area opens onto a wide balcony overlooking the water.
Adjoining the dining area is the pantry and kitchen which is perhaps the most interesting room in the flat. It is small but efficiently laid out. The
Far East Architect & Builder November, 1967
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