November_1967 — Page 9

HONG KONG

BLOCK OF FLATS

TAI HANG ROAD

ROBABLY the first critisism levelled

PRO

at the Hong Kong construction industry is that the standard of its flat-building is lamentably low,

It is said that architects who at- tempt to rise above the norm of mediocrity inevitably find themselves frustrated by two factors: (i) the client's demand for a speedy return on his investment resulting in hastily designed buildings constructed of cheap, poor quality materials, and (ii) the local builders' limited knowledge of building techniques and his reluc- tance to attempt anything beyond the range of his normal repertoir.

Those who make such criticisms will be encouraged to find that in a recent small development at Causeway Bay. Hong Kong. both client and architect have attempted to produce a building that contains more than the basic elements of a rentable apartment house. The building possesses an in- timate, human-scaled environment an element rarely to be found in Hong Kong but one which is very necessary in such a densely populated community.

In

This small block of four flats is situated in Tai Hang Road, Causeway Bay. The planning is ingenious and careful attention has been given to de- tailing and choice of materials. attempting to give the building a distinctive character, the architect at times borders dangerously on a pseudo-Spanish over-ornateness, but generally he manages to achieve a restrained richness, creating an atmos- phere of warmth and comfort.

Site

The site, at the junction of two roads, is an awkward triangular shape, but the architect was able to over- come this apparent disadvantage by staggering the facade along Tai Hang Road. This enabled him to face the main rooms towards the view over the harbour instead of having them overlook the shanty-covered hill-side to the east.

It was also then possible to pro- vide cross-ventilation to all rooms, An additional advantage gained by staggering the facade was that each projecting bay served to protect the adjoining bay from afternoon sun.

View from north west showing interesting bay windows attached to an L-shaped living/dining room with a big balcony on the left. Soffits of eaves and balconies are painted deep blue

Far East Architect & Builder November, 1967

S. C. FUNG, B.ARCH (L'POOL), ARIBA

PETER Y. K. PUN

P. C. RUSSELL, BAILEY, LEVETT & PARTNERS

TECHOY CONSTRUCTIONS

architect

consulting engineer

quantity surveyors

general contractor

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