Text description provided by the architects. Bean Buro has gutted the internal walls of the three bedrooms apartment of approximately 2,000sqft to transform a dark corridor layout into a light filled open space. The project is located in Cape Mansions Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.
The brief was to create a fresh and calm space that feels natural as a seaside apartment for a Belgian-Chinese couple.
The concept was to remove all dead spaces by removing as much partitions as possible by using a series of foldable partitions to create flexible zoning. A hobbies room can be partitioned as a private guest room with a sofa bed, or remained opened up for most of the time to allow maximum natural daylight filtering through the apartment.
High quality natural European Belgian timber washed with a contemporary tone was used to construct all joinery and flooring. A set of full height timber cabinets with a delicate pattern of display niches begin from the entrance and extends deep into the rear of the open kitchen, creating a continuous backdrop by linking the foyer lounge, dinning area and kitchen together. The timber cabinets provide high density storages, such as shoe racks, kitchenware, equipments, as well as a walk in wardrobe for outdoor sport gears and bicycles. Some of the cabinets contain beautiful objects, including antique western history books and contemporary Chinese art.
The full height timber cabinets are carefully designed with intricate shadow gaps and grooves to create a playful pattern. The previous corridor effect has been completely removed. The new opened up space allow a volumetric timber bookcase to fold into the circulation way before transforming into a work study. The bookcase is a curated display of art and antiques. Full height mirrors are lined at the windows bays to extend the panoramic view of the ocean, maximising natural daylight into the deepest spaces of the apartment. Roller blinds can be controlled electronically, and scene lighting control is used to create a range of atmospheres throughout the day to correspond to the changing colours of the horizon.
