OP1981

The apartment originally built in 1981, same as when the owner was born and started living there. We designed to remain the identity of the neighborhood, and as a reflection of Hong Kong elements. Located in Sai Ying Pun, one of the earliest developed areas in Hong Kong, we drew inspiration from the location and history, reinterpreted the industrial elements and Hong Kong heritage to create a cultural and reminiscent space. Nostalgia is embedded in the colour, materials and details in a modernized way.

Sai Ying Pun is one of the earliest developed areas in Hong Kong, where also the owner grew up. Both the building and the owner were born in 1981 when localized materials and colonial architectural designs were widely use. These elements were gradually disappeared in Hong Kong. Upon the renovation of the apartment, the designer cleverly incorporated some 80s Hong Kong elements and colonial architectural designs in colors, materials and furnishings, so as to retain the memories and childhood feelings.

The spaces of this apartment are united with the datum line in old factory design, and accentuated with royal green paint inherited from the colonial aesthetics. In the open kitchen, there is a wall art mural painted by local artist created with a historical landmark montage. Furthermore, the designer artfully transformed the nostalgic floor tile pattern into a sliding screen, which demonstrated how we reinterpret the time-honored elements in a modernized way.

This flat was a typical Hong Kong double-room apartment, as it is going to be a couple’s love nest, therefore we have a great extent of flexibility to reschedule the space -- the 2 rooms and enclosed kitchen were opened up so as to enhance the spaciousness and fluidity. When redefining the layout, we did not forget the basic needs of the owner, therefore a movable screen wall is installed to strike the balance between privacy and improving daylighting and sense of space, thus the overall design becomes more harmonious.