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    IM Pei retrospective shows “architecture and life to be inseparable”

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    A retrospective of architect IM Pei at the M+ Museum in Hong Kong, aims to examine his architectural projects in social, cultural and political context.

    Named IM Pei: Life is Architecture, the exhibition, which according to the museum is the first full-scale retrospective of the Chinese American architect, documented Pei’s seven-decade long career.
    IM Pei: Life is Architecture is on show at M+ Museum in Hong KongCurated by M+ Museum design and architecture curator Shirley Surya and Nieuwe Instituut director Aric Chen,  the exhibition features more than 400 objects, including original drawings, models, photographs, films, and documentation that has never been exhibited before.
    The curators approached the exhibition through six chapters, summarising Pei’s life and work that “not only define his unique practice, but also place his architectural projects in dialogue with social, cultural, and biographical trajectories, showing architecture and life to be inseparable”.
    “Though one of the world’s most famous architects, IM Pei and his contributions are relatively little understood,” said co-curator Surya. “We hope this exhibition will further shed light on a figure who influenced countless individuals, cities, and, indeed, the world.”

    it features more than 400 objects, some of which have never been on display beforeThe exhibition begins with an introduction of Pei’s upbringing and architectural education, which laid the foundation of his future practice of confronting tradition and modernity across various cultures.
    It then follows with his lesser-known period of working for Webb & Knapp in New York, the largest real-estate development company during post-war America, where he contributed to the regeneration of US cities in the 1960s.
    A mockup of the Musée du Louvre pyramid occupies the centre of the exhibition. Photo by Wilson LamOne of them is Bedford-Stuyvesant Superblock in Brooklyn New York, one of the largest African-American communities in the country at the time, where Pei proposed integrating landscaped paths, parks, and playgrounds to the gridded streets for the local community to gather and social.
    “For Pei, the success of urban redevelopment was inseparable from broad programmatic thinking intended to alleviate social and economic ills,” said Surya.
    The curators believe Pei’s work should be studied moreAt the centre of the exhibition stands a mockup of Paris’s Musée du Louvre pyramid, perhaps Pei’s best-known project, on a  base displaying media coverage of the project from the time of its construction.
    According to Surya, Pei is understudied but often reported, which informed the curatorial direction of the exhibition.

    10 of IM Pei’s most significant buildings

    “It’s interesting to argue the value of architecture lies in theories or in production,” Surya told Dezeen. “Our angle here is it’s as a production.”
    “It’s no longer just about how you design it, but what it looks like, how it was conceived, how did it get manifested, what does it mean to the public, it’s not just about a formal analysis, is it this ‘-ism’ or that ‘-ism’, he doesn’t play that game, he just built,” she continued.
    The exhibition highlights Pei’s contribution to urban designThe exhibition concluded with a chapter called Reinterpreting History through Design, which aims to demonstrate how Pei’s made modern architecture relevant to different histories and traditions.
    This section included the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, where Pei aimed to create a form that can translate to a monumental scale for the large museum.
    Informed by Mosque of Ibn Tulun in Cairo, its formal, spatial, and material simplicity was appropriate for the context of Qatar, a young nation with no particular architectural tradition for a building of this scale.
    Pei’s Museum of Islamic Art aims to be both traditional and modern. Photo by Mohamed SomjiSome projects are repeatedly mentioned across various chapters, as intended by the curators to show consistency in Pei’s work.
    “We want people to see the process of each theme crosses geographies and periods, there’s a consistency – a commitment to city, to history and tradition and how you approach it, some projects recurs,” said Surya.
    “Pei drew from the regional while shaping the global. His work articulated artistic and cultural ideals while forging urban skylines—negotiated through dialogue and collaboration, and with results that innovated architectural forms and feats of engineering,” she added.
    The photography is by Dan Leung, courtesy of M+, unless stated otherwise.
    IM Pei: Life is Architecture is on display from 29 June 2024 to 5 January 2025 at the M+ Museum. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.

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      JEB Group unveils partitions “optimised for acoustics”

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      Promotion: acoustic partition brand JEB Group has enclosed a wood-lined meeting room with a sliding partition system, forming the centrepiece of an office in Hong Kong.

      Named “Summit Partition Systems”, the set up features a slim frame with a curved design, intended to integrate with the overall interior design. The project also uses the company’s Summit sliding door with a lightweight design and pared back extrusions.
      JEB specialises in acoustic partitions and furniture for commercial interiors, where clients want to reduce noise and minimise disruption.
      JEB Group supplied and installed single glazed partitions with a matching sliding door in this Hong Kong officeJEB said its Summit sliding doors are hung and constructed using a specially designed technique using gaskets to minimise sound when opening and closing.
      The company said it is also able to achieve smooth access through a custom made track at the base and heavy rollers capable of bearing loads up to 300kg.

      The partitions systems were customised by JEB with curved glass and matt black finishes for a financial planning company’s Hong Kong office.
      Designed to “optimise acoustics and seamlessly blend charm and functionality”, Summit partitions provide a private space suitable for meetings, according to the company.
      The meeting room has single glazed glass partitions and doors”One of the standout features of this workspace is our Summit partitions systems and matching sliding doors,” said the brand.
      “These partitions are a perfect example of how thoughtful design can enhance the modern office environment. They offer a sleek and stylish appearance with a slim frame that complements the overall interior design,” the company continued.
      The switchable “smart glass” can be left transparent for visibility or “misted” when privacy is needed”Their acoustic capabilities ensure that the workspace remains peaceful and free from distractions, creating an environment conducive to productivity,” added JEB Group.
      Summit partitions system and matching sliding doors, like all JEB acoustic partitions, undergo ISO certified and third party laboratory testing, and can achieve an STC rating of up to 37 with their double glazing solutions, the company said.
      “What’s more, the elegant curved feature of these doors adds a touch of sophistication to the space.”
      The curved glass was specified by the client for a contemporary lookAccording to the company, the Summit partition system is lightweight, ensuring “smooth and effortless operation”.
      The switchable single glazed glass panes can be left transparent for visibility between meeting spaces or “misted” to maximise privacy when needed.
      In addition to the Summit sliding doors, JEB Group curated a selection of modern and ergonomic furniture for the client.
      “By prioritising comfort and functionality, these carefully chosen pieces added the perfect finishing touch to our client’s commercial space, catering to the modern needs of businesses in workstations and breakout areas,” said JEB Group.
      The room is designed to be a private, near silent spaceJEB said it is committed to promoting sustainability practices striving to “repurpose unwanted furniture and relocate partitions to new sites” where possible.
      The company aims to provide an array of design services: acoustic partitions, office furniture, bespoke facades and circular office fit-out solutions.
      Other projects by JEB Group featured on Dezeen include glazed acoustic partitions and furniture created for UOW College Hong Kong.
      To find out more about JEB Group, visit jebgroup.com.
      The photography is courtesy of JEB Group.
      Partnership content
      This article was written by Dezeen for JEB Group as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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      JEB acoustic partitions and furniture create modern campus for UOW College Hong Kong

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      Promotion: acoustic partitions and furniture brand JEB have provided interior solutions for the University of Wollongong’s new Tai Wai campus in Hong Kong, which aims to create an adaptable learning environment.

      The University of Wollongong (UOW) College Hong Kong campus in Tai Wai covers 15,000 square metres and supports 3,300 students with modern facilities including an auditorium, library and maritime laboratory.
      Hong Kong-based brand JEB was engaged to provide acoustic partitions and furniture solutions that could be adapted to support different styles of learning and encourage student interaction.
      The UOW College Hong Kong campus in Tai Wai is designed to be flexible and adaptableAt the same time, the team had to meet a design brief that sought to bring a taste of Australia to Hong Kong, with each floor of the building bringing to life a different element of the Wollongong landscape: the Pacific Ocean on the first floor, the urban environment on the second, and the mountains on the third.
      JEB’s Integra Operable Wall system is critical to the functional aspect of the design says the company, as it empowers educators to swiftly alter room sizes and layouts by unlocking the wall panels and moving them.

      The system operates on a door track and roller that allow panels to be turned around corners and stored out of sight, keeping the environment clutter-free and maximising available space.
      The space supports different styles of teaching and learningThe product “is a testament to JEB’s commitment to revolutionising the educational landscape and providing cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern learning environments,” said the brand.
      JEB made ample use of glass in its choice of partitions, to avoid closing off areas when there is limited natural light and to create an open-feeling atmosphere.
      For furnishings, JEB mixed custom solutions with a range of office products from leading local and international brands such as Vitra, Humanscale and Andreu World.
      JEB provided acoustic and furniture solutions for the University of Wollongong’s new Tai Wai campus in Hong KongWorkstations, cabinets and lecture tables were custom-made for the UOW College Hong Kong campus in Tai Wai. Movable desks were placed in tutorial rooms so that they could be easily reconfigured for group or individual work.
      In lounge areas, JEB sourced chairs suited to relaxation, while areas of open staircase seating were created to encourage casual interaction between students.
      “The deliberate use of partitions and furniture in the UOW College campus project in Tai Wai not only addressed the practical aspects of spatial flexibility and lighting challenges but also contributed to the creation of a modern, adaptable and student-centred learning environment,” said JEB.
      “The thoughtful integration of these elements has positively impacted the educational experience and reflects the commitment to innovative pedagogical approaches in higher education.”
      Partitions and furniture are key to the interior designJEB aims to deliver one-stop solutions to interior design, offering acoustic partitions, office furniture, bespoke facades and circular hygiene products.
      It also endeavours to act sustainably, operating a takeback programme that finds new homes for unwanted furniture.
      To find out more about JEB, visit the company’s website.
      Photography courtesy of JEB Group.
      Partnership content
      This article was written by Dezeen for JEB as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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      Linehouse adds tactile textures and warm tones to coastal home in Hong Kong

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      Chinese studio Linehouse has designed the interiors of Cape Drive Residence in Hong Kong to respond to the surrounding coastal views.

      Located on the south side of Hong Kong Island, the three-floor home is a short walk from the beaches of Stanley and Chung Hom Kok and has panoramic ocean views to the east and west from its elevated position.
      “The design harnesses a costal essence through materiality, light and an easy flow, seamlessly connecting the interior and exterior spaces,” Linehouse explained.
      The home is located on the south side of Hong Kong Island with expansive ocean viewsAn open living area on the ground floor connects to the kitchen and dining space while an internal courtyard was inserted between theses areas and includes a centralised tree and surrounding seating.
      The living area extends to the main terrace with full-height windows that frame the expansive ocean views.

      Clad in stone, the terrace forms a sunken seating area with pockets of greenery surrounding it, which shelters the sea wind.
      A timber staircase framed by a shuttered screen connects all three floorsWhite timber louvers were used as a continuous ceiling plane in the living area which also extends to the terrace as a canopy.
      “The design of the home reflects the relaxed and laidback lifestyle of a beach setting,” said the studio. “Warm tones, tactile surfaces and textures, a clean and simple material palette, and a seamless flow between inside and out.”
      An outdoor terrace was clad in stone with a sunken seating area”Cape Drive Residence offers the fitting backdrop for coastal living,” it continued.
      A warm oak timber staircase was punctuated by a shuttered screen that runs vertically through all levels of the home while arranging more private areas such as bathing and dressing.

      Linehouse designs Hong Kong guesthouse to evoke the comfort of home

      The whitewashed timber material of the screen echoes the coastal location and reflects light through the spaces.
      A white metal rod screen can be slide open at each level, offering transparency and light through different spaces.
      An internal courtyard was inserted between the dining and kitchen areaBedrooms, a second living area and a study were placed on the upper two levels, all with coastal views.
      The same whitewashed timber material used on the shuttered screen was adopted to form storage, seating and shelving in these private spaces, providing a textural contrast to the hand-raked plaster walls.
      The bathrooms add a fresh moment of colour into the space, using patterned tiles handmade in Portugal by Elisa Passino.
      Shelving and storage spaces were created from whitewashed timber materialLinehouse was founded by Alex Mok and Briar Hickling in 2013 and the duo went on to win emerging interior designer of the year at the 2019 Dezeen Awards.
      The studio has recently completed a guesthouse in Hong Kong that evokes the comfort of home and a Mediterranean restaurant in Shanghai with natural, tactile materials.
      The photography is by Jonathan Leijonhufvud.
      Project credits:
      Design: LinehouseDesign principal: Briar HicklingDesign team: Ricki-Lee Van Het Wout, Cindy Pooh

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      Gym Town in Hong Kong was “inspired by Elon Musk’s vision of colonising Mars”

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      In Hong Kong’s fast-paced Central District, local practice MR Studio has modelled this fitness studio on a futuristic Martian dwelling to offer members an escape from their busy lives.

      Gym Town’s entryway and reception are finished entirely in an an earthy shade of orange, chosen to reflect the colours of Mars, while moody black workout areas were designed to allow visitors to focus on their individual health goals.
      Gym Town is entered via a dramatic escalator”We wanted to create a unique and immersive experience for gym-goers,” MR Studio founder Myron Kwan told Dezeen. “The concept of Mars was chosen to represent escapism and a sense of adventure.”
      “Inspired by Elon Musk’s vision of colonising Mars, we wanted to create a space that felt futuristic and cutting-edge.”
      The gym’s reception doubles as a loungeThe studio created a bespoke sculptural lighting piece that can be seen from the street to create a sense of intrigue about the gym.

      From the entrance, members are taken up to the lobby by an escalator. In a bid to make this ascent feel like an event, MR Studio turned the space into a tunnel-like “portal” that provides a sense of voyage.
      Bespoke lights were modelled on satellite dishesAround the escalator, the walls undulate to create a series of vertical ridges, designed to add depth and visual interest while suggesting walls that have buckled under the heat of the red planet.
      “By using the tunnel-like form, we wanted to create a visually striking feature that would set the tone for the entire space,” Kwan said.
      “The tunnel creates a sense of anticipation and excitement as guests enter,” he added. “The design itself aims to transport visitors to another world.
      Decorative rocks are fixed to the ceilingThe escalator delivers members into a large reception area, arranged as a lounge with various seating areas.
      One of the challenges of the project was the absence of natural light, which MR Studio addressed with a feature ceiling light.
      Composed of concentric circles with an illuminated core, it suggests both a natural skylight and the crater-studded terrain of Mars.

      Snøhetta unveils “green lung” urban farm in Hong Kong

      Curves and circles feature heavily throughout Gym Town, from wavy walls and rounded furniture to lights inspired by the form of a satellite dish.
      “Custom-made table lamps adorned with sleek metal finishes and cracked glass details capture the silhouette of high-gain antennas used in space exploration,” the studio explained.
      The room is centred on a semi-circular brass-wrapped reception desk, which doubles as a bar during events or after-hours gatherings.
      Rooms get progressively darkerThe walls here feature the same dusty red-orange finish as the entrance tunnel, while decorative rocks are fixed to the ceiling.
      “Envisioned as a modern Martian house, the space is painted in a textured monochromatic palette of tangerine, referencing the iconic red planet’s signature colour and rough terrain,” said Kwan.
      “It adds vibrancy and warmth to the space, creating a visually intriguing element that complements the overall design theme.”
      The workout areas are finished in muted black and grey tonesProgressing into the changing rooms, workout areas and studios, the colour palette shiftsto more sober greys and blacks.
      “To encourage members to fully devote to their fitness routines, the workout area is grounded in an organic and unpretentious style,” the studio said.
      Orange accents delineate different areasGym Town has been shortlisted in the health and wellbeing interior category at this year’s Dezeen Awards.
      Also in the running is the dusty-pink welfare centre of a boys’ school in Melbourne and a pediatric clinic in Seattle with “no blank walls”.
      The photography is by Steven Ko.

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      Linehouse designs Hong Kong hotel to evoke the comfort of home

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      Shanghai-based interior studio Linehouse used natural materials and a muted colour palette to give the Ying’nFlo hotel in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, the feel of an inviting home.

      The hotel occupies the podium of a 24-story tower on a hilly street in Hong Kong. Its ground floor holds a series of communal spaces that Linehouse designed to provide “home comfort” for guests.
      The ground floor comprises a series of rooms referencing living roomsThe Collectors Room, which greets guests at the entrance of the hotel, has a neutral palette of hand-rendered walls, timber paneling, and linen cabinetry that display curated objects and artworks. A communal oak table serves as a counter where guests can interact.
      This room also connects to an outdoor terrace through sliding glazed doors. Built-in bench seating and an olive tree sit at the centre of the terrace and invite guests to relax and socialise.
      A communal table and outdoor bench invite guests to socialiseA gridded timber screen leads further into the space through to the lift lobby and the Arcade room, where guests can gather to relax and play.

      Soft-rendered walls, timber shutters and an eclectic mix of furniture create a sense of intimacy, while floor tiles in various geometrical motifs add a sense of playfulness.
      The Music Room features ceramic tilesAdjacent to the Arcade is the Music Room, the social hub of the hotel. Here, ceramic tiles, a bespoke oak shelving system, a custom sofa and curated art and lifestyle objects were added to evoke a sense of a residential living room.
      The Music Room opens up to the Garden Terrace, where undulating greenery sits behind circular seating in yellow-striped fabric, a colourful contrast to the overall neutral colour palette of the Ying’nFlo hotel.
      Yellow-striped fabric seating on the terrace adds playfulness”The spaces are designed to have a warm, welcoming and familiar feel,” Linehouse said.
      “Against this backdrop of curated simplicity is an edge of youthful attitude and local context, with vibrant elements giving the hotel its own unique flavour.”

      Linehouse creates tactile restaurant with “Mediterranean soul” in Shanghai

      The guest rooms of the Ying’nFlo hotel are located on the upper floor and feature ceilings painted in a muted green hue, which the same green tone used to frame window seating nooks and for the hand-glazed tiles in the bathroom and kitchen.
      A clean palette of plaster, wood, white-washed oak and canvas add texture to the rooms. Seating nooks and lounge furniture serve multiple functions as spaces where guests can work, relax or dine.
      Muted green and selection of wood furniture create a warm feeling for the guest roomsLinehouse was founded by Alex Mok and Briar Hickling in 2013 and the duo went on to win emerging interior designer of the year at the 2019 Dezeen Awards.
      The studio has recently completed a Mediterranean restaurant with natural, tactile materials, as well as a space-themed cafe decorated with real meteorites, both in Shanghai.
      The photography is by Jonathan Leijonhufvud.
      Project credits:
      Design principle: Briar HicklingDesign team: Ricki-Lee Van Het Wout, Lara Daoud, Justin Cheung
      Dezeen is on WeChat!
      Click here to read the Chinese version of this article on Dezeen’s official WeChat account, where we publish daily architecture and design news and projects in Simplified Chinese.

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      KPF designs Blue Pool Road semi-detached residence on Hong Kong Island

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      Dezeen Promotion: developer Hang Lung Properties has unveiled the 23–39 Blue Pool Road development designed by architecture studio, Kohn Pedersen Fox, to “offer a unique lifestyle that combines urban buzz with residential comfort”.

      The site includes 18 semi-detached three-storey residences that are each equipped with a private rooftop, courtyard, five en-suite bedrooms, balconies and a garage.
      According to Hang Lung Properties, “The crown jewel of the development is undoubtedly House 31”.
      House 31 totals 850 square metres and is made up of two adjacent semi-detached houses with interiors designed by international studio Hirsch Bedner and Associates (HBA).
      A custom hand-blown glass chandelier emphasises “the verticality of the double-height living and dining area, which enjoys ample natural light”
      “From the very early stages of the design, we agreed that this was a great opportunity to create a timeless, modern yet opulent and comfortable interior,” said HBA Hong Kong associate director Paulo Dias.
      “And who were the clients they imagined this one-of-a-kind home for? A well-travelled, cosmopolitan couple, avid art collectors and patrons.”
      The artwork in House 31 is sourced from private collectors and galleriesThe house’s ground floor includes an Italian Boffi kitchen, courtyard and island bar for entertaining, while its landscaped rooftop garden features a barbecue and bar.
      House 31’s master-chamber floor is designed for privacy and includes a master suite and second suite, both equipped with walk-in wardrobes. The residence also has a wellness and spa quarter, study, games room and theatre. The interiors of the home incorporate Italian and local Hong Kong-made fabrics.
      Dias and his team chose furnishings to create “different layers that add interest and enhance the overall level of luxury,” according to the brand.
      Wooden and green coloured designs feature on the rooftop of 23-39 Blue Pool Road”HBA is known for developing bespoke finishes that make each project one of a kind,” said the developer.
      “Unique touches include custom-dyed wood veneers, unique glass and lacquer finishes and custom-designed carpeting,” it continued.
      “Other exclusive materials include exotic marbles, like South African gemstone tiger’s eye for the bar and cow horn in one of the millwork units.”
      The home is designed by Hirsch Bedner and Associates (HBA)The artwork across the home was curated by the in-house HBA team, sourced from private collectors and galleries worldwide. The living room includes works by Andy Warhol, Kazuo Shiraga and DanHôo in a “bold salon-style display”.
      “Elsewhere in the home are works by the likes of Damien Hirst, Lai Chi Man and Elsa Jean de Dieu,” said the developer.
      The home’s interiors are made up of Italian and locally sourced materials”The result is a living experience that is about “simplicity, elegant detailing and beautiful bespoke finishes, accentuated by unique art,” Dias said.
      “The overall impression is one of drama and luxury, but that is still welcoming.”
      For more information about 23-39 Blue Pool Road and House 31, visit the development’s website.
      Partnership content
      This article was written by Dezeen for Hang Lung Properties as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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      Lim + Lu brings the outdoors into this family apartment in Hong Kong

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      Multidisciplinary design practice Lim + Lu has refurbished the interior of this 167-square-metre apartment in metropolitan Hong Kong to make it feel like an “elegant yet quaint summer home”.Designed for a nature-loving Japanese and British couple with two children, the interior has subtle, neutral colours and finishes that are intended to place focus on the greenery that fills the space.

      Top image: the apartment was outfitted with a home office. Above: Calacatta marble features on the kitchen island and work surfaces
      Located on the first floor of a 1950s building, the apartment’s windows are perfectly in line with the palm trees that surround it. To enhance this connection to the outdoors, Lim + Lu replaced all of the existing, small windows with larger aged-steel windows that bring in more natural light and make the space feel larger.

      Lim + Lu uses brightly coloured walls and furnishings for fashion designer’s Hong Kong home

      “The black wooden blinds and delicate brass details accentuate the feeling of an elegant yet quaint summer home,” said the Hong Kong-based studio, which is headed by Vincent Lim and Elaine Lu.
      “Altogether, these elements work in tandem, ensuring the family residing within can live not only in understated luxury but at one with nature as well.”

      The living room opens up onto the balcony via an aged-steel doorway

      The designers wanted to create an open-plan layout in the apartment’s social areas, so that movement between the kitchen, dining, living room, study and balcony flowed easily.
      In order to do this, the original enclosed kitchen was opened up and combined with the living room, creating a large open area for family gatherings. A large balcony doorway frames the view across the surrounding greenery.

      Shelving is built into the oak wall panelling in the home office
      Oak slats are used to line walls and rattan screens feature on built-in storage to add texture and warmth to the otherwise white interior.
      The apartment includes a home office with a long, L-shaped Calacatta marble desk, which sits below built-in timber shelving with brass accents. Conceived as a tranquil retreat, the workspace is located in the brightest corner of the apartment with tall windows across two walls.

      The workspace is anchored by a Calacatta marble desk
      The studio designed the space to have plenty of light and added an abundance of potted plants to create a productive working environment.
      “A challenge that is becoming more prominent in today’s society is that of the home office and how to integrate it into a living space to make it both comfortable yet productive. The clients often work from home, therefore an effective design for this space was crucial,” said Lim +Lu.
      “The tall windows and brass accents do away with the modern interpretation of a study and instead provide an atmosphere that encourages creativity and a positive work mentality,” the studio continued.
      “An abundance of daylight, neutral colours and wood adorn the room and balance the visual elements together, just as one needs to do between work and relaxation.”

      In the children’s bedroom, shelving is built into green cabin beds
      The children’s room features a set of green cabin beds with built-in shelving and storage.
      “The idea was to incorporate a sense of privacy in an open space without the isolation of separate spaces to foster a sense of togetherness,” said the design team.

      The bathroom features a granite soaking tub
      The children’s room also has its own ensuite bathroom that recalls the layout of a traditional Japanese wet room. Lined in acid-washed granite, the room features a deep soaking tub and a separate shower space that can be used for relaxation and cleansing.
      Following the pandemic, the home office is increasingly becoming an area of focus in the home. Dezeen has highlighted eight inspiring home office designs, including one that’s lined entirely with plywood and another that’s hidden inside an artichoke-shaped room.
      Photography is by Lit Ma.

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      Australia's dramatic landscape and sunsets inform design of Hong Kong cafe

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      The terracotta colour scheme and semi-circular forms used throughout this Hong Kong cafe by architecture firms Studio Etain Ho and Absence from Island pay homage to Uluru and Australia’s spectacular sunsets.Located on a street corner in Hong Kong’s Sai Ying Pun district, the 30-square-metre cafe sits at the bottom of an old apartment building.

      Above: Today is Long features semi-circular windows and murals. Top image: It is located at the bottom of an old apartment block. Photo is courtesy of Dypiem
      It has a generous facade and a tight, triangular plan into which the architects have managed to squeeze a compact kitchen and bar area with a serving counter, as well as an area of bench seating and two toilets.
      Called Today is Long, the cafe is owned by a barista and a public-relations manager, who bonded over their shared love of coffee and the fact they’d both spent time studying and working in Australia.

      The lower part of the cafe’s facade is wrapped in terracotta-coloured tiles. Photo is courtesy of Liz Eatery

      “The cafe is a place to house their fond memories of Australia and the good coffee that makes their life,” explained Etain Ho, who also runs Absence from Island alongside its founder Chi Chun Tang.
      “They would very much like to share the coffee with local residents and to make the cafe into a social hub.”

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      The owners’ love for Australia has been translated into the design in the form a warm orange palette informed by the colours of dusk and the country’s famous natural landmark Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, which is a sandstone monolith in the Northern Territory.
      As well as the colour scheme, the hemispherical shape of a setting sun has been incorporated into the cafe’s walls and windows,  forming a distinctive geometrical facade that distinguishes the cafe from its grey concrete surroundings.

      A tunnel above the entrance houses potted plants
      One of the semi-circular windows is recessed above the cafe’s entrance, creating a sheltered, terracotta-coloured tunnel for housing potted plants.
      A similar shape is carved into the wall below the take-away counter window and rotated sideways to create the rounded rectangle that acts as Today is Long’s largest window.

      Bench seating runs along the window
      A strip of fired ceramic tiles that recall the texture of Uluru’s sunbaked sandstone wraps the lower portion of the cafe’s exterior, extending the warm orange colour scheme to the street.
      Inside, the generous windows, white walls and terrazzo floor create a light and open space. A corner of casual, stepped bench seating topped with terracotta tiles is dotted with potted plants and framed by a semi-circular mural.

      Greenery is integrated liberally into the design. Photo is courtesy of Liz Eatery
      “Australia has always been blessed with abundant amounts of sunlight, so a lot of white has been used together with the large windows to enhance the bright and airy atmosphere,” explained Etain Ho.
      “Spaces have been reserved under the entrance arch, seating area and the overhead storage for plants in order to create a green, lush and natural environment. Coffee grains used in the cafe will also be recycled as fertiliser for the plants.”

      The sign bearing the cafe’s acronym hangs above the door
      Studio Etain Ho and Absence from Island are not the first design studio to use sunset colours to brighten up a grey urban context.
      In Tokyo, local designer Yota Kakuda enlivened a cheese tart shop with a transparent acrylic counter coloured in a gradient of bright pink, orange, yellow and lime.
      All photography is by Fo Visuals unless otherwise stated.

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