A Reinvigorated Apartment in Hong Kong Takes Cues From Nature and Japanese Design
Lim + Lu creates an urban oasis that balances beauty with practicality.
A Japanese and British couple with two children enlisted multidisciplinary firm Lim + Lu to overhaul their apartment, which sits on the second floor of an old building in Hong Kong. The goal was to open up the space and incorporate natural elements as much as possible throughout its 1,800 square feet, taking advantage of the home’s tree-filled views.
Photo by Lit Ma
To frame the verdant surroundings, Lim + Lu enlarged all of the existing windows and replaced the originals with large, antique steel casings. The previously enclosed kitchen now joins an open space comprising the living, dining, and study areas, creating a seamless flow that enjoys a connection with the outdoors. The apartment’s neutral tones and natural finishes complement the punctuating greenery.
Photo by Lit Ma
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Photo by Lit Ma
Photo by Lit Ma
Photo by Lit Ma
Shop the Look
Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Charles and Ray Eames had ideas about making a better world, one in which things were designed to bring greater pleasure to our lives. Their iconic Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman (1956) began with a desire to create a chair with “the warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt.” The result embodies what it really means to lounge. In continuous production since its introduction, this set is widely considered one of the most significant designs of the 20th century. Combining soft, inviting leather or mohair with the sleek form of molded wood, the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is the culmination of the Eameses’ efforts to create a club chair using the molded plywood technology they pioneered in the ’40s. Even today, each piece is assembled by hand to ensure the highest level of quality and craftsmanship, and you’ll be pleased to discover the set gets even better with use and age. Cushions snap in and can be removed and changed. This is the authentic Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Herman Miller. Made in U.S.A.
ShopWorkstead Industrial Pendant
This elemental pendant is composed of a long brass rod, a brass disc and a brass socket. The brass joint allows for 360 degrees of rotation. The length of the rod is available in either Small (20"), Medium (26") or Large (44") with a 10" round disc. All Workstead lamps are UL listed with a lifetime guarantee. Rated for damp locations.
ShopThe natural motif continues to the home office, an important addition for the homeowners, who both work from home often and requested a tranquil yet generative space. Lim + Lu met this need by creating a harmonious work area with a long marble desk and contrasting brass and wood elements.
Photo by Lit Ma
Photo by Lit Ma
The wife’s Japanese heritage inspired the architects’ approach to the renovation, an influence most explicit in the children’s spaces. The kids’ bathroom features a deep soaking tub that draws from Japanese bathing culture; acid-wash granite surfaces lend a soothing gravitas that "provides the same revitalization of body and spirit" that traditional soaking rooms do, according to the architects.
Photo by Lit Ma
Photo by Lit Ma
In the children’s room, which is painted a muted green reminiscent of the natural environment, a wall between the beds allows for privacy without fully separating the two. Inspired by Japanese pod hotels, this feature was a creative answer to the clients’ wish to provide privacy while "fostering a sense of togetherness," say Lim + Lu.
Photo by Lit Ma
Photo by Lit Ma
Photo by Lit Ma
Photo by Lit Ma
Photo by Lit Ma
Photo by Lit Ma
Photo by Lit Ma
Grosvenor Residence floor plan
Related Reading:
A Tiny Hong Kong Apartment With a Tree House-Inspired Loft
An Origami-Inspired Apartment in Hong Kong With Tons of Smart Storage
Project Credits:
Architect of Record: Lim + Lu / @limandlu
Builder / General Contractor: Design Box / Andy Siu
Interior Design: Lim + Lu
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