South Bay Residence

On the south side of Hong Kong Island, this 1,100-square-foot residence captures views of both sea and mountain. Designed for a young couple and their newborn, the apartment brings together the warmth of an English country house with a contemporary East Asian sensibility. Rich intexture yet restrained in expression, it is conceived as a family home that will deepen in character over time — composed, welcoming and distinctly personal.

Walnut herringbone flooring establishes a classical rhythm, while teak and oak panelling across the walls and ceilings lends warmth and architectural weight. These natural materials are balanced by understated English-style mouldings, finished in a serene teal-grey that gives the rooms a contemporary clarity. At the heart of the home, translucent, shoji-inspired sliding panels allow the open kitchen and dining area to be connected or enclosed as needed. Luminous green onyx brings a more expressive note, wrapping the kitchen island and reappearing in the guest bathroom to create continuity across the interior.

Against this layered architectural backdrop, a considered collection of furniture and objects gives the home its individual character. The owners’ antique Chinese pieces introduce history, craftsmanship and sculptural presence. In the living room, a dark, intricately carved Lady’s Chair (小姐椅) forms a striking focal point, while a red-lacquered antique elm cabinet adds a vivid note of colour to the primary bedroom. The adjoining en-suite extends the bedroom’s calm material palette, creating a fluid, hotel-like retreat centred on privacy and repose.

The result is a home that balances historical depth with contemporary ease. Its sense of permanence comes not only from the richness of its materials, but also from the personal stories embedded within them. Rather than presenting a fixed design statement, the apartment offers an elegant framework for family life — one intended to gather memories, character and patina with time.