Project: Family Home and Creative Workshop
Designer: Lim + Lu
Location: Hong Kong
Area: 2600 sqft
Photography: Nirut Benjabanpot
Tucked away on the south side of Hong Kong Island and hidden among the hectic industrial buildings is the latest haven designed by Lim + Lu. Created for a multi-talented, animal-loving couple whose hobbies include hosting painting and baking workshops, this abode offers ample space for their activities as well as room for their five pets to roam.
Preserving the Industrial Charm
The 2600-square-foot property was previously an industrial warehouse. The clients wanted to maintain the rawness of the space while transforming it into a family home and creative workshop that could accommodate their existing furniture and memorabilia collected during their travels.
Reflecting Personalities and Stories
Lim + Lu believes a home should reflect the inhabitant’s personality and character, telling their unique stories. For this multi-national couple, New York holds a special place in their hearts, having lived in many countries before settling in Hong Kong. Lim and Lu, who also lived in Manhattan for several years, understood this strong connection to New York. The challenge was to create a home in Hong Kong reminiscent of the beloved New York loft.
Harmonizing Cultures
Lim explained, “We design with the context in mind, being mindful of the surroundings and the inhabitants. In this instance, we are working with a space neighboring many industrial complexes and a client who has a deep connection with New York. We thought this would be a perfect opportunity to harmonize Western and Eastern cultures.” Lu added, “We borrowed elements from the surrounding industrial neighborhood and intertwined them with the idea of a New York loft. Inside the space, without looking out the windows, one is transported to a loft in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. When you look out, you are immediately connected to Hong Kong. The idea of a warehouse-type New York loft in Hong Kong seems unusual yet is perfectly fitting in the surrounding industrial environment.”
Strategic Space Planning
Originally, the space was completely open with no divisions, kitchen, or bathrooms, and with windows only on one side. Lim + Lu faced the challenge of strategically planning the layout to filter light and facilitate the client’s activities.
Dividing the Space
Lim + Lu divided the industrial warehouse into two halves: private and public. Upon entering through an untouched factory door, you are greeted by a minimal vestibule with a bench and a shoe cabinet. Peeling back the adjacent industrial sliding door reveals a painting workshop filled with supplies. For privacy during workshops, the unit initially appears to be just the workshop. However, a glimpse through the window on the back wall of the workspace offers a peek into the hidden apartment. Peeling back the second sliding door exposes a spacious, light-filled living area, a rare find in space-constrained Hong Kong.
Balancing Public and Private Areas
The clients, who enjoy hosting cooking classes and dinner parties, have public spaces like the workshop and kitchen located closest to the entrance. To ensure privacy, more intimate spaces like the bedroom and master bathroom are situated furthest from the main entrance. Due to the lack of windows in the private half of the loft, Lim + Lu incorporated steel and glass sliding doors to bring sunlight into the bedroom and master bath. When fully open, these doors allow the private and public spaces to merge seamlessly.
Lim + Lu’s design for this family home and creative workshop masterfully blends the raw industrial charm with the warmth of a New York loft, creating a unique and functional space that perfectly fits the clients’ lifestyles and passions.
