'Nearly every house built on the Peak has to be reconciled with steep contours. Yet, the problem is especially acute in this case - there is a 20-metre level difference between the access road and the landscaped deck.' That was just one hurdle to overcome at 21 Severn Road (pictured). The project, incorporating two homes, won P&T Architects and Engineering a Hong Kong Institute of Architects' merit award for a design jurors described as 'striking simplicity in its conception'. Photos of the houses, which developer Shimao China Holdings hopes to sell for up to $32,000 a square foot, are included in the recently published HKIA Annual Awards 2004 (Basheer Design Books, $260), edited by Joey Ho and Catherine Cheung. The book also features other award winners, including Nelson Chen Architects, which won the Special Architectural Award - Heritage for its work on the Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre; and Leigh & Orange, which was shortlisted for Isola Bar & Grill in Central. Thomas Chow Architects and Taoho Design Architects were the biggest winners, clinching the HKIA Medal of the Year for their work on the Diocesan Boys' School Primary Division. The book is available at Basheer Design Books, 1/F, flat A, Island Building, 439 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, tel: 2126 7533.