No 52 Hollywood Road
{vibrant SoHo character}
CONCEPT No52 Hollywood Road is a serviced apartment building with three storeys of podium retail space and 12 studio apartments. An old, five-storey walk-up building previously occupied the site and the original plan was to upgrade the building and make it a luxurious boutique apartment block. However, stringent fire services regulations for upgrading old buildings meant a new plan had to be thought up. The owner decided to tear down the old building and have a new 15-storey block built specifically for serviced apartments. It was completed at the beginning of last year.
DESIGN Architect Robert Shum, director of Cypress Consultant International, wanted to use this corner building to create a landmark with a unique personality, one that echoes the vibrant characteristics of the SoHo district and contributes to the revitalisation of the old urban fabric. The project is rich in ideas and architectural details. It won the President Award at the Hong Kong Institute of Architects 2005, which encourages creativity in residential design through the use of materials and best use of space. The retail podium is clad with timber slats from Malaysia. The timber will age and turn into a greyish colour. Terracotta tiles were used on the rest of the block. The orange-yellow tiles were custom-made in China and are rare in Hong Kong. Apartment interiors have rich-coloured timber flooring, modern clean-lined furniture and high-quality fixtures and appliances. The effect is modern and stylish, with a touch of warmth.
FACILITIES No52 Hollywood Road has comprehensive services for residents and a high level of security. There is a daily maid service, newspaper delivery and 24-hour security. The all-inclusive business corner has internet connections, computers and writing desks.
LAYOUT There is only one unit per floor so all flats have a high level of privacy. Each unit is just under 400 sqft and the open-plan layout is extremely compact and efficient, with plenty of built-in storage and closet space. One of the main features of the layout is a large balcony with timber flooring leading from the living area through floor-to-ceiling glass doors. This helps the living space look bigger.
LOCATION The building is in SoHo and close to Lang Kwai Fong. There are many bars, cafes and restaurants in the neighbourhood, which offers a vibrant and colourful nightlife. Hollywood Road is a hub for tourists and people looking for top-quality antiques. The area is well served by taxis, buses and minibuses. The building is also close to the Central escalator and is in walking distance of Central and the MTR line.