A couple of architects have used the semicircular design of an innovative Mid-Levels building to stunning effect, finding the cool in their fan-shaped home. Until the 1970s, it was virtually impossible to build high-rise blocks on the hills of Hong Kong that could withstand the force of typhoons. Then, a revolutionary building with a remarkably rigid structure sprang into being on Tregunter Path, Mid-Levels, stunning Hong Kong architects. Century Tower 1, a 31-storey residential complex, became famous for its semicylindrical shape, a design conceived to deflect the impact of strong winds. The sophisticated design soon became standard study material for many architecture students of the 70s, including Stephen Ku and Nora Leung, who were left spellbound after a tour of the tower. Not long after, the pair began working as architects, got married and started a family in a townhouse in Chung Hum Kok. But Century Tower 1 stuck in their minds. Recently, when the couple decided to move closer to the city centre, their favourite building came to mind. 'It's an icon, an architectural statement. We love it,' says Ku, who is one-third of Chau, Ku & Leung Architects & Engineers. His wife is the Leung. Without any hesitation, they decided to build their urban refuge in the tower. Like all Century Tower 1 flats, the couple's 2,565 sq ft home is fan shaped, with the whole of the outer curve forming a series of windows, affording a panoramic view of the harbour. Because of the layout the flat is bright but design-wise, it proved a challenge. The first thorny issue had to do with the pair's passion for perfection. Each floor of the building is made up of a series of wedge-shaped concrete blocks, the grid lines of which meet at the centre of the semicylinder, in the vicinity of the lift shaft. To pay tribute to what they saw as a fascinating design, the couple decided to lay the floor tiles following the original radial pattern. Based on the structural plan of the building, the couple traced the invisible centre point and grid lines. Then they outlined a blueprint of floor tiles that precisely followed the radial grid lines. The next step was to import granite tiles from Italy and have them cut to match the pattern. The pair did not stop there. They positioned a console in the living room in such a way that the midpoint of the furniture pointed to the invisible centre point of the semicylinder. Such tenacious attention to detail, according to Ku, was entirely self-serving. 'You can't tell the floor-tile layout is based on the structure of the building. Other people may not care, but we believe we should respect the original design concept,' he says. 'I think the architect who designed the tower would do the same.' Having completed the most time-consuming task, Ku and Leung faced the challenge of installing wardrobes in the master bedroom and that of their daughter, Kolleen. 'The rooms are fan shaped. We didn't want to put a wardrobe near the window or it would block part of the light,' Leung says. The solution was to build a small square-shaped room for Kolleen's clothes near the entrance so that no natural light would be obstructed. For the bigger, master room, a similar square-shaped corner was built next to the en suite bathroom, at the end of the bedroom. A dehumidifier was then installed to deal with moisture from the bathroom. The structure of the flat might have posed design challenges, but the couple are content. Especially pleasing is the arc-shaped corridor, in which the couple have hung pieces from their art collection for a personal touch. 'I think the corridor is the most interesting feature of the flat,' Ku says. 'As you walk along it, different paintings come into sight. It's like a story unfolding along the arc.' Another advantage of the corridor is that it gives their 12-year-old daughter 'space'. The master bedroom is on the left of the living room and Kolleen's is on the far right, along the corridor. 'She's grown up and needs more privacy,' Leung says. 'The design allows her to have her own quarters and she can invite friends over.' 1 Stephen Ku and Nora Leung often host formal dinners, which is why they needed a large, fully equipped kitchen. A maid's room was demolished to make the kitchen bigger. Also removed was the kitchen door, allowing access to the dining room for food-laden trolleys. The kitchen is equipped with a sizeable ventilator (custom made by Standard Decoration, room E, 9/F, Yip Cheung Centre, 10 Fung Yip Street, Chai Wan), which secures fumes and food smells. The cabinetry was also custom made by Standard Decoration. 2 The arc-shaped corridor, which runs from the entrance to the kitchen, is decorated with a mixture of western and Chinese paintings. The wall opposite the main door is painted orange to enhance the vibrant colours of an abstract painting by Argentinian artist Calman Shemi, sourced through the Circle Gallery (140 Maiden Lane, San Francisco, tel: 1 415 989 2100). The painting opposite, the work of Chinese artist Qi Baishi, was bought at a Christie's auction. 3 The desk in the master bedroom was custom made by Standard Decoration to fit the curve of the window. The chair was from Ikea (about HK$1,000; various locations; www.ikea.com.hk ) and the bed (about HK$30,000) is a hand-carved mahogany Chippendale Queen Rice Bed from Maitland-Smith ( www.maitland-smith.com ). 4 Half of the living room is a music zone, where the family of three likes to spend the weekend playing the piano, guitar and flute. The Chinese chairs cost about HK$500 each and were from a shop in Hollywood Road. The white curtain was from Sheriya Curtain (shop 21, Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, tel: 2525 6596). A glass container holds the couple's collection of Hong Kong coins bearing the Queen's portrait. 5 The guest toilet measures just over 5.5 sq ft and could not be expanded because it is surrounded by supporting walls. The couple created a sense of space with the glass sink and drawer, both custom made by Standard Decoration. The reflection of a painting by Huang Lizhen (bought at a City Hall exhibition of hers in 2001) can be seen in the mirror. 6 The hospitable couple chose a round table (custom made by Standard Decoration for about HK$15,000) to add an air of sociability to the dining room. A glass table top, above which sits a lazy Susan, is supported by a burl wood drum. The drum is covered with sheer white material from Sheriya Curtain and is installed with a light that shines through the centre vase. The carpet on the wall was bought at auction at Rippon Boswell in Britain ( www.rippon-boswell.com ). The Quarella Industrial Stone Composite floor tiles were supplied by Arnold & Co (6/F, Victoria Centre, 15 Watson Road, North Point, tel: 2807 9400). The window unit was custom made by Standard Decoration. tried & tested hang time Accessories such as bags and large necklaces are potential clutter. To help Kolleen maintain tidiness in her bedroom, her parents came up with an elegant and economical solution. They painted the wall beside the bedroom door blue, then put up a dozen knobs (HK$5 each, available at most hardware stores). The task was a cinch and the result resembles a well-designed boutique display. styling Gloria Wong
