When it comes to reworking a space to suit a lifestyle, architect Roddy Murray is something of an expert. Last year, the self-termed 'serial renovator' moved into his third home in four years. Murray went from Sheung Wan to Mid-Levels to a light-filled, 2,000 sq ft space in Pok Fu Lam that now enjoys expansive sea views.
With each apartment offering the chance for a hands-on makeover, Murray has given them the works - reconfiguring the spaces, experimenting with ideas and selecting furniture and furnishings that stand the test of time yet embody contemporary flair.
'The view was the starting point for the whole apartment,' Murray says of his latest flat. He knocked down internal walls, installed large windows and inserted huge sliding doors (adjacent to the kitchen and master bath-room) for spatial flexibility.
Just as Murray was completing his three-month revamp, though, the management of the 1960s building began its own renovations.
'They put up scaffolding around the whole thing so we didn't get to see the full effect for months,' says Murray. 'Just after Chinese New Year they took it down and all of a sudden we had amazing views of the water and a brand new building.'
The apartment comprises a big rectangular living room with a dining area at one end and an open kitchen. A large, sliding walnut panel hides the kitchen from view.