Green house effect

Graphic designer Simon Ho tries to live according to the eco-warrior’s mantra: reduce, reuse, recycle. But he also appreciates a little luxury.

So when he bought a flat in a 1980s walk-up in Happy Valley last August, his brief for designer friend Gavin Tu was to make the best use of natural resources but also to allow him to indulge in athome pampering and create a pleasant, green area on the roof where he could entertain friends or simply lie back and look at the sky.

Originally, the 650 sq ft flat comprised three small, dark rooms. Now there is one bedroom, with an en-suite bathroom, and an open-plan living room and kitchen.

When it came to creating the illusion of more space, Tu employed the tried-andtested formula of neutral colours and clutter-free windows with plain white blinds that allow light to flood in. He also replaced the skirting boards with shorter ones and placed light switches lower than eye level, which, he says, makes the ceiling appear higher. In addition, although the walls look as though they have been stripped back to bare concrete, they are, in fact, covered in a convincing wallpaper design that Ho feels looks natural but is nicer to touch and low maintenance.

Constantly seeking ways to save the planet, Ho installed LED lighting and energy-efficient air conditioners, both of which, he says, have cut his electricity bill by one-third. Other “eco” appliances include a low-flow shower and a kitchen tap with built-in purifier.

“These are all simple but effective measures that every home should have [in order to reduce wastage],” he says.