bodyType

customContents

entityId

printArticlePageQuery

filter

article

body

urlAlias

articleSectionsContent

articleSeoArticle

articleSourceHeaderArticle

contentSchemaRenderContent

contentSubHeadlineContent

contentHeadlineContent

mainImagePrintArticleArticle

authorBlockPrintArticleArticle

contentSponsorTagContent

articlePianoPaywallContent

scmpYoutubeContent

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

query printArticlePageQuery(
  $entityId: String!
  $customContents: [CustomContentInput]
  $bodyType: BodyFormatTypeEnum
) {
  article(filter: {entityId: $entityId}) {
    entityId
    body(customContents: $customContents, type: $bodyType) {
      json
    }
    urlAlias
    ...articleSectionsContent
    ...articleSeoArticle_3o8td4
    ...articleSourceHeaderArticle
    ...contentSchemaRenderContent
    ...contentSubHeadlineContent
    ...contentHeadlineContent
    ...mainImagePrintArticleArticle
    ...authorBlockPrintArticleArticle
    ...contentSponsorTagContent
    ...articlePianoPaywallContent
    ...scmpYoutubeContent
    ...hooksTrackPageViewArticle
    id
  }
}

fragment articlePianoPaywallContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...hooksPaywallPromiseContent
}

fragment articleSectionsContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  sections {
    value {
      ...helpersCheckIfNewsSectionInFirstIndexSection
      ...entityLink
      name
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment articleSeoArticle_3o8td4 on Article {
  ...hooksArticleSeoArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
  ...helpersGetArticleTypeArticle
  entityId
  publishedDate
  updatedDate
  summary {
    text
  }
  subHeadline {
    text
  }
  body(customContents: $customContents, type: $bodyType) {
    text
  }
  keywords
  sections {
    value {
      name
      id
    }
  }
  topics {
    name
    entityId
    id
  }
  urlAlias
  authors {
    name
    id
  }
  images {
    style(filter: {style: "768x768"}) {
      url
    }
  }
  readingTime
}

fragment articleSourceHeaderArticle on Article {
  urlAlias
  ...entityLink
}

fragment authorBlockPrintArticleArticle on Article {
  ...defaultArticleDateContent
  ...authorNamesArticle
}

fragment authorNameAuthor on Author {
  ...entityLink
  name
  entityUuid
}

fragment authorNamesArticle on Article {
  authorLocations
  authors {
    entityId
    location
    ...authorNameAuthor
    id
  }
}

fragment blockquoteQuoteContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...contentShareWidgetContent
}

fragment checkersCheckContentContainsStarlingImageContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  topics {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment contentHeadlineContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  headline
  socialHeadline
  ...contentHeadlineTagContent
  ...helpersUseContentSponsorContent
}

fragment contentHeadlineTagContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...hooksContentHeadlineTagContent
}

fragment contentNewsletterWidgetContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  topics {
    relatedNewsletters {
      ...helpersMassageToNewsletterItemNewsletter
      id
    }
    id
  }
  sections {
    value {
      relatedNewsletters {
        ...helpersMassageToNewsletterItemNewsletter
        id
      }
      id
    }
  }
  ... on Article {
    relatedNewsletters {
      ...helpersMassageToNewsletterItemNewsletter
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment contentSchemaRenderContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...blockquoteQuoteContent
  ...imageContent
  ...inlineWidgetContent
  ...photoGalleryWidgetContent
  ...scmpYoutubeContent
}

fragment contentShareWidgetContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  entityId
  urlAlias
  shortUrl
  socialHeadline
  headline
}

fragment contentSponsorTagContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...helpersUseContentSponsorContent
}

fragment contentSubHeadlineContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  subHeadline {
    json
  }
  summary {
    json
  }
  ...contentSchemaRenderContent
}

fragment defaultArticleDateContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...hooksArticleDateUtilsContent
}

fragment entityLink on BaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias {
  __isBaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias: __typename
  __typename
  entityId
  entityUuid
  urlAlias
  urlRedirect {
    toUrl
    id
  }
  application {
    entityId
    id
  }
  ... on Section {
    fullSectionPath {
      entityId
      id
    }
    parentSection
  }
  ...helpersAppBarVariantBase
  ...helpersApplicationBase
  ...helpersCheckIsPlusArticle
  ...helpersStyleSectionContent
}

fragment helpersAppBarVariantBase on BaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias {
  __isBaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias: __typename
  ...helpersCheckIsLiveArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPlusPage
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesPage
  ...helpersCheckIsPostMagazineArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsStyleArticle
  ...helpersSectionContent
  ...helpersStyleSectionContent
}

fragment helpersApplicationBase on BaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias {
  __isBaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias: __typename
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesPage
  ...helpersCheckIsPlusPage
}

fragment helpersCheckIfNewsSectionInFirstIndexSection on Section {
  name
}

fragment helpersCheckIsAmpEnabledArticle on Article {
  entityId
  types {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
  sections {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
  disableOffPlatformContent
  sponsorType
  published
  ...helpersCheckIsPlusArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
}

fragment helpersCheckIsLiveArticle on Article {
  flattenTypeIds
  liveArticle {
    status
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsMainTopicContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  topics {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPlusArticle on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ... on Article {
    paywallTypes {
      entityUuid
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPlusPage on Page {
  urlAlias
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPostMagazineArticle on Article {
  sections {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle on Article {
  sections {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPostiesPage on Page {
  urlAlias
}

fragment helpersCheckIsStyleArticle on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  sections {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersGetArticleTypeArticle on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ... on Article {
    types {
      value {
        entityId
        id
      }
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersMassageToNewsletterItemNewsletter on Newsletter {
  entityId
  name
  alternativeName
  description {
    text
  }
  summary {
    text
  }
  homepageDescription {
    text
  }
}

fragment helpersSanitizeArticleTypeEntityIdsArticle on Article {
  types {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersSanitizeAuthorTypesArticle on Article {
  authors {
    types
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersSanitizedAuthorEntityIdsArticle on Article {
  authors {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersSectionContent on Section {
  fullSectionPath {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersStyleSectionContent on Section {
  fullSectionPath {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersUseContentSponsorContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  topics {
    entityId
    sponsor {
      ...sponsorTagSponsor
      name
      type
      id
    }
    id
  }
  ... on Article {
    sponsorType
  }
  ...helpersCheckIsMainTopicContent
}

fragment hooksArticleDateUtilsContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  createdDate
  publishedDate
  updatedDate
}

fragment hooksArticleSeoArticle on Article {
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostMagazineArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsStyleArticle
  ...hooksContentHeadlineTagContent
  ...helpersCheckIsAmpEnabledArticle
  entityId
  headline
  socialHeadline
  types {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
  authors {
    entityId
    id
  }
  images {
    generic_og: style(filter: {style: "og_image_scmp_generic"}) {
      url
    }
    styles(filter: {styles: ["og_image_posties_article", "og_postmag", "og_image_style", "og_image_scmp_analysis", "og_image_scmp_explainer", "og_image_scmp_editorial", "og_image_scmp_fact_check", "og_image_scmp_debate", "og_image_scmp_live", "og_image_scmp_obituary", "og_image_scmp_opinion", "og_image_scmp_review", "og_image_scmp_series", "og_image_scmp_generic"]}) {
      url
      style
    }
    type
  }
  urlAlias
}

fragment hooksContentHeadlineTagContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  __typename
  ... on Article {
    types {
      value {
        name
        entityId
        description {
          text
        }
        id
      }
    }
    ...helpersCheckIsStyleArticle
  }
  flag
  sections {
    value {
      name
      id
    }
  }
  ...hooksContentHelperContent
}

fragment hooksContentHelperContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...helpersSanitizeArticleTypeEntityIdsArticle
  ...helpersSanitizeAuthorTypesArticle
  ...helpersSanitizedAuthorEntityIdsArticle
  flag
}

fragment hooksPaywallPromiseContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  entityId
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
}

fragment hooksTrackPageViewArticle on Article {
  entityId
  publishedDate
  headline
  sections {
    value {
      name
      id
    }
  }
  urlAlias
  authors {
    name
    id
  }
  entityUuid
}

fragment imageContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  headline
  ...checkersCheckContentContainsStarlingImageContent
}

fragment inlineWidgetContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...contentNewsletterWidgetContent
}

fragment mainImagePrintArticleArticle on Article {
  images {
    title
    url
    isSlideshow
    size_652x446: style(filter: {style: "652x446"}) {
      url
    }
  }
}

fragment photoGalleryDialogContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  __typename
  ...contentShareWidgetContent
}

fragment photoGalleryWidgetContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...photoGalleryDialogContent
}

fragment scmpYoutubeContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  entityId
  urlAlias
  publishedDate
}

fragment sponsorTagSponsor on Sponsor {
  name
  type
  images {
    url
  }
}


sections

types

disableOffPlatformContent

sponsorType

published

headline

socialHeadline

authors

images

publishedDate

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

keywords

topics

readingTime

authorLocations

entityUuid

Sharon Leece

Spotting a niche in the rental market, one property company chose to create serviced apartments that feel - and look - just like home.

With more  young, mobile professionals choosing serviced apartments  instead of regular rental accommodation, flats with the look and feel of a real home - but  the ease of hotel living - are proving increasingly popular.

There  are a large number of 'designer' serviced apartments on the market, so Hanlun Habitats (which has been operating serviced apartments in Mid-Levels for the past 10 years) decided to try something  different. In addition to  its existing apartment blocks,  the company bought a selection of individual units in a multi-owner residential block near Robinson Road. The idea was to refurbish them as home-style living units, each with a unique look and each designed to feel as comfortable and cosy as a regular home.

After seeing the work of architect Roddy Murray (of R.J. Murray Design,  tel: 6103 2073), Hanlun signed him up. 'We met Roddy and reviewed the style of his work to see if it suited our direction,' says Beatrice Wong, Hanlun Habitats' property manager. 'This was the first time we worked together with an interior designer to renovate ordinary residential units. It was an eye-opening experience.'

For Murray, it was a chance to come up with a home-style design scheme durable enough to withstand multi-occupancy. With six units to consider, he first addressed the spatial configuration. Previously, the 900 sq ft layout, common to all six, comprised three small bedrooms and two small bathrooms, so Murray reworked the space to appeal to a young single person or a professional couple. He  created a bedroom suite off the main living-dining-working area, then  added a small single bedroom on the other side of the living room.

'I wanted to design the master bedroom as a kind of suite,' explains Murray, showing how the space comprises a bedroom and a bathroom connected by a dressing area. The suite can be sealed off for privacy by closing the door that leads to the living room. 'If it's a couple with a child, or a couple with

a guest staying over, they simply close the door for privacy.'

In the apartment featured here, the architecture and the interior of the space have been designed

hand in hand. 'I knew I wanted a long wall covered in wallpaper,' says Murray. 'This wall would be

one of the main features of this apartment to give it character.' Hence, the wall  along  one side of

the apartment was cleared of  obstructions and straightened (originally it was curved  at the rear).

It was then covered  with a  vibrant jungle print.

Murray is a big fan of wallpaper, using  it to add  texture and  visual interest to a space. He believes   it offers an excellent way to  update a home quickly and easily, 'and the best thing is they do not have to be permanent'. 'Over the past year or so, many manufacturers have been introducing wallpapers that are really interesting,' he says. 'There is a fashion element to the designs as well, with interesting and innovative patterns,  colours and materials.'

In the bedroom, the rear wall has been papered with a muted,  Japanese-inspired floral print to add a sense of serenity.  'If you use wallpapers in the right setting they can be completely contemporary,' says Murray.

In Hanlun's other apartments, Murray selected different wall coverings and colours  to give each space a unique character and appeal. Warmth and texture were added  by using muted grey furnishings, sheer voile drapes and walnut floors, and introducing accessories such as embroidered Missoni cushions, soft throws and handcrafted wall tiles from Thailand. 'I have chosen very tactile materials to make it feel homely without being homesy,' says Murray.

For practicality, he incorporated tough homogeneous tiles in heavy-use areas such as  kitchens and bathrooms;  hard-wearing engineered stone kitchen countertops;  custom-designed, white-lacquer built-in desks and shelving units in the living rooms that cleverly conceal  air-conditioning units; and, of course, a copious amount of storage.

Both designer and client are pleased with the results. 'Our guests come from high-stress workplaces so we want to give them a relaxing apartment to come home to,' says Wong. With  one guest having moved in before work was complete, chances are  their blend of home and hotel will prove to be a winning formula.

1 The focal point of the calming bedroom is a rear feature wall covered in a floral wallpaper from Osborne & Little's Sakura range (HK$680 a roll from Kinsan Collections, 9 Wyndham Street, Central, tel: 2526 2309). Windows on both sides are covered with sheers overlain with a cotton-canvas roman blind (right) and cotton canvas curtains (left, not pictured). The plain, white bedlinen is offset by vibrant embroidered and mirrored Missoni cushions from Lane Crawford (IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2118 3388; www. lanecrawford.com). On either side of the bed are circular Kartell bedside tables (HK$750 each from Kartell, 105 Ruttonjee Centre, 11 Duddell Street, Central, tel: 2810 0408).

2 The corridor between the master bedroom and bathroom has been used to create a dressing area. The large wardrobes, designed by R.J. Murray Design (tel: 6103 2073), provide plenty of storage space for clothing and other items, while the 2.1-metre-high mirrored doors make it feel more expansive. The master-bedroom area can be sealed off for privacy from the main living room, thus creating a suite-style configuration. The flooring is walnut (HK$102 a square foot from Equal Flooring, Ming An Plaza, 8 Sunning Road, Causeway Bay, tel: 2881 7066).

3 A large mirror above the sink helps increase the sense of space in the bathroom. The Vitra sink (HK$4,290) is from Arnhold (315 Lockhart Road, tel: 2865 0318; www.arnhold.com.hk) and the Talis tap (HK$1,780) is by Hansgrohe from Depot (373 Lockhart Road, tel: 3106 6008).

4 The main living zone - comprising a lounge area in the middle with a study/work station and shelving area behind, and a dining area to the left - blends style, practicality and comfort. The grey, L-shaped McConfort sofa cost HK$19,990 from Amtrac Furnishings (6 Sun Wai Road, Causeway Bay, tel: 2508 9668). The assortment of leather and suede scatter cushions in taupe, beige and cream tones plus a tactile fringed throw add texture and warmth. The streamlined white-lacquer desk with built-in storage and the shelving unit above (which also accommodates an air-conditioner) were custom designed by Murray. Voile sheers on the window provide privacy while allowing light through.

5 The dining area is positioned just inside the front door, adjacent to the feature wall, which is covered with the vibrant Jungle Leaves print from the Patina Collection by Cole & Son (HK$1,320 a roll from Altfield Interiors, room 605, 9 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2524 4867). The sleek modern Italian dining table (HK$9,300) is by Lema, while the four chairs (HK$3,500 each) are by Spanish brand Andreu World, all from Amtrac Furnishings. On the wall is a pair of Pochette chrome uplights (HK$1,900 each) from Flos (shop A, Winway Building, 50 Wellington Street, Central, tel: 2801 7608; www.flos.com).

6 The kitchen, at the rear of the living area, is designed to be functional and durable. The cabinetry and countertop, which is made of hardwearing engineered stone, were manufactured and installed by Koda Kitchen (2/F, 31 Wyndham Street, tel: 2899 2878). Stainless-steel mosaic tiles (HK$230 a sheet from Vision Ceramics, 157 Lockhart Road, tel: 2802 1788) provide a touch of glamour. On the floor are homogeneous tiles (HK$132 a tile from Pacific Tile Boutique, 167 Lockhart Road, tel: 2866 9980).

tried & tested

on the tiles

To inject style into the bathroom, Roddy Murray clad one wall in two  varieties of handmade tiles from Thailand. The use of different surfaces  adds individuality but is also practical.  Above the bath is a wall of 'Mother' tiles, with indented grooves. For the shower unit, which is separated from the bath by a clear mirrored panel, plain flat glazed tiles  have been used because these are easier

to clean.   In the shower stall, Murray built  a 20cm-deep rectangular inset (also  lined with tiles) to provide storage  for toiletries.  The tiles, based on 1960s and 70s patterns but updated with modern colours and glazes, were designed by Murray and cost HK$480 a square metre. They are available exclusively through R.J. Murray Design (tel: 6103 2073).

Styling:  Esther van Wijck



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