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

When Jennifer Robins and her husband  bought a duplex in Pok Fu Lam six years ago, they knew it needed some serious attention. Full of ideas, they took on the project themselves; working with a contractor to rip out walls, install a new kitchen and bathroom, replace the floor and open up the 2,700 sq ft space to make the most of the expansive sea views. 
The result was good but not great. 'It was always a lovely flat but I always felt it didn't come out quite as planned,' says  Robins. 'There were some things that niggled at me. For example, I was not fully satisfied with the spatial flow and the bathrooms didn't function properly.' 
When she met Hong Kong and Beijing-based architect Frank Chiu of Atelier: China,  she  asked him to solve her problems once and for all. Chiu cast a professional eye over the place. It was not simply a matter of knocking everything down and starting over; it needed  a subtle touch. 
'I think the key point was to simplify and create continuity, and thereby spatial calm,' says Chiu.  In practical terms, this meant pulling everything together by streamlining the materials used, emphasising the central staircase and the soaring double-height ceiling in the living room, building homogeneous cabinetry and turning the master bedroom, bathroom and dressing room into one cohesive suite.
A central feature of the new-look duplex is the minimal staircase, which leads to the double-height ceiling void. 'Originally the stair had wooden treads and a glass balustrade with a timber handrail,' says Chiu. 'I replaced the wood with white composite stone, and removed the lower balustrade.'  
By paring down the materials, Chiu made the space more architectural and dramatic.
Upstairs, Chiu replaced a low glass wall (which ran along the edge of the television lounge area and functioned as a balcony wall overlooking the double-height space) with a solid white brick and concrete one. 'This created more mass and definition and simplified the space. The stair has become an extension of this white space, enhancing the flow upwards and downwards.'
This is an interior that highlights contrasts. 'Frank wanted to emphasise the idea of positive and negative space,' says  Robins, pointing to the living room, with its white walls, a black feature wall and dark wood floor. 'Previously, the floor was light-coloured. I was not really up for pulling out a perfectly decent floor both for environmental and cost reasons, so the contractor said we could try sanding it down and staining it. We went from blond to brunette for just a few thousand dollars.'
Chiu's idea of positive and negative space also relates to how the interior feels. 'The negative space is the double-height void in the main living space; it is empty and voluminous, all about contemplation,' he says. 'The positive space is in the areas for 'work', such as the study and the walk-in wardrobe. For example, the wardrobe is meant to be crammed to the hilt, working to the max so that the negative space can breathe in the emptiness.'
To enhance the visual continuity, Chiu redid the cabinetry - in both the upstairs and downstairs living rooms, the study and the master bedroom - in a birch veneer that matches the dark floor. Not only does this help make the space more cohesive but it also provides display room for  Robins' pieces of art and furnishings. 
'Frank realised I had collected lots of objects over the years and there was never really a place for them,' she says. 
Such a minimal architectural palette and the simplification of materials work well with the Robinses' furniture - a mixture of design classics, custom-made pieces and objects found on travels across Asia and Europe. 
Robins feels that one of the most successful parts of the redesign is her master suite. Here, Chiu knocked down a wall between the bedroom and en-suite bathroom and replaced it with a glass wall and sliding door. By keeping the original bathroom door (off the corridor that leads into the master suite) he provided two points of access to the bathroom. The walk-in-wardrobe, on the other side of the corridor leading into the master suite, also  benefits from two entrances. 
'The idea is that you can walk around and through both areas so that the space flows,' says  Robins. 'This area especially has made a great deal of difference to our lives.'
1 The dark stained floors and black wall give depth to the dining area. The walnut extendable dining table and chairs with  slip covers are from Le Cadre Gallery (price on application; 11 Duddell Street, Central, tel: 2526 1068). The Edwardian mantelpiece mirror (HK$15,000) leaning against the wall came from  Through the Looking Glass  (137 Kensington Church Street, London, Britain,  tel: 44 20 7221 4026;  www.throughthelookingglass.co.uk). The cabinetry, which is clad in  birchwood veneer, provides storage and display space and hides the air-conditioners.    
2 The open kitchen,  designed and made by  Kuchen  (G/F, Lockhart Centre, 301 Lockhart Road,  Wan Chai,  tel: 2845 9822) as part of the previous renovation,  comprises grey Corian  work surfaces  and melamine cabinetry. Architect Frank Chiu of Atelier: China (tel: 9779 7153; 86 1371 555 773) updated the open stairway by removing a glass and timber balustrade and cladding the former wooden steps with white composite stone. The look is clean, simple and modern.    
3 Adjacent to the staircase in the living room hangs a painting that was a gift to the Robinses by Kyoto-based American artist  Daniel Kelly (represented through  Hanga Ten,  Hurlingham Studios, Ranelagh Gardens, London,   tel:  44 20 7371 9677;  www.hangaten. com). Beneath is a glass, wood and metal coffee table (price on application) from  Le Cadre Gallery. The stainless-steel table lamp (HK$7,000) was purchased in Bali, Indonesia.    
4 The palette of dark floors and white walls continues into the restful master bedroom. The  My Darling bed and matching  quilt and  Curl side tables, all by  Dialogica New York, came from  Sol y Luna Lifestyle  (16/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau,  tel: 2391 0689). The antique Japanese cypress and cedar chest of drawers was bought in Tokyo and the silk floor rug was purchased in Shanghai. The embroidered  bedlinen is by  Margaret Muir from  Intohome   (2/F, Prince's Building, Central,  tel: 2814 7413;  www.margaretmuir.com).   
5 The striking open staircase is  the apartment's central design feature.  At its base is a black leather chrome-plated  Le Corbusier chaise longue purchased in London many years ago. Another design classic, the Trolley counterpoise lamp in chromed steel (HK$12,800) is a 1934 original by  British designer G. Carwardine, purchased from  Flea  + Cents  (1/F, 36 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, tel: 2528 0808;  www.fleancents.com). The  Chichibio wheeled side-table is from Le Cadre Gallery. At the top of the stairs is a flexible  Pipe Suspension light by  Herzog &  de Meuron (HK$6,200) from  Artemide  (shop 111, Ruttonjee Centre, 11 Duddell Street, Central, tel: 2523 0333; www. artemide.com).      
6 A cosy, light-filled seating nook in a corner of the living room  (note the light flooding through from the upper level thanks to the glass brick wall) contains two 1930s Shanghai-style elm armchairs (HK$4,100 each), made to order by  Kenji Designs  (1A Choy Lee Lau, 34 Elgin Street, Central,  tel: 2851 1323) and covered by  Larredo Interiors   (101, Lucky Building, 39 Wellington Street, Central,  tel: 2886 0821). The grey velvet chaise longue (HK$9,000) is also by Larredo Interiors. The  Noguchi-style coffee table  and triangular stainless-steel fretwork standing lamp  are from Bali.  
7 The Mandarin Oriental-style master bathroom exudes low-key luxe. The Italian marble (HK$100 per square foot) on the walls is from Ka Yue Design (108 Lok Shan Road, To Kwa Wan, tel: 6178 9668); the  rectangular  basin (HK$1,200) is from  Classic Bathroom Accessories (249 Lockhart Road,  tel: 2802 0328).  Chiu knocked out a wall between the bathroom and the bedroom and installed a glass wall.      
8 The curved upstairs terrace offers plenty of room for relaxation. It has been kept simple, with a decked wooden platform (to the right) and Manolo outdoor easy chairs  (HK$9,300 each) from   Ovo  (16 Queen's Road East,  tel: 2526 7226;  www.ovo.com.hk).
Tried + tested
Black beauty 
The bold black wall in the living room was not something that owner Jennifer Robins would have chosen. But  Frank Chiu  of Atelier: China (tel: 9779 7153; 86 1371 555 773) persuaded her that it was the way to go.  'I wanted to give the living room more depth in  that area,' he says. The surface is an effective counterpoint to the flat's predominantly white palette and makes a bold  statement in contrast to the dark wood veneer and decorative accessories. A black-and-white portrait bought in London of British film director  Derek Jarman, by photographer  Stephen Pyke, hangs on the wall. The 1950s figurine lamp (HK$2,950) is one of a pair from Flea + Cents  (1/F,  36 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai,  tel: 2528 0808; www.fleancents. com). The white bowl is from  Le Cadre Gallery  (11 Duddell Street, Central, tel: 2526 1068).
Styling Vivien Jones



A study in contrast