STAFFORD RESIDENCE

Location
Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
Type
Architecture / Residential
GFA
555sm
Status
Project, 2011
Client
Ms. Cheung Mei Yuk
Design Architect
A:I
Authorized Person
CM Wong & Associates Limited
Structural Consultant
CM Wong & Associates Limited
E&M Consultant
JCL Consultants Limited
Sustainability Consultant
Scott Wilson Limited
Planner
Kenneth To & Associates Limited
Land Surveyor
Ted Chan & Associates Limited
Condition Surveyor
Knight Frank Petty Limited
Utility Surveyor
EGS (Asia) Limited
Quantity Surveyor
Rider Levett Bucknall Limited
A:I Project Team
Dennis Lee, Ruby Chow, Billy Chung

Early in the design stage, with the understanding of the site context and the uniqueness of Kowloon Tong’s low-density and low-rise development, we aimed to provide a private, tranquil, and comfortable space for the owner with strong connection to outdoor greenery. Contrary to conventional houses that we surveyed around the neighborhood, we proposed an “introverted” outdoor landscaped area for the owner inspired by the traditional Siheyuen – by defining a courtyard which becomes the central element of the house with fenestration towards the interior courtyard.

The owner would like to have the fundamental architectural massing and project siting in consistent with their deep “fengshui” beliefs - an important consideration of harmony and balance of energy in traditional Chinese architecture and landscape design. Along with the same line of thinking, the house is sited with massing built-up at north (stacked Dining Room, Family Room, and Master Bedroom) and water element at south (Swimming Pool). This massing also allow us to consider passive design ideas to maximize south-facing glazing for winter natural lighting while using shading devices to control direct heat gain during summer, as well as previous openings on three sides of the courtyard encouraging natural cross ventilation.