For Ben Lee and Charlene Chan, the decision to remodel their spacious 1,700 sq ft flat in Sha Tin for the second time in a decade was a poignant reflection of life’s changing needs and their evolving design sensibilities. The culmination of this renovation effort is a residence that they believe is now impeccable in design and functionality.
As Charlene fondly recalls, the newly redesigned flat, which is further embellished by a sprawling 1,500 sq ft rooftop and the tranquil backdrop of verdant landscapes, felt like the perfect space for the couple. She recounts that this renovation was significantly influenced by their family dynamics. “Earlier, when our children, Vic and Precious, were much younger, we had a pressing requirement for additional storage space and whimsical design elements. Now, with both of them in their late teens and early twenties and studying abroad in London, our home needed a more matured and sophisticated touch,” she explained.
Their inspiration stemmed from a serendipitous moment when Chan happened upon images of a minimalist flat on Hong Kong Island, a creation by Rowena Gonzales and her team at Liquid Interiors. Impressed, she promptly reached out to Rowena, eager to breathe similar elegance into her own living space.
Gonzales remembers this collaborative endeavor with warmth. “The vision Charlene shared allowed us to elevate the design to a newer dimension. She granted us the creative latitude to innovate and weave our design ethos into her living space.”
However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic momentarily paused their ambitious plans. After a hiatus of over a year and some essential rooftop waterproofing work on the 16-year-old building, reconstruction commenced in October 2022, and the family joyously returned to their abode by mid-June.
Charlene proudly recalls how their waterproofing solutions stood the test during the recent Typhoon Saola, ensuring the safety of their rooftop fixtures.
Gonzales, alongside senior interior designer Polina Volkonskaya, label their vision for the flat as “organic minimalism.” This design philosophy amalgamates nature-inspired aesthetics, manifested through curves, earthy textures, and hues, with a commitment to holistic well-being. Emphasizing sustainable choices, they’ve incorporated low VOC materials, such as eco-friendly Marmorino plaster and formaldehyde-free plywood. They’ve also thoughtfully integrated water filtration systems throughout the residence and employed design features to mitigate electromagnetic fields, particularly around sleeping areas.
Yet, what has truly resonated with the family and their guests is the optimized utilization of space. “Friends who’ve visited us post-renovation often marvel at how expansive our flat feels now,” Chan quipped. She attributes this feeling to the removal of the earlier underfoot storage and the raised floor, making the living spaces feel unobstructed and airy.
The reimagined layout aligns perfectly with Lee’s penchant for hosting. Multiple lounging and dining zones, including a versatile bar, allow them to entertain guests seamlessly. Chan, who often shuttles between Hong Kong and London, reflects on her last stay in the city, where the couple played hosts for ten consecutive days, underscoring the design’s triumph.
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