HONG KONG-STYLE AMENITIES AND CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH INTERIORS

AN INSIDE LOOK AT HOLLYBRIDGE: A CHIL-DESIGNED RESIDENCE WITH A KARAOKE ROOM, MAHJONG GAMING SPACE, AND WOK KITCHENETTES.

The newest phase of the three tower Hollybridge master planned community brings forth a fusion of old-world charm and contemporary elegance, boasting an array of amenities that cater to the discerning tastes of residents. Located along the Fraser River in Richmond, a Canadian city with a rich cultural tapestry where over 50 percent of the population identifies as Chinese, Hollybridge marks the arrival of a new waterfront community.

The international and award-winning interior design studio CHIL designed the interiors of the 12-story midrise residence developed by Aspac Developments. Building on CHIL’s extensive hospitality portfolio, which includes the like of Vancouver’s Shangri-La, Hotel Belmont MGallery, and Richmond’s Versante Hotel, the residential units and amenities of Hollybridge are akin to those of a boutique luxury hotel.

“Hollybridge is a case study in how hospitalityinspired and hotel-like amenities are increasingly defining multifamily residential developments today,” says Diana Ellis, Senior Interior Designer, CHIL.

“Hollybridge is the only waterfront development in Richmond and it required a unique design vision. CHIL combined its hospitality experience and international expertise to execute a thoughtfully curated residence that’s attuned to the local market,” says Jayme Colville, Director of Development, Aspac Developments.

“THE DESIGN EVOLVED WITH A YIN YANG BALANCE OF COLOUR SCHEMES. WHILE BRIGHT AND LIGHT FINISHES AND FEATURES ARE POPULAR ACROSS RESIDENTIAL DESIGN, THE SOPHISTICATED AND BOLD APPROACH OF SOMETHING LIKE A BLACK KITCHEN OFFERS A REFRESHING OPTION FOR A MODERN HOME.”

Diana Ellis, Senior Interior Designer, CHIL Interior Design

Traditional English interiors with a contemporary twist

CHIL pulled inspiration from a variety of sources to create a distinct identity for the latest phase of Hollybridge. Referencing the unique history of the area in which Old English Oaks, European Ash, and other trees had been planted in the late 1800s by English pioneers, Ellis also drew inspiration from her experience living and working in the region of Macau and Hong Kong where she first recognized the timeless beauty of traditional English interiors and their influence. Combining the old with the new produced a luxurious and contemporary interior with a classic British twist.

In the main lobby, traditional English starburst or radial veneer patterning make up a statement wall panel that frames the reception desk. A contemporary oversized Edison inspired light fixture hangs from above. Brass rivet wall coverings, a nod to 18th century English saddleback, function as studded accents to wall frames. Embossed leather sofas and sophisticated floor-to-ceiling curtain drapes create intimate seating areas. Dramatic black and white contemporary marble ties the space together. caters to the lifestyles of Richmond residents. Spaces like the karaoke room and a Mahjong table are unique and culturally relevant,” says Ellis.

Gestures to old English tradition can also be seen in the North Club Room, a social amenity space. A saddle brown embossed leather sofa faces a black granite fireplace and TV. Dark brown hardwood floors are set in a traditional herringbone pattern. A statement shuffleboard table draws attention with a game dating back to 17th century Britain. Lastly, a custom gold lighting feature cascades across the ceiling in a criss-cross shape reminiscent of a corseted dress.

Hong Kong-style amenities

Contemporary amenities include a Karaoke Room, which is acoustically treated with 3D soundproof paneling, luxurious curtain draping, and colour changing LED lights. The window-walled swimming pool with black and white tiling contrast the lush neighbouring tai chi garden that overlooks the river. The South Club Room aligns with feng shui and features a round dining table, while two automated mahjong boards, a traditional tile-based game popular in regions of China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia, activates the room.

“We designed an amenities package that truly

CHIL and Aspac identified coworking workspaces as a growing trend in Hong Kong dating back to the early 2000s. When the COVID-19 pandemic saw a sudden push towards flexible workspaces, CHIL expanded their vision for a coworking lounge at Hollybridge. Carrying forward biophilic features with natural lighting and plants, the coworking space includes variety of private meeting rooms as well as independent and collaborative work zones.

Other amenities at Hollybridge include a children’s playroom, fitness centre, half court basketball, and music room. The social lounge is outfitted with foosball, a billiards table, arcade games as well as a TV lounge and fireplace. Building out hotel-like spa amenities; a sauna, steam room, and hot tub flank the pool.

“HOLLYBRIDGE IS THE ONLY WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT IN RICHMOND AND IT REQUIRED A UNIQUE DESIGN VISION. CHIL COMBINED ITS HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERTISE TO EXECUTE A THOUGHTFULLY CURATED RESIDENCE THAT’S ATTUNED TO THE LOCAL MARKET.”Jayme Colville, Director of Development, Aspac Developments

Wok kitchenettes

CHIL designed kitchen spaces to include additional wok kitchenettes. Often referred to as fry kitchens or spice kitchens, wok kitchens are a popular feature in Asian homes. They specifically manage the concentrated flavors and high smoke points of stir-fried foods from permeating through the rest of the home. Across the larger unit collection at Hollybridge, the pantry-sized space is separated from the adjacent open concept cooking and dining area by a sliding door and is equipped with an additional Miele stove, prep area, and storage.

The wok kitchenettes are a complimentary feature to Hollybridge’s open concept cooking and dining area. Two distinct colour schemes were designed for Hollybridge that both include Italian-made finishes, engineered hardwood and white granite countertops with grey marble veining. The light scheme features English oak millwork while sophisticated grey cabinets make up the dark scheme. An all black kitchen upgrade, entitled the ‘Panther’ scheme, included matte black finishes and 24K brushed gold plumbing.

“The design evolved with a Yin Yang balance of colour schemes. While bright and light finishes and features are popular across residential design, the sophisticated and bold approach of something like a black kitchen offers a refreshing option for a modern home,” Ellis says.