Matthew Lok Cheuk Yin
Part 2 | HKU Master Graduate
Curated Works 2019 - 2024
Work Displayed: Haptic Impression
The Story of Water
Thesis - An Anatomy of the Water Catchment
Architectural Follies of Catchment & Awareness
Water - A fundamentally rooted resource. Humble and shapeless. An element of utility, function and life. Yet, common knowledge of this finite and pivotal resource is only recognised and understood through limited tangible experiences on a dayto-day basis - dominated primarily by the household Tap Faucets and the receipt paper known as the Water Bill. Recognition and awareness of water as an imperative resource within the local context of Hong Kong has since been hindered, overlooked and fundamentally - forgotten. The once-celebrated architecture and programmes of water-centric design infrastructure have since been diminished to the ghostly impressions and industrial husks of its predecessor’s idealised identity. Forgotten behind the industrial weather barriars of water treatment centres.
Through the story-telling of Water and its progressive series of unfolding chapters, the thesis agenda aims to raise awareness of the layered catchment processes, whilst mend the disconnect between general users and the understanding of water resources in Hong Kong. The process attempts to give authority back to the resource and the typically forgotten beneath ground water infrastructures, by quantifying the resource and making it public and legible for people to understand.
Location: Tai Tam Tuk Raw Water Pumping Station
Academic Sem 4 | January 2023 - May 2023
‘Initial’ Site Condition
Methods of Experiment
The Red Brick House Yau Mah Tei
Following the exploration and early testing phases of the Experiment. The designated site that sparked initial curiosity and relations within the realm of Water catchment and redistribution was located along the gridlike clustered streetscape of Shanghai Street - Yau Mah Tei. Enveloped by a series of residential podium towers and tenement housing blocks, The Red Brick House also known as the Engineer’s Office of the Former Pumping Station was incorporated as the central ideology and mode of exploration for early experimental concepts. The former water infrastructure unit dates all the way back to 1895, although dilapidated and awaiting renewed interpretations, it follows a similar contextual situation as the Folly for a Flyover, 2011 by Assemble.
A series of recording and engagement methods were integrated as a mode of design exploration, casting, subtractive and contact printing were introduced as methods of engagment with the ingrained history and information of the site. The Former Pumping Station was used as an abstraction/ research medium to expand upon the site-based complexities such as the former imposed programs, as well as high density water channeling that contributed to its longlasting footprint within the embarking skyscraper envelope of Yau Mah Tei. However, as more information was unveiled, it became progressively apparent that the site’s physical contextual framework in the forms of limited spatial offset (horizontal premise) and low-height physical character proved more prohibitive and restrictive than “Enabling” to The Story of Water. Thus, the transition towards the generative contextual framework situated along the South-East end of Hong Kong - Tai Tam district.
Territorial Impressions
Follies of the Network Scale
Taking advantage of the fluctuating clashing climates of the Hong Kong Coastline. The Series of Lightweight-Cantelievered Mist Catchers are displaced along the Catchwater trails, reflecting its expansive network scale. As a tool to collect and maximise water catchment, where surplus will be dispelled into the parallel catchwater channel. While scaled quantities are stored within the casted seating and below ground water tanks as forest fire insurance and safe water sources for the neighboring eco-systems.
Lightweight and tensile, the structure enables efficient and easy allocation of its materials along the country park hiking trails. Prioritisation on areas prone to wildfires and heavy touristic flow. Bilateral in form, the fog catcher provides open panoramic views along the hiking trail destinations and quality of life to the under-utilised spaces of Hong Kong.
Funnel Mist Catcher
Celebration of Extension
Chapter 1 explores the catchwater trails of the city. Lacking user and people-centric design, the catch-waters channels and trails were attuned for the sole purpose of maximising water catchment along the steep hillside topography. Hence, in response a sequence of follies to represent the expansive yet narrow scale of the channels were employed.
Leading to the development of the Funnel Mist catcher. Where positioned along the trail, with larger surface facing coastal edge and smaller towards the mountain side.The follies function as infrastructural nodes that maximise water catchment. Many of them will be situated along the hiking catchwater trails and hiking trails of Tai Tam. Taking advantage of the humid coastal air floods and the mist/ fog that arises, they also provide filtered drinking water and shaded resting space for hikers throughout.
Celebration of Extension Night Lantern
As the entry chapter into the Story of Water Local Yield. Water as a resource is collected via a series of concrete framed channels that form a broader network around the Mountainous terrain of Tai Tam Reservoirs. Rain water, moisture, Surface Runoff and Head water from within the mountain are collected in the concrete catchment channels. Inclined and stepped they redirect raw water through gravity into the local impounding reservoir systems.
As a result, the Funnel Mist Catcher further acts as individual water tanks integrated within its seating space, the folly further act as preventative short-term measures remedies for forest fires within the vicinity of the Tai Tam Country Park. Which have become even more prevalent, as a result of the growing hotter weathers. The light weight crown integrated with a water tank seating further functions as a warm-lit Lantern for night hikers alike. Lighting the under-appreciated walking trails throughout the mountain sides of Tai Tam. 01.1
Catchwater Trail
Infrastructural Imprint
Follies of the Reservoir Scale
As an above-ground interpretation of the water vessel, the crown structure situates above ground held up by a series of CLT supports along the ampitheatre terrain between the Tai Tam Heritage Trail and the Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir. A threshold made use of by its relationship between above and below, the ceiling opening enables dramatic lighting and the emphasis on Accumulation of water within a Reservoir scale structure. The stepped terrain linking the trail and reservoir acts as a ephemeral water stage with a jawdropping backdrop.
As a Kayak refuge and trail/dam side attraction, the structure follows a similar language as follies located along the Catchwater trails. Bilaterally sloped towards the water’s end, whilst floated above the fluctuated water levels. A dynamic watertheatre unveils itself literally. Gentle and lightweight formwork aims to seamlessly conjoin the heritage trail and the water’s edge under a single roof.
01.2
Celebration of Accumulation Reservoir Theatre
Chapter 2 positions itself within the threshold space of the Tai Tam Heritage trail and Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir. The folly aims to reflect the scale of the impounding reservoir, thus makes use of the sloped topography and further adapts the floor plane into a stepped ampitheatre. A simple elevated gesture of a cantilevered crown(treated timber framework), frames the space and outlook, whilst reinterprets it as an outdoor classroom and theatre. Thus, essentially by occupying the space, the public users may experience the literal extension and retraction of the occupied space, as a result of the changing water levels of the reservoir. A literal sensory and physical engagement with the water level dynamics of Tai Tam.
The series of Fabric Lining laced across the timber framework enables a gentle distinction barriar between the wilderness and user space, whilst openings towards the ground plane frames of the outlet towards the designated views of the reservoir, specifically the Tai Tam Tuk Water Dam openings.
22° 14’ 28.3848’’ N 114° 13’ 6.618’’ E
Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir
Celebration of Accumulation Nesting Refuge
The final entry of the reservoir system. The Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir is an accumulate of the raw water resource and byewash overflow from the Tai Tam Upper and Intermediate Reservoirs. With a capacity of 4.098 million m3 at 67.77%. The water basin collects via catchwater, rainwater, forming the largest water resource on Hong Kong island.
Water features carved into the stone ground planes enables the catchment and retention of water to be reflected visibly. Users may shift down the stairs where they will literally meet toe-to-toe with the water plane. An infinity pool connected with the grander reservoir water resource. However, once water receeds downwards due warmer weathers. Water marks along the stone edge would remain as reminders of the fluctuating water levels. While the newly expanded space would be felt in comparison to cooler and more humid periods throughout the year. Meanwhile, elevated above ground, the series of screen towards the water edge function as projection screens for lectures and movies to be projected upon.
22° 14’ 28.3848’’ N 114° 13’ 6.618’’ E
Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir
Building Range
Follies of the Building Scale
With reference to the building-scale of the Raw Water Pumping Station. The site functions as a pivotal instrument throughout Hong Kong’s developmental period. As an infrastructural pumping station, the space has since been expanded into an educational hub where visitors, students and hikers within Tai Tam may visit and experience the series of heritage artefacts that formed the basis of the city.
Whilst still functioning as a pumping station, the space now reveals its transition from coalsteam powered history to electrical powered engines. A centralised congregation space where programmed visit groups from schools and local heritage groups may explore and examine the precedented method of awareness for water as a resource.
Exhibition Hub
Celebration of Representation
An Exhibition Hub. Making use of The Raw Water Pumping Station, the space opens up to the public - forming a new exhibition space for users to engage and understand the infrastructure, maintenance and machinery needed to facilitate the movement of the water resource within the city.
Submerged and carved into the masonry brickwork facade, an elevated water tank forms a buffer veranda between the reservoir and pumping station. Providing glimpses into the storage of water and its water levels from beneath the tank, where a transparent concave glass layer is situated to expose the internals of the water tank. The Water tank creates a tangible moment, whilst the stored water accumulated from the roof gutters and water tank may then be reused to facilitate site activities such as kayak and small boat maintenance (via washing/ cleaning off salt water) which typically dock along the jetty and alcove of the Raw Water Pumping Station.
Gathering Grounds
Celebration of Representation
From manual orientated coal-steam engines to fully automated electrical pumps. The Pumping Station has experienced a programatic shift in the name of progress. As a husk of its former celebrated history, the site emanates a hollow ghostly impression. Its role channels and redirects water from the Intermediate and Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir to the Treatment facilities, Aqueducts and Water Tunnel Inlets leading towards Central Hong Kong Island.
Revitalising and giving authority to the forgotten. The overlooked Raw Water Pumping Station finds its way as an exhibition of the site’s position towards Hong Kong’s early development. As a space of heritage and utility, the space may now expand into the exhibition space. Representation of history and public engagement.
02
Spatial Archivist
Towards a Built Perspective
Memory Archive Artefact | Process of Translation
The studio project aims to capture perceived geometries by questioning visual perception through the means of practical experiments. The functional principles of perspective were investigated, analyzed and deliberately manipulated. Thus, the tangible and intangible realms of space were then reinterpreted and illustrated through the application of drawing techniques, methods of model making and animation. Speculations through the transformation of the physical environment. Image reproductions of spatial perception using binocular optical instruments were explored and formed the basis for the choreographies of immersive experiences within the city of Hong Kong.
The fundamental features of the Obscura effects and the adjustability of aperature and focus were explored. Hence, the development of a wearable and documentable device of the optic realm. The Spatial Archivist forms a basis and general framework towards the translation and re-interpretation of intangible optical effects into tangible memory archives.
Location: Hong Kong Park
Academic Sem 3 | September 2022 - December 2022 02
Recordings for the Eye
Once the first prototype was developed and modelled out. Measurements based off of my head were taken as reference for the anchoring handsoff joinery around the head. Considering the device was intended to be worn without the use of your hands to enable freedom of movement and documentations. The file was cut from 3mm Plywood to reduce the weight placed on head and hose piece. While a septum opening was introduced into the device iteration 2.0, with plastic sheets cut off of plastic face masks. The idea was to provide a reference point for the user, as the inverted experience would make it hard for users to distinguish objects without a point of reference and a right-side up reality. The plastic sheet was intended to be out of focus and blurred to add an extra dimension of expectation and interpretation for the user.
The aperture adjustment length was reduced to enable better focus and de-focus of objects, unlike Iteration 1.0. The pocket magnifying lenses were slotted on to the device and replacable. A counter weight in forms of a rice pouch is attatched onto the rear end of the device via metal loops to counter the heaviness of the device lenses themselves. Simple box joints were also incorporated to ease joining of the pieces.
Recordings for the Digital It 2.5
Model Iteration 2.5 - Animation
Translation and Documentation of Optical Effect
With the help of the latest Device iteration 2.5. Recordings and documentation of the optical effects were made more stable and reliable, as the Iphone can be slotted into the selected expected spot. Thus, the Stopmotion animation was produced with the imagery captured by the device. The concept of Memory and Spatial Archives were reintegrated into the stop motion, as a video with only the captured images won’t provide much more information with regards to the undertone and themes. Hence, the rotating animation scene was split into 3 segements to mimic the optical device’s physical attributes. Where the side-end projections were inverted with the up-right septum opening imagery masked in Black and white, which was used to emphasise the dismissal of the centre effects.
Finally, with the orginal images stringed together to form a sequence of aperture adjustments. The motion of adjusting the lenses were added onto the edges of the stopmotion scene, while white outlines of the focused structure and form were overlayed over the focusing and hazing of image.
Further suggesting the shifting of focus and revealment of suggestive forms. Whereas, the row of images below start to fade into the scene, representing the transition of archived spatial features into archival memory recollection. Attatched is a QR code to the short Stopmotion Animation.
Snippets of Moments
Aperture, Focus, Archive, Memory, Encounters
Cyanotype Method of Archiving
As a way of testing the practicality of imprinting and archiving moments and images onto fabric pieces. These were produced to mimic the archiving methods imagined within the encounter Interventions of the Spatial Archivist. As a collective method of archiving the space, these instruments were also aimed to aid recollection of spatial memory of the space. As short-term silk fabric pieces, they are used to archive specific snippets of the day. Infleunced specifically by its context, people, movement, weather and light. The final collective fabric pieces would be used to form a stronger history and foundation feature for a site that lacks rich historical significance.
Spatial Archivist
Scaled Contextual Interventions
HK Park Intervention Exploded Isometric
Flux - Movement | Natures - Greenery | Anthropocene - Structure
Hong Kong Park - Cotton Tree Drive
02
Enc.1 Flux
Aperture, Focus, Archive, Memory, Encounters
Dynamism - Movement - Migration
The encounter encourages the intervention to highlight both the dynamism, movement and migration of people and water. As images of water is projected and brought into the internal canvas screens. Due to its characteristics, the projected images of water cannot be distinguished as rightside up or upside down. Whilst the silhouette of migrating people are projected onto the screens, further adding to the layers of movement.
Finally, as a literal spatial archive, the series of photochromatic fabric curtains attatched to an adjustable ceiling track. Provides the space with a sense of archive and mapping as users interact and passby the fabric. Which in turn would alter the colour and form, in accordance to the environmental dynamism.
02
Enc.2 Natures
Aperture, Focus, Archive, Memory, Encounters
Nature - Greenery - Stream
As an inbetween point of both water feature knodes. The Intervention encounters and highlights the natural elements that are of abundace and variety along the migration space. Making use of the sloped greeneries and canopies of the cliffed mountain side, followed with the traveling stream of water passage. The Intervention slanted on both ends, projects the external natural elements onto the internal surfaces. Playing with the axis aswell, the typically horizontal water stream is projected as a vertical element, while vertical canopy and greenery are projected onto the flooring and ceiling of the space. A series of sliding screens furher add layers to the projected elements.
As the snippets of spatial and memory experience are imprinted and engraved onto the photochromatic curtains and seating pieces. As short-term silk fabric pieces, they are used to archive specific snippets of the day. Infleunced specifically by its context, people, movement, weather and light. The final collective fabric pieces would be used to form a stronger history and foundation feature for a site that lacks rich historical significance.
02
Enc.3 Anthropocene
Aperture, Focus, Archive, Memory, Encounters
Geometric - Linear - Distortion - Expectation
As the users and visitors of the park, transit between entrance spaces prior to the central park. The particular Intervention located in front of the Fountain Plaza and its man-made Double Collonade structure aims to highlight the encountered geometric allignments. Rectilinear, straight and robust the intervention takes advantage of its characteristics and aims to distort and warp its appeared perspective, as the image is invertedly projected into the internal spaces.
With angled partition pieces, followed with stepped and inverted ceiling Incline piece. The new panorama targets the sense of expectations from the users, whilst instills a new sense of archived memory space.
03
Possession Communal Rebuild
A Community Cascade Hub
Tenement Housing Re-Introduced
How can a traditional horizontally-oriented form be reconsidered in a vertical architectural language? To rekindle the tenement neighborhood bonds of residents (above) and local workers (below). The Intervention aims to reconnect the horizontal commercial streetscape with the residential landscape above, whilst encapsulate and refresh the original design features that warranted the Tenement.
The Intervention is an adaptive framework for planning redevelopment of old vernacular tenements. Rather than gentrification & demolition of the building’s entirety, the framework activates the 1st floor between the commercial and residential via site-specific reference to the ground floor shophouse functions. Alterations and adjustments to the tenement Mezzanine floors are also introduced to further relink the above vertical spaces. Thus, F&B, Health Services and Retail workshops are reinterpreted on to the upper floors.
Location: Possession Street, Sheung Wan
Academic Sem 2 | January 2022 - May 2022
The Shophouse Framework Concept The Novel Undermining Themes
Concept Development | Areas of Interest | Concept
Assemblage to the Mushroom Book
Connected, Yet Disconnected | A Community Cascade Hub | To Rekindle
With the characteristics of the Tenement Shophouse Clusters revolve around a naturally vertical axis , due to the growing city’s expansive economic and populative state. The Design Framework aims to activate the Ground Floor Shophouse, Mezzanine and 1st Floor Residential Level, via the reprogramming of the 1st Floor Buffer Area and Mezzanine Floor. The 1st Floor will be converted into individual tenement workshops, responsive to the ground floor shops/functions. An extended external cascade balcony would then reconnect the disconnected vertical spaces, as if a weavement of the urban/commercial (G/F) and residential landscape (1/F+).
Extractions | Resonance with Tenement Framework | Resurgence + Resilience
"Resurgence | Resilience"
The Mushroom at the End of the World
“Resilience, or as ecological remediation, and I find these concepts useful. But what if we pushed even further by thinking through resurgence.”
“Peasant oak-pine forests have been eddies of stability and cohabitation. Yet they are often put into motion by great cataclysms, such as deforestation that accompanies national industrialization. Small eddies of interlocking lives within great rivers of disturbance: these are surely sites for thinking about human talents for remediation. But there is also the forest’s point of view. Despite all insults, resurgence has not yet ceased.”
The Communal Rebuild
Axonometric | Connected, yet Disconnected Park + Street Extension
"Resurgence | Resilience"
1. 1st Floor Cascade Balcony Intervention
2. Reinterpreted Window Framework + Openings
3. Central Circulation Stack Staicase
4. Recessed Semi-Public Facade for Workshop
5. Reinterpreted Recessed Residential Balcony
6. Adapted First Floor Balcony
7. Adapted Mezzanine Floor
8. Existing Ground Level Shophouses
9. Existing Site Overpass (Hollywood Park)
Branching Out | Connection with Contextual Park
As the tenement cluster unit is rooted into the vernacular outlook of household living in Hong Kong. Minimal demolition of the typology should be prioritised. Making use of the neighboring Hollywood Park vegetation spaces such as overhangs. The adapted balcony walls alongside Internal Core Spaces. These can be utilised to house new greenery and wildlife environments. The adjustment of the central staircase, further sustains and encourages solar gain and stack ventilation within the narrow communal spaces of the existing tenement vernacular.
Axonometric - Look up ! More than just a Shophouse
With the 1/F Residential units converted into a tenement social community hub, the 1st Floor Cluster of Tenements are relinked together via the balcony extension. This framework provides opportunity to explore alternate options to total demolition, gentrification and rebuild of the vernacular tenement typology. While the first floor units are located closer to ground level, their value reflect its location. Thus, the adapted framework provides opportunities to explore alternate community income methods that may outweigh the orginal residential purpose of the 1st Floor tenement.
Existing Possession Streetscape
03
Tenement 1st Floor Adaptation
1st Floor Above the Domestic Retailer Shophouse
External Connected Balcony Cascade
Plan - 1st Floor Design Framework | Balcony + Buffer Workshop
The Extension of the Balcony space can be seen attatched to the facade of the 1st Floor tenement structure. Shaded with timber framed fabric sheets, the Balcony and recessed facade is shaded generously. With walls between the individual tenement removed, more space is made available for the reflected activities, such as leather repair workshop, multi-purpose gym space, followed with quiet reading, co-working space.
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2.
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6. Adapted Mezzanine Floor
7. Double Height Vertical Connection
8. Mezzanine Window Lookout
With bustling nature of the local cuisine diner situated on the shophouse ground floor, the Mezzanine floor above naturally was used as a storage unit for the restaurant below. However, this placed has since been utilised to also house food and beverage, with an internal balcony overlooking the ground floor entrance and opposing street landscape, via window opening. The 1st Floor is activated through its place as a contemporary co-working space, where users can have a quiet space to work and enjoy the delights of the local diner below. Existing Tenement Structure
Adapted Double-Height - FnB Shop Floor
F&B Extension with Storage Space
Shophouse | Mezzanine | 1st Floor Isometric
The retainment of the original tenement shophouse structure is used in forms of reinforced concrete columns/ beams. Hence while G/F shophouses remains individual commercial streetscape. The Mezzanine Floor aims to act as a vertical connection form private space of the G/F to the communal facility / workshop on the first floor, via Mezzanine staircase. The partition walls that separate the 1st Floor units are removed to expand the workshop space, the space is further brought forward via the half height glazed partions.
Perspective - The Local Cusine Diner: 茶餐廳 - Adapted Mezzanine Floor
With the private staircase into the Mezzanine Floor Shifted towards the central staircase partition. The Mezzanine Floor is detached from the main facade wall of the tenement buiding. This aims to visually connect the vertical space between the Ground Floor local diner and Mezzanine floor above. Acting as a second skin, the Mezzanine enables for a comfortable bar height space that overlooks the street.
Tenement Balcony Cascade
An Extension onto the Horizontal Balcony Cascade
Perspective - Look up. The Shophouse Balcony Cascade
As an inverted stepway, it provides shading to the shophouses below. While the recessed facade of the 1st Floor Workshops provide natural shading to the span half height windows. The series of fabric shading, latched onto a wooden frame further adds adjustability to the users of the space. The external balcony provides for an intermediate seating space for people to enjoy their afternoon tea, coffee collected from the streetscape below. 03
A: Retail of Domestic Locality
B: Health Well-Being
C: Food & Beverage
03 Possession Elevation Proposal
Possession Street Balcony Cascade | Facade
Horizontal Connection | Levels Unification
Existing Tenement Structure
1. 1st Floor Balcony and Workshop Openings
2. Balcony Timber Framed Fabric Solar Shade
3. Overhang with Greenery
4. Residential Unit + Window Adjustment
5. Roof Top Circulation Staircase Stack Opening
Elevation - The Second Street Cascade. A Tactile Adaptation
The Facades of the G/F Shophouse and Mezzanine Floors are to be adjusted minimally to retain its cultural characters/ qualities. However, the First Floor facade and balcony are to be recessed inwards to enable natural solar shading and semi-public space between the tenement and the extended balcony cascade. The residential facades above 1/F are then reinterpreted to house more efficient lifestyle changes caused by the Pandemic. Larger openings with subtle brass framing finishes aim to revitalise the the windows outlook on the city.
Possession Process Model
Window Seating | Balcony Size Testing
Playful Adjustment of Typologies
Unveiling of the Vernacular Form
The Reinterpretation aims to clean up the facade with minimal secondary addons to the surface. Hence, a recessed balcony form has been incorporated, alongside a hit-and-miss pattern of framing, which improves window privacy.
Ethelbert Community School
The Cliftonville Lido Revitalization
Lido Adaptive Reuse
Located on the existing ‘ruins’ of the Cliftonville Lido, the design proposal is expected to develop a programme for new health and wellbeing accommodation that responds to local needs and activities and to geographical, historical, cultural and social context. The scheme will not only enhance the immediate local context, but simultaneously establish links with the wider Kentish urban fabric.
The project brief is established upon a ‘scenario and strategy’ approach. Thus, in response to Cliftonville West’s education problem, in forms of low gradeattainment percentages, as well as the lack of communal integrity and intimicy. A collaboration between Kent College and the Thanet District Council was met to establish a long-term solution to the hindering problem. The proposed Ethelbert Community / Primary School will house affordable facilities for both educational and communal purposes.
Location: Cliftonville, Margate, Kent Academic Sem 6 | January 2020 - May 2020
04
Ethelbert Communal Hub
Classroom Space Collage | Concept Development
Re-introduction of Hidden Typology
Ethelbert Community School Open-Classroom Concept:
As the site interweaves its spaces inbetween the cracks and corners of the original Lido building, the design proposal takes advantage of the North side’s coastal frontage and seaside perspective. The arched structure not only takes inspiration from neighboring Kentish and Normandish heritage, but maximises both light and framed panorama of the renowned Margate seascape.
Lido Subterranean Rotunda
Historic Lido Element + Kentish Heritage
Reconnecting the Shoreline Localised Arched Typology Heritage
The Novel Undermining Themes
Urban Strategy | Proposed Ideology
Jan Ghel Novel | Life Between Buildings
Context Typology
Rotunda | Portica Addition Typology Rotunda Light Tunnels Re - Introduction Internal Greenery
Urban Theory: Jan Ghel’s Philosophy
Re - Introduction
Greenery & Skylights
Similar to Jan Ghel’s theory towards the encouragement of multi-sensory experiences and time spent in public spaces. The proposal facility and outdoor green space, aims to break people out of their “Private cacoons” and instead encourages have them take part in communal physical activities like sailing, cycling and dog-walking. Hence, the school’s installation of cycling trails and stands along both school entrances and the revamped promenade path.
Arrayed Archwork & Framed Seascape
As the proposal develops along the Margate coastline, a typical concern of such design would be the obstruction of views from contextual buildings and spaces. Taken into consideration of the contextual visual impact, rather than the use of load-bearing partition walls, structural arches were implemented instead to create visual openess. In between the arches, framed seating spaces along the carpark corridor were used to further accentuate the framed coastal perspectives.
Similar to the Ethelbert Terrace, the exhibition corridor space responds to the local context by incorporating a timber and brick material palette. Held up by concrete incased steel arches, Glulam-framed Bobtail Trusses hold up the ceiling skylight and brick cladded walls.
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Ethelbert Education Space
East-West Sectional Perspective | Ventilation
Classroom Orientation | Workshop | Solar Gains
Skylights | Solar Gains | Corridor Overlook:
With reference to Louis Kahn’s Kimbell Art Museum, the angled skylights of the Primary school extension incorporates “Wing-like symmetrical Aluminium reflectors”, which placed underneath the skylight helps reflect and diffuse harsh summer lights into the teaching space below. Solar Gain enters from North and East ends of the building and are stored in the concrete flooring. Glulam seating on the Carpark Level frame and overlook both the classroom spaces and open seascape.
Cross | Stack Ventilation
As the the space incorporates both adjustable panes and openings. Cross ventilation can traverse between both East and West ends. While the triple height nature of the extension enable heated air to escape via electronic skylights.
Ethelbert Rotunda Theatre
South-North Sectional Perspective | Ventilation
Rotunda | Classroom | Light Tunnel
Ethelbert Rotunda Extension South-North Section:
Running from South to North, the section cut slices perpendicular to the Lido Terrace’s original longitudinal fluid form. As the main influence of the proposal was inspired from the subterranean Rotunda space and contextual Kentish architecture, the Rotunda space was reconnected to the terrace level via a ramped extension of its Northern tunnels. Framed by a series of parabolic arches, the ramped tunnel leads into both a circulation library space and Open-classroom area. Sectioned off by adjustable sliding guilltoine windows, the rooms extend out onto a terrace platform that overlooks the Margate seascape and houses school and communal curriculums.
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Ethelbert Open Classroom Atrium
1:5 Construction Detail | 1:20 Atrium Section
Skylight | Gutter | Steel Frame
1. Glulam Framed - Bobtail Truss Skylight
Construction Detail: Top to Bottom
- 44mm Triple-Glazed Electronic Skylight
- 12mm Clay Pantiles
- 40mm Vertical battens | Ventilated Cavity
- 2mm Waterproof Membrane
- 18mm Bitumen Softboard
- 250mm Glulam Framed Bobtail Truss
- 75mm Glulam Ceiling Reinforcement
- 2mm Vapour Control Membrane
- 12mm White Reflective Plasterboard
Total approx: 450mm
2. Wall Structure
Construction Detail: Left to Right
- 112mm Brick Cladding | Brick Veneer
- 2mm Vapour Control Membrane
- 250mm Fibreglass Insulation | Wide Flange I-Beam
- 2mm Waterproof Membrane
- 50mm Ventilation Cavity
- 112mm External Brick Cladding
- 30mm Glulam Framed Clerestory Window
- 7mm Weatherguard Masonry Paint (clear)
- 100mm Flash Gutter | Drainage Tube
Total approx: 550mm
3. Floor Structure
Construction Detail: Top to Bottom
- 30mm Concrete Screed
- 200mm Fibreglass Insulation
- 2mm Vapour Control Membrane
- 250mm Perforated Steel I-Beam
- 12mm White Reflective Plasterboard
Total approx: 480mm
Construction Section 1:20 | Terrace Classroom Space:
Built upon a delicate yet durable steel frame structure, with Wide-Flange shaped I-Beams cladded with 112mm Brick Cladding/Veneer, then 50mm cavity, 200mm Fiberglass Insulation and another 112mm Brick Veneer finish. The walls then in turn fixate a series of skylights held together via Glulamframed Bobtail Trusses.
05.1
Playpod Sanctuary
The Bloomsway
Post-Pandemic | Haven for Wellbeing
The muse came in the form of art, specifically, the celebrated post-impressionistic works of French artist, Paul Cézanne. His paintings of Provence formed the basis of our narrative, reflecting the calming greenery and tranquil mountainous landscapes of his homeland. Through his art, we envisioned a design language that embodied elegance and playfulness—combining natural timber, green hues, curvaceous forms, and vertical elements inspired by trees.
At the heart of the solution lay the spatial arrangement and composition heavily inspired by the ‘building within a building’ concept. We developed private, semiprivate, and public spaces across the three levels of the apartment and a roof terrace, each smartly designed to cater to diverse activities and routines of each family member, while promoting connectivity and interaction through ingeniously crafted spatial elements such as staircase volumes.
Location: Tsuen Mun
Year-Out Team Project | August 2020 - November 2021 05
Bean Buro Works
The project was inspired by his depiction of the beautiful mountains and trees in the painting “ Alamy Mont Sainte-Victoire and the Viaduct of the Arc River Valley”. Muted greens and earthy tones were expressed vividly.
Final Iteration of Lower Ground Playpod
Integrated staircase perpindicular to the lower ground studypod was adjusted to better facilitate movement to the mezzanine, contrary to the previous ladder stepped approach. Fluted timber slats arrayed along the lacquered timber faces form a differed drum structure that informs sturdiness and elegance. Small window openings along the mezzanine enable lookouts into the lower ground terrace space, whilst the structural cabinets form the foundations to the connected carpark terrace.
Initial Concept and Formwork of Playpod
The design approach to the Micro-Building / Playpod was to extrude forms that would imitate the senses of stability and sturdiness, yet achieve the elegant and organic aesthetic similarly portayed in Cezanne’s paintings. Thus, while the bottom acts as structural support, large openings connect the grounded spaces with the external terrace greenery. While the above mezzanine space provides private sanctuary to both parents and children of the family.
05
Playpod Sanctuary
Initial Concept Axonometric
LGF Sequential Layout Iteration 1
Ground Floor Axonometric
GF Sequential Layout Iteration 1
Ground Floor Material Board & Axonometric:
Ground floor Living Room | Kitchen Space
1. Warm Cream Rendered Italian Plaster
2. Midnight Garden - Timber Veneer
Lower Ground Floor Material Board: Terrace into staircase carpark space
1. Warm Cream Rendered Italian Plaster
2. Midnight Garden - Timber Veneer
3. Light smoke Engineered Wood Panels.
4. Accoustic Partition Panels
5. Bolon Vinyl Floor Tiles
6. Internal Swing Set
7. Off-white paint
8. Copper metal trim
3. Light smoke Engineered Wood Panels.
4. Green/Brown Terrazzo Tiles
5. Smoke Grey - Timber Veneer
6. Muted Green Timber Slats
7. Green Marble
8. Copper metal trim
Developmental Sketches LG + G
The concept for the living room is to be fresh and airy. The stairwell and the main living room are textured with Italian Render Plaster, while the connected stairwell volume would be cladded in a series of vertical muted green Timber slats.
05.2
Mountain Residence
The Peak
Refined Hillside Residence
The house, nestled atop the mountain, aims to embody a refined and tasteful standard of luxurious living while adopting a subtle approach. The focus was on crafting elegance at its peak, showcasing the pinnacle of sophistication. The design aims to support the family’s appreciation for art and antiques, as well as their various entertainment and relaxation pursuits.
A central focus of the design revolves around the beautiful and sophisticated staircase, which connects the private areas located on the upper floor. These private spaces include a comfortable lounge for reading and enjoying tea, an entertainment room, and multiple bedrooms. Wellbeing was a key consideration throughout the design process.
Location: The Peak
05
Mountain Residence
Initial Concept Axonometric
Initial House Layout Proposal
Material Buildup | Space Orientation
A mixture of Travertine, Italian Rendered Plaster and Timber Veneer forms the basis of the Peak Residence’s safe haven. With a series of North facing terrace and sliding windows, the bedrooms and living lounge spaces are all orientated towards gentle openings.
1/F Living Room Lounge Space | Master Bedroom
A series of framed timber gateways form an elegant, yet subtle entrance way into the interconnected living spaces. Expandable/ Foldable timber panels envelope the central divide which unveils hidden pantry and piano spaces within the central Living Room Space. While recessed lighting and veneer doorways enable a clean divide between private and semi-public spaces within the 3-storey complex.
To enhance the ambience, the lighting design is warm and soothing, incorporating different lighting scenes to accommodate daytime and nighttime activities in each space.
05.3
Homage to Heritage
Hysan Development HQ
Post-Pandemic | Comfort | Hospitality
An innovative workplace design concept for Hysan’s headquarters, located in the prestigious Lee Garden One in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, epitomises the fusion of wellbeing, hospitality, and comfort to create a forward-thinking workspace. Striving to enhance employee experience and encourage collaboration, the design incorporates a variety of cutting-edge trends, while celebrating the rich history of Hong Kong and the developer’s heritage.
Upon entering the reception and boardroom, visitors are immediately captivated by the breath-taking views of Victoria Harbour. The strategic placement of these spaces amplifies the stunning panorama, leaving a lasting impression on guests.
The colour scheme throughout the headquarters features subtle hues and bespoke patterns that reflect the heritage of Hysan’s founder, honouring their history in Hong Kong.
Location: Lee Garden One Year-Out Team Project | January 2021 - May 2021
Panoramic Kitchen Studio - Bespoke Corner Dining Spaces
Taking advantage of the building’s triangular floor plan, the design skilfully transforms the corners of each floor into inviting social breakout spaces. A standout example is the blue-toned pantry, encompassing a triangular sharing table island that fosters collaboration. Seating arrangements in the pantry also allow occupants to delight in the picturesque views.
Compartmentalized Acoustic Meeting Booths
Hysan’s headquarters not only prioritises aesthetic and comfort, but also ensures sustainability and health-focused features. As a testament to these commitments, the project has achieved prestigious WELL Platinum and LEED Platinum accreditations One of the materials prominently used is a sustainable cork wall covering, which showcases unique, organic textures while providing acoustic absorption for quiet and focused work.