Design - CREATING BETTER LIFESCAPES

Grand, Green Designs

webmaster@avalade.com — Tue, 18 May 2021 09:38:32 +0000

Kwun Tong, core to the Energizing Kowloon East and CBD² initiatives, is undergoing a major rejuvenation with a generous provision of public spaces, leisure areas, hip cafes and restaurants, and co-working spaces; in other words, it is becoming a modern urban space abuzz with interactions, dialogues and happenings. An integral component of this exciting urban redevelopment is Grand Central, a mixed-use project with excellent accessibility and a host of public facilities to look forward to.

Slated for completion in the second quarter of 2021, Grand Central provides 1,999 residential units over four towers atop a two-storey public transport interchange, as well as public spaces and a retail podium. Respected landscape architect Adrian L Norman has been engaged to bring an ‘urban wellness environment’ to life in the project’s outdoor space.

With two decades of landscape architecture experience, Adrian seeks to leverage design to connect humans with nature. ‘As designers, we look to see what’s important, what’s needed for society and what elements we can add to a project that might influence the way people use space,’ he explains. ‘There’s an innate sense within humans to connect to the natural environment, and we’re always striving to design for that.’

Accessibility is a key consideration, in terms of both enabling people to access the space from an established community and developing a new neighbourhood centre to which people feel strongly connected.

Adrian’s design for Grand Central encourages both residents and the public to enjoy the outdoor space and understand that this contributes to one’s improvement in health and wellness. ‘Our idea is to try and coach people to use outdoor space as much as possible, and to enjoy the beauty of the space,’ he elaborates, noting that Grand Central features more than 7,500 square metres of outdoor green space. To further this goal, his team has designed a 50-metre swimming pool and included elements like trees and lawn space so that residents ‘have a very large area to utilise for wellness and well-being’. Other outdoor activities are made possible with spaces such as barbecue areas, outdoor kitchens, herb gardens and children’s play areas.

With more than 400 trees planted for the project, Grand Central is a sight to behold in the urban environment, and its oasis-like nature also reduces the reliance on air conditioning. Adrian’s planting scheme, comprising ornamental trees that flower at different times of the year, allows for seasonal variation, and in the winter the deciduous trees allow for more light to penetrate the complex’s interiors.

Sustainability has been another key consideration from the project’s ideation through to completion, and Adrian says that the team ‘looked at innovative ways of developing the idea of sustainability’. These efforts culminated in a clubhouse replete with green features, such as wind turbines that power lighting, an automatic irrigation system to reduce water consumption and solar panels that harvest energy for phone charging, as well as paving and exercise equipment that can generate energy from people’s motions. All of these elements, Adrian says, ‘contribute to improving the sustainability of the development’; they are also set to make a mark on the urban fabric of Kwun Tong and Hong Kong.

Rendering of Grand Central Podium and Residential Clubhouse¹

Name of Street and Street Number of Phase I & Phase II of the Development: No.33 Hip Wo Street

District: Kwun Tong (South)

Website Address: www.grandcentral.hk#

The photographs, images, drawings or sketches shown in this advertisement / promotional material represent an artist’s impression of the development concerned only. They are not drawn to scale and / or may have been edited and processed with computerized imaging techniques. Prospective purchasers should make reference to the sales brochure for details of the Development. The Vendor also advises prospective purchasers to conduct an on-site visit for a better understanding of the development site, its surrounding environment and the public facilities nearby.

Date of Printing: 8 May 2021

¹The image is the rendering of Grand Central Podium and Residential Clubhouse. The image is not taken from the Development and has been processed with computerized imaging techniques. The layout, partitions, specifications, measurements, colours, materials, fittings, finishes, appliances, furniture, decorative items, plants, landscaping and other objects may not appear in the Development or its vicinity when the Development is completed. The renderings only show the general appearance of the Development and does not reflect the final appearance. The structures and surrounding environment of the Development have not been shown in the renderings or may be different from the reality. The renderings do not show the air conditioners, pipe ducts, and grilles on the external wall of the Development. This promotional material does not reflect the actual view or the external appearance of the Development. The vendor also advises prospective purchasers to conduct on-site visit for a better understanding of the development site, its surrounding environment and the public facilities nearby. The renderings and the information contained in the renderings are for references only. This promotional material shall not constitute any express or implied offer, representation, undertaking or warranty given by the Vendor. | Vendor: Urban Renewal Authority (“the Owner”) (as the legal or beneficial owner of the residential properties concerned in Phase I and Phase II of the Development), Union Score Investments Limited (“the person so engaged”) (as the person engaged by the Owner to coordinate and supervise the process of designing, planning, constructing, fitting out, completing and marketing Phase I and Phase II of the Development.) | Holding company of the vendor (Urban Renewal Authority): Not applicable | Holding company of the vendor (Union Score Investments Limited): Tsim Sha Tsui Properties Limited, Sino Land Company Limited, King Chance Development Limited and Power Elite Ventures Limited | Authorized Person for Phase I and Phase II of the Development: Tang Kwok Wah Owen (until 28 February 2019) , Chan Wing Che (from 1 March 2019) | The firm or corporation of which the Authorized Person for Phase I and Phase II of the Development is a proprietor, director or employee in his or her professional capacity: Wong Tung & Partners Limited | Building Contractor for Phase I and Phase II of the Development: CR Construction Company Limited | The firms of solicitors acting for the Owner in relation to the sale of residential properties in Phase I and Phase II of the Development: Mayer Brown, Woo Kwan Lee & Lo, King & Wood Mallesons, Chu & Lau and Sit, Fung, Kwong & Shum | Authorized institution that has made a loan or has undertaken to provide finance for the construction of Phase I of the Development: China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Limited (Note: the relevant undertaking has been cancelled) | Authorized institution that has made a loan or has undertaken to provide finance for the construction of Phase II of the Development: Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited (Note: the relevant undertaking has been cancelled) | Other person who has made a loan for the construction of Phase I and Phase II of the Development: King Chance Development Limited and Tycoon Fame Limited (Note: the relevant loan has been repaid) | Phase I of the Development comprises 2 residential towers with a total of 1,025 residential properties; Phase II of the Development comprises 2 residential towers with a total of 974 residential properties | This advertisement is published by the person so engaged with consent of the Owner.

#The address of the website designated by the Vendor for Phase I and Phase II of the Development for the purposes of Part 2 of the Residential Properties (First-hand Sales) Ordinance.

Prospective purchasers are advised to refer to sales brochures for any information of Phase I and Phase II of the Development. Please refer to the sales brochure for details.

The post Grand, Green Designs appeared first on CREATING BETTER LIFESCAPES.

Coastal Living with Wellness

webmaster@avalade.com — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 02:12:31 +0000

Research is increasingly showing how the built environment affects our well-being and productivity. And while many of us live in an urban, built environment, we inherently enjoy nature. For architects and designers, this presents an interesting challenge: creating an environment that provides city convenience while safeguarding our health and well-being.

These ideas have been gaining traction at a global level. The Global Wellness Institute, for example, has launched the Wellness Architecture Initiative, which for 2020 is focusing on the way design can enhance light and sleep, mitigate electromagnetic radiation, be more environmentally friendly and integrate ancient wellness principles such as feng shui in a modern way. And leading architects in Hong Kong are part of this new wave.

‘The wellness movement has grown significantly over the past decade,’ says Frank Leung, founder and principal of Hong Kong-based via. architecture. ‘For us, however, it has always been our ethos to create designs with the human experience at the forefront. We believe in building conversations between nature and the built environment to foster a wellness-oriented pace in a space.’

Creating balance is the key component. ‘We’ve always approached it from a holistic point of view,’ Leung adds. ‘Designing with wellness in mind is more than incorporating health and fitness components — it’s about achieving a sense of delight and a harmony that is in tune with all aspects of the modern life, from active to passive, from work to social.’

Nowhere is this more evident than in via.’s design for 133 Portofino, the first residential development in Hong Kong to achieve pre-certification under WELL v2, ⁵ the first international architectural benchmark focusing exclusively on human health and wellness to improve sustainability. Here, the conversation between nature and building is a core element. ‘The surrounding environment — whether you have access to nature or plenty of sunlight — is a deciding factor for crafting a wellness space,’ says Leung. ‘For 133 Portofino, I was inspired by the location, which is surrounded by verdant terrain and a unique crescent-shaped coastline with gorgeous sea views. This connection with nature became the starting point for our narrative.’

True to this idea, Leung and his team worked to integrate exterior and interior spaces — for example, in the design of the clubhouse, which blends the indoor with the outdoor to create a relaxing ambience. ‘Elements are drawn from the landscape, but also extend from within in a seamless and continuous manner,’ says Leung.

Interiors were also created to thoughtfully maximise the beautiful environment. ‘Many of the spaces are designed to frame surrounding views. The interior language emphasises a feeling of openness and horizontality, similar to a lavish seaside resort,’ says Leung. ‘And to match a soft palette inspired by nature, we placed a range of low-height furniture in a casual arrangement to give a leisurely mise-en-scène. We also used materials like iridescent glass tiles and earthy textures to evoke elements of the coast.’

What stands out about 133 Portofino is the spaces’ integration with their surroundings and with each other. Exterior to interior, natural to built, active to passive, work to social — as Leung says, ‘Wellness, to me, is all about creating balance.’

Name of Street and Street Number of the Development: No.133 Hong Kin Road

District: Sai Kung Town

Website Address: www.133portofino.com#

The photographs, images, drawings or sketches shown in this advertisement / promotional material represent an artist’s impression of the development concerned only. They are not drawn to scale and / or may have been edited and processed with computerized imaging techniques. Prospective purchasers should make reference to the sales brochure for details of the development. The Vendor also advises prospective purchasers to conduct an on-site visit for a better understanding of the development site, its surrounding environment and the public facilities nearby.

Vendor: Joy Rise Limited
Holding company of the vendor: Tsim Sha Tsui Properties Limited, Sino Land Company Limited, King Chance Development Limited, Modern Ace Investments Limited
Authorized Person for the Development: Choy Ka Hung The firm or corporation of which the Authorized Person the Development is a proprietor, director or employee in his or her professional capacity: SPIRAL Architectural Design Limited

Building Contractor for the Development: Wecon Construction & Engineering Limited
The firms of solicitors acting for the Owner in relation to the sale of residential properties in the Development: Woo Kwan Lee & Lo
Authorized institution that has made a loan or has undertaken to provide finance for the construction of the Development: China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Limited
Other person who has made a loan for the construction of the Development: Sing-Ho Finance Company Limited
The Development comprises 3 residential towers and 7 houses with a total of 33 residential properties
This advertisement is published by the Vendor or by another person with the consent of the Vendor

#The address of the website designated by the Vendor for the Development for the purposes of Part 2 of the Residential Properties (First-hand Sales) Ordinance. Prospective purchasers are advised to refer to the sales brochure for any information on the Development. Please refer to the sales brochure for details. This advertisement/ promotional material shall not constitute or be construed as the Vendor giving any offer, representation, undertaking or warranty, whether express or implied.

Printing date: 2 November 2020

¹The image comprises of a photograph taken on 24 Oct 2019 at the airspace of approximately 22 meters above the Development site and computer graphic of Unit A, 5/F, Tower 1 of 133 Portofino. It has been processed with computerized imaging techniques and represents the artist’s impression of the said residential property, the Development and its surroundings only and is for reference only. The layout, partitions, specifications, measurements, colours, materials, fittings, finishes, appliances, furniture, decorative items, plants, landscaping and other items hereof may not be shown in scale and/or appear in the said residential property, the Development or its vicinity when the Development is completed. Please refer to the sales brochure for details of the fittings, finishes and appliances. View of a unit is affected by its floor, orientation, level, surrounding buildings, facilities and environment, and may not be applicable to all residential properties in the Development. The environment, buildings and facilities surrounding the Development may change from time to time. The Vendor also advises prospective purchasers to conduct an on-site visit for a better understanding of the development site, its surrounding environment and the public facilities nearby. The image is for reference only and shall not constitute or be construed as the Vendor giving any offer, representation, undertaking or warranty, whether express or implied.

²This is an artist’s impression of CLUB CIRCOLO. The image was not taken at or from the Development or its nearby areas. It has been processed with computerized imaging techniques and represents the artist’s impression of the clubhouse and recreational facilities of the Development only and is for reference only. The recreational facilities, layout, partitions, specifications, measurements, colours, materials, fittings, finishes, appliances, furniture, decorative items, plants, landscaping and other items shown hereof may not appear in the Development or its vicinity when the Development is completed. The Vendor reserves the right to make alterations to the building plans of the Development from time to time. The surrounding environment, buildings and facilities of the Development may change from time to time. The image is for reference only and shall not constitute or be construed as the Vendor giving any offer, representation, undertaking or warranty whether expressed or implied. The Vendor also advises prospective purchasers to conduct an on-site visit for a better understanding of the development site, its surrounding environment and the public facilities nearby.

³This image was not taken at or from the Development nor its nearby areas. It has been processed with computerized imaging techniques and represents the artist’s impression of the clubhouse and recreational facilities of the Development only and is for reference only. Details after completion may be different from the information contained and are subject to the final plans approved by relevant government departments. The opening hours and operation of the facilities of the Development are subject to government’s approval, relevant laws, land grant, deed of mutual covenant, terms of use of the clubhouse and the situation of the environment. Upon the date of occupation of the Development, the facilities may not be immediately used and additional fees may be charged. The Vendor reserves the right to decide whether to make available any of the facilities and revise and change the design, specifications, features, plans, materials and use of the clubhouse/Development and all facilities upon handover of the residential properties of the Development without further notice. The names of the clubhouse and its facilities are yet to be confirmed and the names shown in this advertisement/promotional material are for promotion purpose only. Such names will not be shown on the agreements for sale and purchase, assignments or other deeds of the residential property. Nothing herein shall constitute or be construed as constituting any offer, promise, representation or warranty, whether express or implied.

⁴The image is not taken at or from the Development nor its nearby areas. It has been processed with computerized imaging techniques and represents the artist’s impression of the Development and its surroundings only and is for reference only. The layout, partitions, specifications, measurements, colours, materials, fittings, finishes, appliances, furniture, decorative items, plants, landscaping and other items shown hereof may not appear in the Development or its vicinity when the Development is completed. The image only shows the general appearance of the Development and does not illustrate or represent the final appearance of or view from any part of the Development upon completion. It does not show the air-conditioners, pipe ducts, grilles, etc. on the external wall of the Development. The vendor reserves the right to make alterations to the building plans of the Development from time to time. The surrounding buildings and environment of the Development may be simplified, may not be shown or may not be shown in scale. The surrounding environment, buildings and facilities of the Development may change from time to time. The image shall not constitute or be construed as the Vendor giving any offer, representation, undertaking or warranty whether expressed or implied. The Vendor also advises prospective purchasers to conduct an on-site visit for a better understanding of the development site, its surrounding environment and the public facilities nearby.

⁵For details, please refer to https://www.sino.com/tc/media-centre/press-release/2020/133-portofino-awarded-well-core-v2-pre-certification-in-recognition-of-features-and-practices-to-protect-health-and-well-being/

(Last Retrieval Date: 19 Jun 2020).

The post Coastal Living with Wellness appeared first on CREATING BETTER LIFESCAPES.

Continuing a Legacy

webmaster@avalade.com — Wed, 06 May 2020 08:26:06 +0000

The site is indeed legendary. It dates back to 1931, when the Kadoorie Family purchased a plot that would become home to a handful of low-rise houses. A decade later, the number of houses had risen, with the addition, too, of the old St. George’s Mansions beside the former CLP headquarters. In the years that followed, the enclave grew — an avenue of ornamental trees was planted, and the area began to attract affluent families who were charmed by the tranquil bougainvillea-lined streets and drawn to the area’s low density and the architectural integrity of its historic houses.

The appeal of Kadoorie Avenue remains today, as do many of the families who still live there decades on, their residences now family legacies. However, new developments — particularly those that reference the heritage of the area — are rare, which is what makes the new St. George’s Mansions so distinctive.

Located on the site of the legendary old St. George’s Mansions, which was named by Sir Elly Kadoorie in the 1930s, the new development is a rare addition to Kadoorie Avenue. This sense of rarity and value is embodied in the design. An abundance of beige Gascogne limestone³, so soft in tone that it almost glows with sunlit warmth, is reminiscent of the off-white walls of the villas that surround the new property. Punched windows³ add to an aesthetic that takes inspiration from the past.

The location in the ‘heart’ of Kadoorie Hill is a serene oasis, in which St. George’s Mansions, comprising three connected towers offering 175 residences in total, stands. The vision for the project is to create something that draws on the heritage of the site, emphasising the highest quality of design and materials in order to build on and ensure a future for its legacy. That’s where the team at New York-based Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) came in.

New York-based Robert A. M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) was responsible for the design of St. George’s Mansions, a new development by CLP Group and Sino Land that pays tribute to the history of Kadoorie Hill in 175 stunning luxury residences

‘The elegant design, together with the reﬁned details and quality craftsmanship, carry forward the best architectural traditions of Kadoorie Hill.’

‘During the process, we drew reference from the past, stepping back to move forward and really understand what other architects have done before us, so we can speak the same language, reinterpreting architectural elements from the past in ways that give continuity. We’ve created a new take on these ideas to create a 21^st-century building,’ explains Grant Marani, partner at RAMSA.

The result is a trio of buildings that brings Kadoorie Hill’s past into the modern day. ‘We like to create a meaningful dialogue with the architecture of the neighbourhood and of the place,’ says Marani.

This is best reﬂected in the property’s two facades. While St. George’s Mansions stands out with its height and scale, the towers’ facades reﬂect the two sides of the neighbourhood. One faces Kadoorie Avenue and is designed to blend in with its setting, reﬂecting the proportions, scales, textures and horizontality, while the other brings a sense of modernism, with a larger scale and vertical components that echo the more urban setting.

Heritage elements are reﬂected in the new project too. Take, for example, the hooded windows³ of the original villas. ‘Over many of the windows we’ve introduced this element into our design to offer sun protection, but this detail also gives a nod to the architecture of the Kadoorie Hill houses to tie the two together. The new building and surrounding houses share common elements that make them one family,’ remarks Marani.

The design team also aimed to embody modern notions of luxury. ‘Part of what makes this project so unique and classy is the use of rich and authentic materials,’³ says Bina Bhattacharyya, associate partner at RAMSA. ‘The elegant design, together with the reﬁned details and quality craftsmanship, carry forward the best architectural traditions of Kadoorie Hill.’³

It’s this attentive and reﬁned approach that will see the new homes passed from generation to generation, much like the existing houses. As Bhattacharyya says, ‘We put a lot of thought into every aspect of the design to imbue it with a sense of place and permanence.’

Name of Street and Street Number of the Development: 24A Kadoorie Avenue^

District: Ho Man Tin

Website Address: www.stgeorgesmansions.hk#

The photographs, images, drawings or sketches shown in this advertisement / promotional material represent an artist’s impression of the Development concerned only. They are not drawn to scale and / or may have been edited and processed with computerized imaging techniques. Prospective purchasers should make reference to the sales brochure for details of the Development. The Vendor also advises prospective purchasers to conduct an on-site visit for a better understanding of the development site, its surrounding environment and the public facilities nearby.

This advertisement / promotional material shall not constitute or be construed as giving any offer, representation, undertaking or warranty whether express or implied by the Vendor.

Please refer to the sales brochure for details.

Vendor: CLP Property Investment Limited (as “Owner”); Paciﬁc Shine Limited (as “Person so engaged”) (Notes: “Owner” means the legal or beneﬁcial owner of the Development. “Person so engaged” means the person who is engaged by the Owner to co-ordinate and supervise the process of designing, planning, constructing, fitting out, completing and marketing the Development.). Holding companies of the Vendor (Owner): CLP Properties Limited and CLP Holdings Limited. Holding companies of the Vendor (Person so engaged): Tsim Sha Tsui Properties Limited, Sino Land Company Limited, King Chance Development Limited and World Focus Development Limited. Authorised Person for the Development: Cheng Yan Ying Grace. The ﬁrm or corporation of which an Authorised Person for the Development is a proprietor, director or employee in his or her professional capacity: AGC Design Limited. Building Contractor for the Development: Gammon Engineering & Construction Company Limited. The ﬁrms of solicitors acting for the Owner in relation to the sale of residential properties in the Development: Mayer Brown and Woo Kwan Lee & Lo. Authorised institution that has made a loan or has undertaken to provide ﬁnance for the construction of the Development: China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Limited. Any other person who has made a loan for the construction of the Development: King Chance Development Limited. The estimated material date for the Development to the best of the Vendor’s knowledge: 31 August 2022 (“Material Date” means the date on which the conditions of the land grant are complied with in respect of the Development. The estimated material date is provided by the Authorised Person for the Development. The estimated material date is subject to any extension of time that is permitted under the agreement for sale and purchase.)

Prospective purchasers are advised to refer to the sales brochure for any information on the Development.

^ The provisional street number is subject to conﬁrmation when the Development is completed.
# The address of the website designated by the Vendor for the Development for the purposes of Part 2 of the Residential Properties (First-hand Sales) Ordinance.

This advertisement is published by the Vendor or is published with its consent.

Date of printing: 25 September 2020

¹The image comprises computer edited and processed images of the surrounding environment of the Development which were taken at the height of approximately 65 metres above the Development site on 29 April 2019 and computer graphic of the Development. Furniture, decorative items, lights, gardening, plants and trees are not standard provisions and will not be included in the actual ﬂat. Please refer to the sales brochure for details of the ﬁttings, ﬁnishes and appliances. The image represents an artist’s impression and is for reference only. It is not for the purpose of displaying the ﬁnal appearance of the Development or any part thereof upon completion nor the view from any part of the Development. The surrounding environment, buildings, facilities or environment of the Development may change from time to time. The image shall not constitute or be construed as giving any offer, representation, undertaking or warranty, whether express or implied by the Vendor. Copyright © DBOX

²The image comprises a photograph taken on 29 April 2019 in the vicinity of the Development and computer graphic of the Development and surrounding environment of the Development. The image has been edited and processed with computerised imaging techniques and is for reference only. The image is not for the purpose of displaying the final appearance of the Development or any part thereof upon completion nor the view from any part of the Development. The surrounding environment, buildings, facilities or environment of the Development may change from time to time. Copyright © DBOX

³All (if any) design, layout, architecture, material, ﬁnishes, colourings, etc. are mentioned in this advertisement for reference only and may not be present at the Development or in its vicinity. For details, please refer to the sales brochure

⁴The image is edited and processed with computerised imaging techniques and represents an artist’s impression only. The image does not represent the actual view of or from the Development or the actual condition or appearance of any part of the Development and is for reference only. The surrounding environment, buildings, facilities or environment of the Development may change from time to time. The Vendor also reserves the right to modify the Development and any part thereof in accordance with the latest building plans approved by the relevant government authorities. Air-conditioning units, pipes, grilles or other facilities which may exist on the external walls of the Development are omitted. All (if any) design, layout, architecture, ﬁttings, material, ﬁnishes, appliances, furniture, art piece, lighting, equipment, facilities, colouring, gardening, landscapes, plants, trees, etc. are only displayed in this advertisement for reference only and may not be present at the Development or in its vicinity. The image shall not constitute or be construed as giving any offer, representation, undertaking or warranty, whether express or implied by the Vendor. Copyright © DBOX

The post Continuing a Legacy appeared first on CREATING BETTER LIFESCAPES.

Design - CREATING BETTER LIFESCAPES

Grand, Green Designs

Coastal Living with Wellness

Continuing a Legacy

‘The elegant design, together with the reﬁned details and quality craftsmanship, carry forward the best architectural traditions of Kadoorie Hill.’ ​

‘The elegant design, together with the reﬁned details and quality craftsmanship, carry forward the best architectural traditions of Kadoorie Hill.’