Art Loft Chai Wan

Art Loft Chai Wan
© Jonathan Maloney

ART LOFT CHAI WAN

Mass Operations

ARCHITECTS
Mass Operations

DESIGN TEAM
Viviano Villarreal-Buerón

PHOTOGRAPHS
Jonathan Maloney

GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Hung Limited

AREA
220.0 sqm

YEAR
2014

LOCATION
Chai Wan, Hong Kong

CATEGORY
Apartment Interiors

Text description provided by architect.

In a city that commands some of the highest per sq.ft rates for mostly underwhelming properties, industrial conversions are a popular and budget friendly option for those seeking more unique spaces, with higher floor to ceilings and more generous areas.

Art Loft Chai Wan
© Jonathan Maloney
Art Loft Chai Wan
© Jonathan Maloney

“The Art Loft” in Chai Wan is our 2nd loft in Hong Kong and builds upon the work done on our Ap Lei Chau “Bachelor’s Loft”.

Although the two lofts find themselves in completely different parts of the city, both districts are industrial zones and both projects are driven by an intention to generate better spaces than those available in the city’s residential neighborhoods.

Art Loft Chai Wan
© Jonathan Maloney
Art Loft Chai Wan
© Jonathan Maloney

The owner of the Chai Wan Loft is an art collector; as such his wish was to be able to display his art and book collection while also being able to entertain guests, in a spacious and comfortable setting, with views of the city.

A pragmatic layout plan uses a concrete dividing wall to separate the Living and Sleeping areas, the wall is left short of the ceiling allowing for ventilation and light to be shared between the spaces while maintaining privacy.

Art Loft Chai Wan
© Jonathan Maloney
Art Loft Chai Wan
© Jonathan Maloney

Opening and closing elements are used to hide and reveal spaces.

The catering kitchen can be opened or closed by large sliding partitions that double as blackboards creating a dynamic public living area, while the Bedroom uses a curtain to hide and reveal the wardrobe, drastically changing the character of the space from Bedroom, to Walk in Closet without sacrificing space for either.

Art Loft Chai Wan
© Jonathan Maloney
Art Loft Chai Wan
© Jonathan Maloney

A general approach of “industrial roughness” and adhoc strategies are used to maintain the quality of the –converted- space; scraped beams and columns reveal the structural concrete, exposed piping and machinery show the sense of urgency and perhaps temporality of the occupation of the space.

Art Loft Chai Wan
© Jonathan Maloney
Art Loft Chai Wan
© Jonathan Maloney


Art Loft Chai Wan
© Jonathan Maloney
Art Loft Chai Wan
© Jonathan Maloney
Art Loft Chai Wan
© Jonathan Maloney


Art Loft Chai Wan
© Jonathan Maloney
Art Loft Chai Wan
© Jonathan Maloney


Art Loft Chai Wan
Diagram
Art Loft Chai Wan
Diagram
Art Loft Chai Wan
Diagram


Art Loft Chai Wan
Floor Plan
Art Loft Chai Wan
Section