Central Park Residential flat

Abstract display of boxes on the connecting wall for the 2 levels, with a solid and transparent parapet wall.

Project details

• Project Name: Central Park Residential flat
• Client: Hongkong Land Ltd
• Project Type: Residential
• Principal Designer/s: Arthur Chan
• Design Team: Willie Wu
• Date of commencement of project: 2005
• Date of completion of project: 2006
• Location of site: Beijing
• Site Area: 110 sqm
• Built-up Area: 110sqm
• Cost of Construction/Execution: US $ 100,000

Looking from the upper level to the dining and sitting area.

Words from the Designer

This is a 1100 sq ft duplex demo-flat of a total 10,000,000 sq ft residential development in the central hub of the CBD area of nowadays Beijing. CCTV headquarters by Rem Koohlaas, Intercontinental hotel, China world trade centre by SOM are all located in the vicinity.

The design concept is 2 C and 2 I. 2C is communication and coexistence, 2 I is independent and interactive.

In a small duplex, each function should be clearly defined to bring out its own character. Additionally, a coherent environment should be achieved to ensure all the elements coexist in a harmonious way. An interactive spatial arrangement to encourage communication among them is the backbone of the whole design

Looking from the bedroom to the void area.

The void and the staircase provide a vertical connection between the 2 levels. A linear and rectangular language is expressed throughout the whole duplex- the wall, parapet, handrail, light trough, display rack etc. This is the hidden code, programming the design.

Chic furniture and lighting accentuate the character of individual spaces, and fulfill its particular functional need - "Independent soul".

Small square-shaped-display-boxes bring about an artistic rebirth of the ordinary wall, and provide a communication channel between the 2 levels. (Also breaking up the large scale of the wall) - "Artistic communication".

Linear pattern sliding glazing panel minimizes separation of the bedroom to the adjacent study area.

The whole area is an open space with minimum separation. There is only a sliding patterned glass door for the master bedroom. The blurred boundaries enhance the interactive and multi-functional possibilities (interactive mode)

Light-colored, transparent and homogenous materials are used throughout the design. Namely, white corian, mirrors, transparent and patterned glass, stainless steel and Perspex. Light maple floor and white emulsion paint act as the base blending materials.

Sitting room corner looking out onto the white bar counter which fuses with the dining table.

Glass and Perspex allow interaction and communication horizontally and vertically between the 2 levels, and help decrease the minimum degree of separation.

The curving dining table with infill mirror to reflect the surrounding space.

In the kitchen and dining area, an extension table from the kitchen cabinet can have trio tuning. It can be an extension to the food preparation table during a party. It can be a romantic dining table for 2. It can also be a breakfast area for 4 people.

Credits

• Text by Arthur Chan
• Photographs by Arthur Chan and Diamond Chan, Courtesy of DPWT Design Ltd.