The Village House

Sometimes in life there are things that are so obvious that you might never notice they exist. Such is the case with the Village House in Clear Water Bay Hong Kong.
This multi level dwelling in a prime sea view location is a perfect blend of classical Chinese architecture combined with modern day living.Sometimes in life there are things that are so obvious that you might never notice they exist. Such is the case with the Village House in Clear Water Bay Hong Kong. This multi level dwelling in a prime sea view location is a perfect blend of classical Chinese architecture combined with modern day living.
Exquisite timber works sourced in Thailand and built by highly skilled Thai Craftsman break up many subtle variations of grey throughout the exterior, the balustrade with ornate Chinese carvings frame the balconies. Such elements, combined with perfectly proportioned windows and doors, compose a traditional looking Chinese home. There were many challenges that arose through designing this home – one being the maximisation of windows to capture the views but to still allow enough wall space for paintings. The challenge of working with low ceiling spaces was common in Hong Kong due to regulations and limitations of space. Although an air conditioning system has been installed, it wasn’t a necessity as the Design team at WOLF worked toward accommodating great natural ventilation throughout the entire home by taking advantage of the weather conditions in the area. While the architecture sets itself clearly apart from all other buildings, the Architects at WOLF ensured it does not make the house look out of place within its lush green context. In reality, the darker earthy colours, tones and natural material pallet enable the home to blend effortlessly into the forest surroundings.
Within is a five bedroom home with all the creature comforts of modern day living, including a butlers kitchen and maids quarters. With Gaggenau kitchen appliances, the home demonstrates a no expenses spared approach. While the home undoubtedly feels luxurious, the materials and colours are restricted to just black and white with wood works throughout to add warmth .
The design team strived to achieve a build finish that lived up to international standards. The WOLF team certified that many of the materials and fittings were sourced or fabricated overseas and specially imported. Much of the woodwork however was fabricated in Thailand as they are known to have the most skilled wood workers in Asia. Only through the resourcefulness of the designers at WOLF Architects to source from throughout Asia, did the home gain i t ‘s greatest edge.
What makes this house incredible is the exceptional superiority of the finishes, especially when compared to other luxury homes in Hong Kong. Beyond the design stage, WOLF Architects assisted the client throughout the construction phase as well, ensuring all procedures resulted in the highest standard .
Why no one has thought to create a modern home in Hong Kong that respects its Chinese heritage is a mystery, and this house exhibits that such an attempt can be made successful. While it takes on and interprets elements of Chinese housing legacies through modern eyes, it appears that there is nothing else quite like the Village House.