We were tasked with designing a home that would not only fulfil the practical needs of a four-member family in Hong Kong but, crucially, would serve as a haven for mental health and wellbeing post-pandemic. We sought to create an environment that harnesses of the power of playful design and soothing colours to facilitate harmony and elevated mood for this family in this residence of three floors.

Our 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.

In our process, we held intensive design workshops, engaging the clients in generating creative, health-conscious, and environmentally responsible ideas relevant to their daily routines. We encouraged them to think creatively beyond the initial brief, resulting in a wish-list of functional spaces - from a comfortable lounge for receiving guests to diverse children's activity areas.

The spatial arrangement and composition were heavily inspired by the 'building within a building' concept. We developed private, semi-private, and public spaces across the three levels of the apartment and a roof terrace, to cater to diverse activities and routines of each family member, while promoting connectivity and interaction.

The materials, colour scheme and textures were meticulously selected to reflect our calming natural aesthetic. Neutral elements of timber, light beige textured paint and nodes of green accents were woven into custom furniture and other design elements. We placed a high priority on durability and functionality, as seen in the use of colourful terrazzo flooring in the kitchen and entrance area.

Understanding that lighting, acoustics, and material selection can heavily impact one’s mental state, we took special care to address these components. Our designs incorporated highly efficient acoustic partitions, an array of varied lighting conditions, and a careful consideration of colour temperature. These elements worked in harmony to create diverse atmospheres suitable to the varied preferences and activities of different family members, while fostering an overall soothing and comfortable home environment.

The defining challenge was encapsulated not just in solving spatial intricacies to meet the diverse needs of the family, but in creating a healing environment for mental health recovery in a post-pandemic era. Through key creative choices, empathetic engagement, and a collaborative design process, we were able to successfully create a home that met all functional requirements, while also delivering flexibility, transformation, and coherence for the years to come.