Latest news with #biophilic
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- South China Morning Post
Wood may just be the next ‘quiet luxury' trend for Hong Kong homes
Building with wood is as much about feelings as aesthetics. Upcycled trees are warm to the touch, pleasant on the nose and, as a biophilic material, psychologically soothing. Advertisement Hong Kong might be bucking a global movement back to timber construction, but inside their concrete towers, some residents are finding that designing with wood transports them to a place of calm. Professional musician Kelvin Leung became so attached to his alma mater, King's College, in Sai Ying Pun , that he had his wedding photos shot there. Not only that but the wooden walls inside the boys' school, a classical declared monument built in 1926, informed the design of his Tai Wai home. Like the rest of Leung's apartment, the bedroom favours rich timber hues for a British colonial touch. Photo: courtesy Win Key Workshop 'In my first year of secondary school, when teachers taught us about the architecture of the building, I was not very interested,' says Leung, a chromatic harmonica player. 'Over time, I started to enjoy the atmosphere around me, which felt warm and cosy. I thought those vintage interior elements would be nice to have in my own apartment.' In his client's preferences, Vincent Leung Tsz-chun, Win Key Workshop's interior designer and project manager, detected a British gentleman's club sensibility. Although this design genre called for dark wood, rather than the lighter, Nordic-style timbers dominant in Hong Kong, Win Key's design made it work. It might even herald a trend , says Leung, who senses a shift back to the depth of classic timbers such as mahogany and walnut, alongside a growing appetite for 'quiet luxury' and appreciation of heritage. In the two-bedroom, two-bathroom 840 sq ft flat, vintage-inspired patterned floor tiles are complemented by walnut wainscoting and a walnut ceiling, the deep chocolate wood tones and ruby ceramics imbuing, Leung says, 'warmth and character with a colonial touch'. 'The colour of this timber also works well with the sunlight coming into the apartment's windows from different directions,' says Studio Adjective's Wilson Lee of this Parkview home. Photo: courtesy Studio Adjective The use of veneer, rather than solid wood, balances sustainability with sensibility, he continues, and avoids vulnerability to expansion and contraction as humidity levels rise and fall. 'Wanting the visitor to feel the richness of the decor, but without the heaviness, we layered the entranceway with floor and ceiling lighting,' he says.
South China Morning Post
07-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Pan Pacific Orchard isn't just a Singapore landmark – the Woha Architects-designed hotel harnesses nature and sustainability to offer a true haven of tranquillity in the heart of the city
Since its opening in mid-2023, Pan Pacific Orchard has become one of Singapore's most photographed buildings. It's not unusual to see tourists stop in their tracks as they walk along buzzy Orchard Road – Singapore's main shopping thoroughfare – to take photos of the imposing structure. The brainchild of Singapore-based firm Woha Architects, which is also behind properties such as Bali's stunning Alila Villas Uluwatu and Singapore's Park Royal on Pickering, Pan Pacific Orchard was conceived to adhere to the principles of biophilic design. The concept involves bringing natural elements into human-built environments to promote mindfulness and well-being in a harmonious combination of natural and built spaces. The building housing Pan Pacific Orchard was conceived according to the principles of biophilic architecture. Photo: Darren Soh Advertisement You just have to look at the exterior of the hotel to get an idea of how this works: four terraces – each meant to represent Singapore's microclimates and ecosystems – anchor the building, creating different environments for guests to experience. The Forest Terrace echoes Singapore's rainforests and the Beach Terrace its coastal landscape. The Garden Terrace is a nod to Singapore's lush greenery, while the Cloud Terrace pays homage to its modern skyline. Lest you think these concepts are only gimmicky design flourishes, the property is also serious about sustainability: more than 14,000 square metres of the property are made of greenery; rainwater is harvested and used in irrigation systems; 360 photovoltaic panels help generate energy; and food waste is transformed into cleaning water. Views of Singapore's skyline from one of Pan Pacific Orchard's balconies. Photo: Handout Meant as an urban oasis and a haven of tranquillity in the heart of Singapore's happening shopping district, the hotel attracts a good number of visitors, including families, who enjoy facilities such as the popular lagoon-style pool, not to mention its buzzy eateries, including Mosella, which offers a delightful Mediterranean menu. More casual Pacific Breeze is a great spot for a drink or local fare such as chicken rice and laksa. Beef rendang with pandan nasi lemak from Pacific Breeze. Photo: Handout The accommodations, however, are real cocoons of calm. Make sure to book one of the balcony rooms or suites. The property's open-air terraces, furnished with comfy sofa lounges, are great spots to relax after a day exploring the city in the heat. Staying true to the hotel's sustainability efforts, each room comes with drinking water fountains and glass bottles, while bathroom amenities are courtesy of Jo Loves, the brand founded by beauty maven Jo Malone after leaving her eponymous company. Pan Pacific Orchard's Garden Terrace is meant to evoke Singapore's lush greenery. Photo: Darren Soh Singapore – especially the area surrounding Orchard Road – offers its fair share of luxury accommodation, but if you're looking for a unique experience that combines striking design, an unbeatable location and all the perks of high-end living, this recent addition to the city's hospitality scene should be top of your list when planning your next getaway to the Lion City.
