Rejecting ‘standard’ luxury stones and materials, the client opted for acid etched poured concrete counters, dark stained woods, wrought iron mesh, heavy patina and visible signs of structure. A catalogue of the client’s Asian antique furniture was created in which the interior architecture would exhibit: Birdcages, apothecary cabinetry, desks, a raw edged tea table, benches, chairs, vases, sculptures and wall art. A specialized light grid accommodated each specific piece.

In the private areas, the clients asked for a shadowed, intensely private space, strict control of natural lighting is achieved with limited openings and architectural overhangs creating a moody space with peeking moments of natural light. This need for a heavy control of light is mapped through SOL analysis and openings were strategically placed accordingly. Textured semi-transparent bone tinted linen curtains complete the mood, tailored extra-long and inset within the ceilings cove perimeter as a classic touch and to conceal the contemporary mesh roller blinds.

A neutral toned book matched Walnut Veneer casework brings architectural warmth to the spaces meanwhile lending its natural ‘purple’ tone necessary coordinate with the crimson red ‘Hongmu’. Custom welded satin black metal panels ‘passages’ transition between spaces and zones. Featureless baseboards and mouldings apply their techtonic qualities in a minimalist fashion, bringing depth, while significantly reducing building cost.