MODERN FAMILY
In a tranquil haven in the Mid-Levels, interior design firm Bean Buro meticulously weave versatility, warmth and sophistication for a young family
室內設計公司Bean Buro為年輕家庭交織溫暖精緻的半山安樂窩
設計公司Bean Buro為快當父母的屋主打造簡約靈活的安樂窩
Tastemakers familiar with Bean Buro’s interpretation of spatial design won’t be surprised to see a wealth of textures, sleek silhouettes and doses of refreshing modernity in sophisticated surrounds curated by the architecture and interiors practice. Tailored for a Swiss-Hong Kong couple with a baby on the way, this tranquil haven in a quiet Mid-Levels neighbourhood is no exception.
“Living in fast-paced cities like Hong Kong, it’s important for us to have a home where we can leave all the hustle and bustle far behind – a sanctuary to clear our minds and spend quality time with friends and family with minimal distractions,” expresses the husband. “We came across Bean Buro while researching interior design firms, and we knew right away that their architectural style very much corresponds with our taste and lifestyle.” He goes on to describe their first home together as “warm, peaceful and functional” – and the couple deliberately keeps electronics of all
品味之士相信定不會對Bean Buro擅長的空間設計感陌生。這間建築及室內設計工作室擅長利用不同質感、華美設計和清新現代格調打造精緻環境，他們最近為一對瑞士及香港夫婦打造的半山區寧靜住所也不例外。
「居於香港這樣生活節奏急促的城市裡，我們的確需要一個把繁忙拒諸門外的家園，讓我們整理思緒，在不受打擾的情況下跟家人好友共聚歡樂時光。」男屋主表示：「找尋室內設計室的過程中看到了Bean Buro的作品，當下已知道他們的建築風格跟我們的喜好和生活方式很相近。」夫妻形容他們的首個居所為「溫暖、和諧和多用途」，並特意不為客廳添置電器，讓Bean Buro的創辦人兼總監Kenny Kinugasa-Tsui和Lorène Faure盡情發揮獨特的設計意念。
kinds away from the living area. It was an intriguing brief for Kenny Kinugasa-Tsui and Lorène Faure, the founding directors of Bean Buro, to work with when weaving their meticulous design scheme.
“We looked into the history of this tong lau layout and realised the main viewing orientations were once very different,” says Kenny. “To frame the tranquil views outside, we moved the lounge and living spaces to the south to adapt to the new orientation.” The creative duo took it one step further by removing dead spaces such as an enclosed kitchen and two enclosed rooms to establish a seamless flow between the interiors and the great outdoors. “We opened up the kitchen
Kenny續說：「我們深入了解唐樓的歷史，發現座向景觀大不如前。為了把戶外優美的景色盡收屋內，我們把休息廳和客廳改為面向南方，配合新景觀。」設計師更拆掉原本死氣沉沉的空間，例如封閉廚房和兩個密封房間，在室內和戶外之間建起流暢過渡。Lorène指：「我們把廚房改為開放式，並加設延伸至主客廳的酒吧，一個多功能客房則設於休息廳對面，中間裝有活動式隔板，可隨時分隔或連繫兩個空間，再加上後方主人套房，格調頓見清新開揚。」
with a bar that extends to the main living area,” says Lorène. “A multifunctional guest room sits side by side with the lounge which could be separated or linked together with movable partitions. The result is an airy, open and generous space with the private master bedroom at the back.”
To accommodate the needs of the parents-to-be, Kenny and Lorène created a versatile lounge area. “Our design strategy was to future-proof the variety of functions that could happen in this room,” they explain. “By embedding a Murphy bed, bookcases, concealed wardrobes and shelves, partitions and blinds, the flexible space could become a baby room, a study and a guest room.” Another highlight of the home – the centralised sculptural green volume – serves much more than a storage purpose. “The accent structure forms a subtle dialogue with the greenery outside and establishes a calm identity as soon as you set foot in the entrance foyer, which comes with a recessed stone niche and a small fireplace,” says Lorène.
When asked about their favourite spot of the apartment, both homeowners and designers agree and profess without a doubt: “The elevated platform lined with long planters of peace lilies, where you can simply enjoy the street views, sip a good cup of coffee, exercise or read.” Indeed, the cosy wooden nook sets the perfect background for many more precious memories to come. //
有見屋主即將迎來新成員，Kenny和Lorène在休息區展示非凡的設計功力。「我們的策略是確保空間具備多功能性，以迎合未來不同需要。我們安裝了隱壁床、書架、衣櫃、儲物架、隔板和窗簾，增加空間在使用上的彈性，使之隨時化身成嬰兒房、書房或客房。」居所另一精彩之處就是中央的綠色結構；Lorène表示這設計不但可作儲物空間：「更能跟屋外的綠色環境形成緊密連繫，再加上石壁龕和小火爐，甫踏進屋內便能感受到寧靜宜人的氣氛。」
問到屋主和設計師最愛家中哪個空間時，雙方不約而同回答：「旁邊種滿漂亮白掌的木平台，可在這裡靜靜欣賞街景、細味咖啡、做運動或閱讀。」的確，這舒適空間成了家庭生活的理想背景，滿滿盛載屋主一家無數美麗回憶。//