Living Large
This Liquid Interiors-designed show flat in Clearwater Bay was created with the height of wellness and sustainability in mind. Liquid
When Rowena Gonzales, principal and founder of eco-friendly design firm Liquid Interiors, began work on this 1,730-square-foot show flat in Clearwater Bay, she was presented with a vision of a sustainably built home with wellness at the forefront, and a single photograph. “We had this one image of a tree hut with Moroccan sofas and a lot of curtains,” she said, recalling the client's African safari-inspired design concept.
The commission came from New World Development, aiming to create a collection of flats that would transform the city's approach to developing healthy residences. “When I met them and let them know what our ethos was—that we look at wellness and the environment—they really loved it,” said Gonzales. “They genuinely want to improve wellness standards and eco building standards in Hong Kong.”
Upon stepping into the flat, you're greeted with arresting views of the surrounding verdant landscape and plenty of indoor greenery to match. The colour palette is calming and materials are natural where possible. Think neutrals and warm, earthy tones with the occasional splash of colour. Furnishings are crafted from wood, often by hand. Upcycled pieces feature throughout the home too; the outdoor rugs, for instance, were created using recycled PET bottles.
Intended as a second home for an affluent family, the home comprises of a master and guest or grandparents' bedroom—both with ensuite bathrooms—and a children's room, in addition to the living and dining area, kitchen, and generous garden. “We often find that the guest bedroom is a secondary, not-so-nice room, but we really wanted to celebrate the concept of living with one's grandparents,” explained Gonzales, “so we gave them a really beautiful, hospitality-quality room.”
There's also the study, which is kitted out with a minimalist yet sleek workstation. “We assumed the people who live here might be
working from home for certain periods of time,” said Gonzales. It also serves as an exercise or meditation room, encouraging a healthy lifestyle. “It doesn't feel like a meditation space if your computer and books are all there, so we have roller blinds that come down and completely cover the workstation area [as needed],” added Gonzales. The Alexa smart home system ensures smooth usage of the home's technological functions.
The project ticks off all the boxes that Liquid Interiors is known for—non-toxic materials that adhere to LED and WELL building standards, air and water purification systems, circadian lighting that mimics the sun's rising and setting for better quality sleep—with a few new additions. Head into the kitchen and you'll find an indoor garden with its own self-regulated light and watering system. “Just press a button and it'll grow your leafy vegetables for you,” said Gonzales. “Often, it's not easy to grow indoor gardens in Hong Kong—it's too humid, or moulds easily if you don't have enough ventilation—so this is perfect. Growing your own veggies at home makes you more aware of your diet and how much greens you eat.”
The flat is situated in Mount Pavilia, a housing complex that complements the home's wellness and eco-friendly aspects perfectly: the estate features community gardens, including an aquaponic garden that grows vegetables, with a wind turbine perched on top of each of the residential towers.
“They really wanted to create their own style that brings eco and luxury together; there are natural elements, but it's not rustic,” said Gonzales. “This was really their experiment to see how far they could go.”
The project ticks all the boxes—nontoxic materials, air and water purification systems, circadian lighting for better quality sleep—with a few new additions.