遗产大厦 / 传统宅邸丨中国香港丨Bagua+Bhava

Architect：Bagua+Bhava

Location：18 Stubbs Road, Hong Kong; | ;View Map

Project Year：2024

Category：Apartments

Heritage holds different meanings for everyone. It is not merely the legacy of the past but also the continuation of family, culture, and values—a thread that binds generations together. The phrase “The flourishing legacy nurtures countless generations, the fire passed on lets descendants bask in the spring breeze” reflects the enduring spirit and history of a family, akin to a gentle spring wind that nourishes lives and dreams across generations.

“The flourishing legacy nurtures countless generations, the fire passed on lets descendants bask in the spring breeze”

In the first half of the 20th century, Shanghai rose to prominence as the leading metropolis of the Far East, renowned for its prosperity and innovation. It became a melting pot where Eastern and Western cultures converged. The city attracted numerous foreign residents and architects, who combined Western architectural principles with Chinese traditions, giving birth to the distinctive “Haipai” architectural style. From the elegance of the European Renaissance to the simplicity of modernism and the grandeur of Art Deco, these styles intertwined to form Shanghai’s unique urban fabric. Notably, in the 1930s, Shanghai’s apartments often featured terrazzo and mosaic decorations, showcasing stunning artistic beauty and creating an irreplaceable urban memory.

The owners of this grand residence are a couple from Shanghai with two children. After retiring, they moved to Hong Kong, hoping to enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life. The couple owns a historically significant old mansion in Shanghai, and they wish to carry the charm and spirit of this Republican-era architecture into their new home in Hong Kong. They intend for this residence to serve as a cherished family heritage to be passed down to their children, ensuring that the emotions and memories endure across generations.

We aim to infuse this home with an artistic and cultural atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from Shanghai’s rich history and culture, we delved into its theatrical traditions, architectural styles, and unique way of life. These elements are seamlessly integrated into the design through a modern lens. This approach not only reflects the couple’s life experiences but also showcases their deep love for culture.

Before entering the grand residence, the unit features a private elevator lobby that has been meticulously designed to be both functional and imbued with a sense of sophistication. This space not only offers practical amenities such as seating for waiting, storage solutions, and a designated area for changing shoes but also emphasizes the overall ambiance, blending utility with style. To achieve an elevated aesthetic, we carefully selected materials including mirrors, marble, refined wallpaper, and wooden textures, which together create an atmosphere of understated luxury; this is further complemented by elegantly crafted table lamps and wall sconces that evoke the charm of a bygone era, reminiscent of the grandeur of old mansions. As guests pause here before entering the residence, they are greeted by a space that exudes comfort and hospitality, setting the tone for the experience that awaits beyond the main door.

Upon stepping into the residence through its grand entrance, one is immediately struck by a design that sets itself apart from the typical residential styles commonly found in Hong Kong; it draws inspiration from the iconic elements of old Shanghai mansions, reinterpreted to suit contemporary living. Central to the home is a small vestibule, thoughtfully crafted as a transitional space, which features a partition of glass and copper mirrors that lends both definition and openness to the area. At the heart of this vestibule stands an antique round table adorned with lush greenery, creating a striking visual that embodies the symmetry and elegance often associated with traditional design. At the far end, two chairs are placed to provide casual seating, completing the space as a prelude to the formal living room; this vestibule, much like the foyers of historic Shanghai residences, serves as a ceremonial passageway, imbuing a sense of heritage and refinement before one fully enters the home.

As one moves through this Hong Kong residence, the layout unfolds with a deliberate separation of functional areas; through the central vestibule, the home is divided into two distinct wings. To the left lies the primary communal space, which encompasses the living and dining areas, designed to accommodate family gatherings as well as hosting guests in a warm and inviting environment. In contrast, the right-wing houses the more private quarters, which include the study belonging to the master of the house, the son’s bedroom, and a smaller salon; this arrangement ensures that the diverse needs of family life are met with a harmonious balance between openness and privacy, creating a living environment that seamlessly integrates these contrasting yet complementary aspects.

Although the master of the house has retired, he still manages some business affairs. To cater to this need, we designed a dedicated salon on the right side of the vestibule. This space is both minimalist and refined, featuring a Chinese-style screen and a compact wine cabinet, offering the master a private area to meet guests. Here, he can enjoy wine and discuss business matters without interrupting the activities of the lady of the house and the children in the living room. This salon serves as a sanctuary for the master and his guests, while the vestibule cleverly separates the living room and the salon, creating two distinct functional areas tailored to meet the varied lifestyle needs of family members. Within the salon, the contrast between a simple glass partition and the intricate Chinese antique screen reflects a blend of traditional charm and modern minimalism.

Opposite this, on the left side, is the living room—the heart of family life. This is where the family gathers to converse and bond, sharing daily stories and deepening connections. The living room houses a display cabinet showcasing antique ornaments collected during their travels, serving as a unique cultural emblem of the home. The seating area is a harmonious mix of furniture styles: mid-century lamps and console tables coexist with modern lounge chairs and antique coffee tables. This eclectic blend of elements from various periods infuses the space with a distinctive artistic ambiance. The black-and-white checker pattern of the rug pays homage to the marble flooring found in old Shanghai mansions, while its warm materials offer a nostalgic yet contemporary touch. The addition of art pieces and sculptures further enhances the cultural atmosphere, presenting a space that embodies sophistication and heritage.

Adjacent to the living room is the dining area, a place where the family comes together to share meals and moments. For this residence, we designed a dining room with a symmetrical layout, symbolizing unity and a sense of occasion. Beyond being a space for dining, it holds the significance of bringing family members together to exchange stories and celebrate their shared lives. To emphasize elegance and grace, we incorporated premium wallpaper, fluted glass doors separating the kitchen, and coffered ceiling details that echo the architectural essence of bygone eras. Next to the dining room, a marble staircase leads to the second floor. But before venturing upstairs, let us return to the salon for a closer look.

Beyond the living room, vestibule, and salon lies a hallway that connects the master’s study and the son’s bedroom. The master of the house spends time daily in his study, engaging in activities such as painting, reading, or handling light work. To enhance the space, we designed a modern fireplace to bring warmth and comfort. The walls feature artwork and the master’s cherished decorative pieces, shaping a space that reflects his tastes and offers a cosy retreat.

The son’s bedroom, in contrast, adopts a minimalist style, with square forms as the central design element. Square partitions, headboards, ceiling patterns, and furniture materials all align with this cohesive design language. To evoke a sense of nostalgia, we also incorporated old-style columns reminiscent of historic Shanghai mansions. This creates a space that is both functional and rich with historical character.

Now, we return to the living and dining areas and ascend the marble staircase to the second floor. The first sight upon reaching the upper level is a small foyer. To the left is a compact bar, designed as a space for enjoying music and fostering deep conversations with family and friends. To the right is a long hallway that leads to the master bedroom and the daughter’s room. This hallway is inspired by the design of Republican-era Shanghai mansions. Beyond its functional role as a passage, it serves as a gallery for showcasing art and collectibles. The use of old-style columns, combined with soft lighting and an elegant carpet, successfully recreates the classic charm of historic Shanghai homes.

Before entering the master bedroom, one passes through a small sitting area, which also serves as the lady of the house’s study. As a fashion magazine editor, she frequently works in this tranquil space on the second floor. We carefully selected practical and stylish furniture to create a serene and focused work environment, perfectly suited to her professional needs.

Finally, we arrive at the master bedroom. The design centres on natural and floral elements, reflecting the lady of the house’s deep appreciation for plants and flowers. The focal point is the headboard wall, adorned with forest green wallpaper, flanked by symmetrical screens, floor lamps, and wall sconces. These features create an ambiance that is both elegant and cosy. The lighting design of the wall and floor lamps adjusts with the time of day, bringing dynamic moods to the room. Adding a personal touch, a floral artwork cherished by the lady of the house is displayed prominently on the wall, further enhancing the room’s unique character. The design emphasizes wooden elements and a green palette, paired with minimalist furniture, creating a private sanctuary that exudes both sophistication and historical charm.

The master bedroom’s bathroom adopts an open-concept layout. It features a black-and-white marble floor and a European-style chaise longue bathtub, evoking the luxurious feel of a five-star hotel. The mirrored vanity design reflects natural sunlight into the room, making the space bright and airy. This bathroom serves not only as a functional area but also as an ideal retreat for relaxation, offering a perfect escape from the day’s fatigue.

Every detail of this residence has been meticulously considered to strike the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics. We hope this home becomes a warm haven for the family to share life’s moments and host friends, while also symbolizing the continuation of their life story and the beginning of new chapters. This is not just a house but a vessel for cultural heritage and personal memories.

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