With a highly sculptural building profile, all eight houses in this residential development enjoy spectacular views of the Bay, one of the city’s most famous beaches. This fluid design by Cary Lau is inspired by the water; the curves are a motif synonymous with sea waves, creating ever-changing perspectives from different viewing angles. The cascading dispositions of houses ensure residents acquire sweeping views of Repulse Bay. Besides aesthetic merits, Lau’s efforts in prioritizing an energy-saving architectural creation are rewarded, having carefulyl selected the project materials thereby reducing any potentially harmful impact on the environment.
Repulse Bay is among one of the most luxurious residential areas in Hong Kong. Backed by mountains, Pulsa is steeply sloped with a spectacular sea view of the Bay. Eight houses are arranged into two tiers to optimize sea views and minimize any disturbances to the natural slope.
When the architecture is integrated with the natural surroundings and even becomes an integral part, any damage to the environment is minimized.
C. Lau, Aedas Executive Director.
Lau therefore has constructed an area where visitors and residents embrace with nature. Surrounded by lush landscapes, the design motif of Pulsa is inspired by sea waves. Different floor area, layout, building profile and materials have been adopted, bestowing each house a unique identity in a coherent statement. Facades of houses create diffractions and reflections, creating ever-changing perspectives from different viewing angles, to surround residents by the natural beauty of the Bay.
Located on a slope of approximately 40°, the plot is originally in irregular geometric shapes. Not-for-development areas need to be reserved as required by regulations, to provide a reasonable buffer between adjoining developments. Nonetheless, Lau managed to optimize space and desirable views by arranging the houses into two rows.
Lau gave careful thought into optimal house directions on the natural slope. He chose a cascading arrangement, in which three houses in the front row are built downwards, whereas five houses in the rear row are built upwards. Building foundations in the rear row are slightly raised, while garages and plant rooms in the rear layer are set under the residential floors. The consequent master layout plan ensures that all houses acquire sea views of the Repulse Bay.
Integrating nature into architecture is just the beginning. We should focus on its long term impact, to make our design meaningful.
C. Lau.
Lau has considered the reduction of Pulsa’s carbon footprint. The project achieved a BEAM plus GOLD in Provisional assessment for its environmentally-friendly design and its selection of materials. Different Low-E coatings not only control glare, but also reduce heat transfer across the building envelopes. The design applies cross-ventilation to enhance thermal comfort to enable an effective energy-saving architecture.
From day one of our design process, our team have been working on solutions to lower any potentially negative impact on the environment. Pulsa will achieve it. We want this project to also belong to nature.
C. Lau.