Victoria Allan, founder of Habitat Property, rejuvenated the iconic Tung Fat Building but kept its original black terrazzo nameplate and gave it a New York loft-style makeover, with larger windows offering panoramic sea views, and color and material synergy creating a sense of tranquil harmony in the eight apartments across as many stories. [Provided to China Daily]

Preserved charms

The third phase came when architects from Australian design firm Kerry Phelan Design Office (KPDO) handled the interiors with the aim of preserving the old building to the best of their ability. Natural materials and a neutral color palette were chosen in line with the building's original understated charm.

For example, the bathroom and kitchen islands had a special kind of smoky gray marble installed to create synergy between the two areas. The design team toured multiple mainland shops before finally picking this material.

The apartments were also given oak flooring, doors and cabinetry, with custom-made luxury accents such as curved brass handles that hint at traditional Chinese design.

The highlight of the apartments is sliding windows on three sides that dominate the living room, offering panoramic sea views and balmy sea breezes.

The original sweeping, curved glass windows were therefore preserved, while the designers lowered the parapets to maximize views of the horizon.

The team also refurbished the faade of the building, while retaining its original black terrazzo nameplate, emblazoned above the entrance in Chinese script. Inside the building, the staircase handrails in yellow terrazzo were also restored to their former glory.

"Along this part of the Kennedy Town waterfront, the building used to be iconic and was part of the fabric of the area. Its unique features are things I really wanted to keep," said Allan.