ale Keller introduced my first solo assignment after I left his office in Athens, Greece. The project was the residence of Adrian Zecha in the Peak, Hong Kong. Working alone was a challenge. Here, I pioneered the use of bleached teak wood.
Five years after completion, Architectural Digest featured it in their July/August 1980 issue entitled "Riches of the East." The Italian magazine, A.D. Le Piu’ Belle Casa del Mondo, also featured this work for their premier issue in May, 1981. It appeared again in the book "Contemporary Apartments" by Paige Rense. In the words of Rense, the 19 especially selected apartments from around the world "typifies the energy and imagination of modern city life."
When I undertook this project, I had no idea it would create so much ripple. Over the years, this understated style has developed and evolved giving my work certain consistency and continuity.
Antique wooden figures of Indian deities standing serene in their suede covered niches guard the opening to the living room. The large Dutch style cabinet is antique from Sri Lanka.
The armoire becomes the focal point of the living room looking towards the foyer.
The custom designed sofa is suede covered accented by a throw fur blanket. Silver objects on top of the beige travertine coffee table matches the stainless steel elements in the room.
View from the corner of the living room showing the space relationships. A Thai standing Buddha painting accentuates the plain painted walls. On the lighted shelves is a collection of ancient Buddhist stone curving. The profile of the grand piano against a plain background underscores its sculptural integrity.
The dining room is simple yet very rich in its appointments. The round Jehol table top with fine marquetry is set on a travertine base complimenting the Ming Dynasty chairs. The large wooden horse head from India gracing the window alcove and the Korean palace screen on the wall provide cultural diversity and harmony.
The least known part of this widely publicized apartment is the rooftop. For a better view of the grand harbor, I elevated the sitting area. The canvas upholstered cushions are all removable and stored in a room behind the trellis wall when not in use.
An open area for gatherings with a built-in barbecue pit on a ledge pit against the wall. Built-in tables and benches in simple brick tiles are secured from seasonal typhoons.
