First Break

Dale 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.

Architectural Digest, July/Aug. 1980 issue Five years after completion, Architectural Digest featured it in their July/August 1980 issue entitled "Riches of the East." 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 style has developed and evolved giving my work certain consistency and continuity.

Zecha Apt. Entrance Hall 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.

Zecha Apt. Living Room The armoire becomes the focal point of the living room looking towards the foyer. A vitrine behind a stainless steel and glass desk displays a collection of Buddhist stone icons balanced by the opened piano. Silver objects on top of the beige travertine coffee table matches the stainless steel furniture and other elements in the room.

Zecha Apt. Living Room The stunning view in the living room showing the balcony and the glittering lights of Hong Kong below. The fireplace and the ledge below it is clad in travertine. Flanking the fireplace shaft is a pair of large blue and white ceramic candle holders standing on top of a stainless steel wrapped speakers. The pair of sofa is upholstered in ultra suede.

Zecha Apt. Dining Room 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.

Zecha Apt. Roofdeck, Seating Area
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.

Zecha Apt. Roofdeck, Seating Area 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.

FROM THE READERS
"Super sophisticated - I think that describes your genteel website. I was drawn too to some special "key words"
for me - Yukio Mishima, Hermann Hesse, haiku and Vivaldi. All my favorites as is Somerset Maugham.
Edward Frey, London England; Feb. 2001

[Book Cover] | [Contents] | [Foreword] | [Introduction] | [Formative Years] | [Space to Start] | [Tools of Trade] [Concept Renderings] | [First Break] | [East by Southeast] | [Working Manner] | [Space Transitions] | [Seasons' Home] | [Sunsets' Place] | [Pied á Terre] | [Something Different] | [Restrained Elegance] | [Dream Zones] | [In Comfort] [Prestige Investments] | [Asian Gallery] | [Lighting] | [Objects] | [Flowers] | [Afterword] | [Professional Profile] [Personal Profile] | [Sign Guestbook] | [Guestbook]

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