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." 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.

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. 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.

Zecha Apt. Living 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.

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]

Way of Design © 1996-2007, Jun Alday. All Rights Reserved.
JUN'S CHOICE