The Galaxy, 39 Conduit Road |
Thursday 23 Aug 2012
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Completed in 2010 , the interior design of the arrival hall at 39 Conduit Road was part of the upgrading works for this luxury residential project in the Mid-levels area of Hong Kong, and was designed by Phiyona Au-Yeung, director of Dennis Lau and Ng Chun Man Architects and Engineers (HK) Ltd.
As the vehicular reception for the development, which aspires to redefine luxury in modern living, this exclusive drop-off area greets residents arriving by private ramp from Conduit Road. The reception hall is dominated by the singularly grand crystal chandelier dubbed “The Galaxy”. This epic lighting fixture consists of 773,888 individual Swarovski Crystals, weighing 18,600 kg and spanning a length of 38.58m and area of 203.25 sq. m. The crystals are hung in double layers to reflect the glittering light from each other, celebrating the grand arrival with sparkles and glamour.
The architectural form of the project is inspired by the Chinese folding screen, “ping feng”, symbolizing protection and privacy. In evoking ping feng, the building is set in an angle to best avail each residential unit to the panorama of Victoria harbour. This fold further allows for the reduction of visual mass, so as not to appear as a long rectilinear form. The design of The Galaxy responds to this overall theme, and the folding planes of double-layered crystals create a 3-dimensional effect.
Like viewing the galaxy in space, arriving guests and residents behold the depth and perspective of the folding planes of glimmering crystals, whose visual drama is accentuated by the bold stone pattern in the floor. The unique and stunning experience connects the outdoor driveway to the indoor lobby in a grand and memorable flourish.
The Envelope: Extending the ping feng theme of the architectural design, the envelope of the arrival hall is also articulated by a series of art glass and metal folding screens. Overlapping one another, these planar elements draw visitors to the indoor lobby. Beyond aesthetics, the screens hide the back of house spaces, such as loading and unloading bay, refuse collection room and waiting area for private drivers. The art glass is custom made by hand with gold leaf infill between tinted, laminated glass. Interwoven with silk-screened tree patterns in mirror finish, each piece is unique, giving an overall effect of interest and visual depth. The verdant slopes of Victoria Peak, which frame 39 Conduit Road as its backdrop, are referenced in this abstract silhouette of trees.
Dennis Lau & Ng Chun Man Architects & Engineers (HK) Ltd