Crafts on Peel: Revitalizing Traditional Crafts in a Contemporary Venue

A Creative and Experiential Venue in Hong Kong

The project, located in Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong, embraces the concept of renovation as a connection between history and future possibilities. Annette Chu, the designer behind Crafts on Peel, explains, "We preserve, at the same time, intervene. We remove and insert precisely new elements." The objective was to retain traces of the old habitation, generating a dynamic juxtaposition of old and new, while allowing for a continuation of heritage and storytelling.

One of the standout features of Crafts on Peel is the deliberate preservation of the exposed brick wall that runs through the building. Large voids, which were thought to be windows of the original exterior walls, have been replaced by stainless steel display shelves that also serve as structural supports. Loose bricks were repurposed and transformed into terrazzo, strengthening the brick wall and creating a unique pattern and aesthetic.

The renovation process was an improvisation with the existing building, modifying and refining the design to fit the site conditions. Different steel treatments were used to create deliberate tactile differences throughout the space. Intact stairs threads were preserved, while broken ones were repaired with a 5mm thick steel plate. Polycarbonate layered with perforated steel panels were inserted between flights of stairs, creating a visual interplay between transparency and solidity.

Externally, the building is painted white with a fine horizontal texture, retaining the outline of the original façade features. Revolving windows reminiscent of 1940-50s fenestration designs encourage natural ventilation within the space. The design pays homage to the history of the building while infusing it with contemporary elements.

Crafts on Peel is not just a static venue; it is a space that encourages interaction and exploration. Full-height oxidized steel posts with adjustable display shelves extend across the exposed brick wall at all levels, allowing for a flexible floor space. On the second floor, an artisan-in-residence studio is modeled after traditional accommodation, with an elevated bed platform. Young apprentices can live and work on this floor, with their works exhibited on the floor below.

The project, which started in 2017 and was completed in late 2019, has received recognition for its innovative design. Crafts on Peel was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2020 for its well-designed, practical, and innovative approach to reviving traditional crafts. The venue serves as a testament to the power of design in preserving heritage while embracing contemporary creativity.