M Casa: A Contemporary Villa Design for a Modern Lifestyle

Designing a Unique and Functional Living Space

The inspiration for M Casa came from the client's love for shopping, leisure, and entertaining friends. The design principle was to create an open and spacious residence that would accommodate these activities seamlessly. To achieve this, the stairways were reconstructed to maximize the utility between the living and dining areas. The overall design aimed to create a minimalist and modern aesthetic without compromising on comfort, using a deliberate neutral color palette as a canvas for the client to add splashes of color and personal touches.

What sets M Casa apart is its unique features and strengths. The contemporary style of the house is evident from the moment you enter, with a giant engraved fingerprint at the entrance. The predominantly neutral palette of black, white, and charcoal allows the splashes of color to stand out and create a vibrant atmosphere. The second storey of the house showcases bold design choices, including a band room with a graffiti mural, a son's bedroom in apple green, and a Lego-themed bathroom. These elements reflect the energetic and youthful spirit of the family.

The realization of M Casa involved the integration of smart home technology, including a smart control system for the lighting and electronic railings in specific areas. Sensor lights were also used to provide a more convenient way of living. The house incorporates environmentally-friendly materials, such as synthetic wooden panels for the garden and organic cotton wallpaper in the band room, which also acts as a soundproofing technique to reduce noise in the open layout.

Spread over five levels, the 3,500-square-foot M Casa is located in Casa Marina, a private housing estate in the New Territories of Hong Kong. The property features three stories of living area, a carport, a roof, and a 1500-square-foot terrace-style garden. The design team, led by Zeta Chu, meticulously planned the space allocation to ensure a clear flow and tidy organization. The basement and ground floor serve as common areas, while the first and second floors provide personal spaces for the couple and their son, respectively.

The biggest challenge faced during the design process was the structural limitations of the house. The existing structural walls imposed constraints on the layout design. To overcome this, concealed storage solutions were implemented to maximize space utilization and maintain a neat living area. Additionally, the relocation of the staircase from the ground floor to the first floor improved circulation, ventilation, and created an open space for family gatherings.

The M Casa project began in January 2017 and was completed in December 2017 in Hong Kong. Its unique design and attention to detail have garnered recognition, including the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2018. This award recognizes the well-designed, practical, and innovative nature of M Casa, which meets professional and industrial requirements while contributing to a better world.