Black Tenement: A Renovation Project in Central, Hong Kong

Preserving History and Embracing Modernity

The "Black Tenement" project by Eureka Limited is a testament to the interplay between existing and new elements in a walk-up building. Located in a rapidly redeveloping neighborhood in Hong Kong, the owner of the project wished to retain the two blocks of tenement houses from the 1950s, along with the traditional Chinese noodle store. To add a modern touch, a coffee shop was introduced next door.

Externally, the design maintains the existing features of the building, highlighting the shop activities by painting the entire structure black and adding new signage. Internally, the project exposes the old concrete columns and beams, creating a juxtaposition between rough and sleek elements. A clean lines design with a limited palette of materials is implemented, incorporating works from local craftsmen.

The project showcases unique design elements that set it apart from others. The existing stairs are preserved, with damaged treads repaired and painted with numbers using a stencil made by a local craftsman. Similar zinc stencils are used as flat number plates, incorporated into the thin black steel umbrella frames outside each flat. Inside, the different layouts of the studios call for two distinct settings. One studio utilizes a bespoke sliding timber screen, adding a warm element to the concrete and light grey epoxy flooring. The other studio features a string curtain, creating a different atmosphere. Additional design elements include dark grey stained concrete sinks with exposed aggregates, adding texture to the uniform black rooftop.

The realization of the design presented its own challenges. The small size of the old building required careful consideration to maximize space. Existing columns and beams were hacked off to create a sleek yet usable interior. Thin black steel frames were used throughout the interior to create a sense of light and air. Partitions were kept minimal, and natural timber veneer was used as highlights for furniture and pantry splashbacks. Special timber panels with a PVDF overlay were utilized to ensure they were anti-moisture and anti-bacteria. In the bathrooms, mirror stainless steel panels were sand-blasted by hand to create a dreamy effect with varying degrees of orbital sanding.

The "Black Tenement" project offers a unique interaction for its tenants. With six studio flats and one 2-bedroom flat, the design incorporates a modular furniture system with pull-down beds and movable boxes installed along two main walls. Bi-folding metal screens provide flexibility for tenants to organize their preferred interior arrangement. The roof of the building serves as a communal space where tenants can mingle. Each tenant has their own small parcel of farm, and large troughs for plants or beer baths are located next to the two concrete sinks.

The "Black Tenement" project, located in Central, Hong Kong, began in October 2016 and was completed in January 2018. The design details evolved through conversations and collaborations with local craftsmen and contractors, resulting in unique and innovative elements such as hand-stamped zinc plates and mirror stainless steel panels. The project was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2018 for its well-designed, practical, and innovative approach that meets professional and industrial requirements.