davidclovers: house DE

‘house DE’ by davidclovers image courtesy davidclovers

‘house DE’ by hong kong architectural firm davidclovers is an ‘infill’ townhouse, situated on a hillside above clearwater bay, hong kong. combining two existing units into one, the design uses the volumes of three staircases to blend, burrow and interlock spaces vertically across four floors. each ‘interaction,’ is materially monolithic, using stone, wood and a series of delicate aluminum fins. 

defined by these fins, the texture and form of the lantern-volume subtly changes shape and depth, casting shadow and emitting light in different ways through out the house. doing work on the existing building, each stair-volume pries open the house vertically and horizontally, pulling in daylight and emitting artificial light.

thickening the existing building enclosure and stretching it across the front and rear, the bedrooms and new master suite on the upper floors are protected from the elements, yet opens up to views of the natural surroundings. towards the south, the facade thickens and torques, providing shade for bedrooms and balconies; while on the north, the facade transforms into a garden trellis for an outdoor dining terrace.

project info: client: private location: clearwater bay, hong kong type: 4000 square feet townhouse renovation/combining of two units construction: 2009-2010 design: davidclovers design team: david erdman, clover lee, fei mui, jason dembski, yvette herrera, rathi subramanian, lam pui wing, spencer mak