THE 1940s APARTMENT

A rare post-war “tong Lau” built in 1945 is converted into a stylish one of a kind apartment packed full of charm.  A tong lau, literally meaning ‘Chinese house’ is a 3-4 storey “shophouse” style building with the street level dedicated to commerce and upper floors to living.  These were built in the late 19th century to the 1960s in Hong Kong.

Thanks to the client’s appreciation for Hong Kong heritage, Vacuum Studio was able to preserve the original tong lau interior features including the original patterned floor tiles, classic 1940’s Hong Kong style steel window frames, textured glass windows and ceiling fans.

In order to enhance the colonial atmosphere and capitalise on the high ceilings, a high skirting detail was created throughout the apartment, as well as curved doors and curved alcove in front of the shuttered windows. 

The royal blue and teak kitchen island, together with the tin ceiling tiles installed above the open kitchen makes a great statement, enhanced by an abundance of natural lighting from the original windows.

Original brickwork was exposed, bespoke bathroom vanities and luxury sanitary wares from Catchpole & Rye created to further add to the uniqueness of this tong lau home.