Black Tenement Residence is a thoughtfully renovated five-storey tenement house building from the 1950s, located in Central, Hong Kong, that exemplifies the harmonious fusion of historical preservation and contemporary design aesthetics. This architectural renovation project, which earned recognition with an Iron A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design category, transforms the existing structure into six studio flats and one two-bedroom flat while maintaining the building's original envelope and cultural character. The design philosophy centers on the delicate balance between preserving historical elements and introducing modern amenities, featuring a striking black exterior that serves to highlight the ground floor's dynamic retail spaces - a traditional Chinese noodle store and a contemporary coffee shop. The interior design maximizes space efficiency through careful architectural interventions, including the exposure of original concrete columns and beams, and the implementation of thin steel black frames that create an enhanced sense of openness and airflow. The project showcases exceptional attention to detail through its incorporation of local craftsmanship, evidenced in hand-stamped zinc plates for room numbers and custom-designed elements throughout the space. Notable design features include innovative material applications such as PVDF-overlaid timber panels for moisture resistance, sand-blasted mirror stainless steel panels in bathrooms creating atmospheric effects, and a modular furniture system with pull-down beds for space optimization. The rooftop has been transformed into a communal space featuring individual farming parcels and concrete sinks with exposed aggregates, fostering a sense of community among residents while maintaining the building's connection to both its historical roots and contemporary urban living requirements.
residential renovation, heritage preservation, urban redevelopment, spatial design, architectural transformation, sustainable adaptation
CITATION : "Adam Dawson. 'Black Tenement Residence.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=440321 (Accessed on November 19, 2025)"
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