Apartment with a 'tree house' by Bean Buro

Text by Vanitha Pavapathi

In the bucolic coastal surrounds of Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, architectural design firm Bean Buro has redefined residential living with its latest project, Playpod Sanctuary. This three-storey mountain residence is a beacon of well-being, meticulously crafted to meet the needs of a four-member family in a post-pandemic world.

At the heart of this apartment is a play pod built in the double height space of the lower ground floor. The structure increases usable square footage for the children to study, relax and play throughout the day. The upper deck houses a private study and play area with small fixed windows that bring natural light into the space while ensuring visual connectivity below. The lower deck, on the other hand, features a bespoke table, full-height bookshelf, reading corner, study area and a bathroom.

“As parents with two young children, we adopted a playful mindset and designed the upper part like a tree house, with curves to create tension against straight lines,” share Lorène Faure and Kenny Kinugasa-Tsui, co-founders of Bean Buro whose expertise in designing for children with Montessori principles truly shines in this space. Heavily influenced by French post-impressionist artist Paul Cézanne’s paintings of Provence, Bean Buro combined natural timber, curvaceous forms and vertical elements with a palette of greens and lavenders throughout the apartment.

This concept of ‘building within a building’ is translated across all levels of the apartment and roof terrace. The private, semi-private and public spaces cater to diverse activities and routines of each family member while also encouraging interaction and connectivity.

This approach was the result of engaging the family in intensive design workshops, pushing them to envision remarkable functional spaces – from diverse children activity areas to a comfortable lounge for receiving guests. The staircase, a significant architectural element, serves as both a functional and symbolic connector of these diverse spaces.

It’s clear that the materials and colour schemes used throughout Playpod Sanctuary were meticulously selected to reflect a calming natural aesthetic. Custom furniture and design elements further reinforce this theme, with preference for rounded edges over sharp corners as they soften the space while ensuring safe manoeuvrability around the apartment for the young children. Durability and functionality were also key considerations, particularly in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and entrance, where colourful terrazzo flooring has been used.

Understanding the impact of sensory experiences on mental health, Bean Buro placed special emphasis on lighting, acoustics, and material selection. The residence features highly efficient acoustic partitions, varied lighting conditions, and carefully chosen colour temperatures, all working together to create diverse atmospheres that suit different activities and preferences. This thoughtful integration of sensory elements ensures that the home remains a soothing and comfortable environment for the family.

The defining challenge of this project was not just meeting the family’s spatial needs but creating a healing environment for mental health recovery. “We were required to fully comprehend the multifaceted layers of mental health and how design could aid in alleviating stress,” reflect Lorène and Kenny. Through empathetic engagement, creative problem-solving, and a collaborative design process, Bean Buro successfully delivered a home that promises flexibility, transformation, and coherence for years to come.

Bean Buro
www.beanburo.com
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Photography by Steven Ko

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