Hong Kong Academy, is a prestigious International School located in Sai Kung. Phase 1 of its Major Courtyard Renovations have just been completed, involving the design and installation of a major play equipment and adjustments to the surrounding hard and soft works. Phase 2 will see the introduction of key functions such as an Outdoor Performance Spaces and a Sensory Trail along with other play equipment.

Phase 1 of the Hang Seng Bank Headquarters Refurbishment has been completed. Upgrading works included renewed pavement finishes, staircases and a new ramp, but perhaps the most memorable addition is the Rainforest Chandelier.

Design Idea:

- An iconic symbol of the life’s vibrancy and Hang Seng’s infinite growth.

- ⁠Create an eye-catching rainforest chandelier that can be seen from every approaching angle;

- ⁠Suspended above a reflective mirror pool surface brings a sense of natural outdoors into the interior;

- One of the most unique “green wall” in the whole of Hong Kong.

Environmental:

- Use of up-cycling black stone from building demolition debris; to create a reflection pool effect without the electricity and water;

- ⁠Use of real plants serve to purify the indoor air by removing impurities, dust and mould;

- ⁠Minimise damage to existing structures

The gardens of this Family Retreat located in Shouson Hill are inspired by Californian architecture and landscapes. Its use of crazy stone patterning in the facade and the pavements coupled with agave-style planting scheme give it strong character. Juxtaposed against a stunning open view of the Deep Water Bay, the garden setting is both dramatic and tranquil.

Completed in March 2024, the Creative Humanities Hub is a new academic building on the Hang Seng University Campus in Shatin. It provides amenities and services for Language and Performing Arts Departments. The landscape serves as an important intersecting point linking various buildings within the campus seamlessly.

KOLA was commissioned by Swire Properties Limited as the Landscape Designer for this Office Building Development in the heart of Wan Chai. The project is made of an arrival plaza at street level, treatment of the core wall, and an undercover seating area on the second floor. 5 Pacific Place will eventually link by footbridge to Pacific Place 6 upon its completion.

Located at 2 King Sau Lane, Tuen Mun this single tower residential development is unique in that it provides a variety of lush pocket spaces at ground level, 3rd floor and roof for residents to enjoy. An undercover outdoor gym allows users to exercise in a comfortable environment whilst enjoying views our to the surrounding mountains.

This prestigious private residence is inspired by the Singaporean Colonial Black & White House typology and boasts open views to Chung Hom Wan and beyond. The landscape is elevated by the use of quality granite pavers and natural hardwood timber. A large existing tree anchors a small pocket space surrounded by water in the arrival courtyard. To the rear garden, the residents enjoy a plunge pool, spa and outdoor shower while overlooking open views.

Located at Tseung Kwan O, The Manor Hill development is a large residential development completed in late 2022. The juxtaposition of classical building forms with contemporary landscapes makes for a compatible and yet differing point of interest. The external areas provide generous space and activities such as a grand swimming pool, children’s playground, BBQ facilities and multi-function lawns.

Play Is For The People

Yow Ko assisted Design Trust Futures Studio to implement Sitting-Out Area under Hill Road Flyover, Shek Tong Tsui, the third of four “Play Is For The People” Micro-Parks Projects across Hong Kong. This involved dealing with ASD, LCSD and the contractor on detail design development, material selection and other technical matters.

Photo Credit: DTFS

Design Trust - Press Release

LCSD - HKSAR Press Release

SCMP - News Article

Play Is For The People

Yow Ko assisted Design Trust Futures Studio to implement Portland Street Rest Garden, the second of four “Play Is For The People” Micro-Parks Projects across Hong Kong. This involved dealing with ASD, LCSD and the contractor on detail design development, material selection and other technical matters. The remaining 2 project sites are:

Hamilton Street Rest Garden, Yau Tsim Mong District

Sitting-Out Area under Hill Road Flyover, Shek Tong Tsui

Photo Credit: DTFS

Design Trust Futures Studio - Newsletter

Yi Pei Square - Design Process

SCMP Photos - More Photos

Play Is For The People

Yow Ko assisted Design Trust Futures Studio to implement Yi Pei Square, the first of four “Play Is For The People” Micro-Parks Projects across Hong Kong. This involved dealing with ASD, LCSD and the contractor on detail design development, material selection and other technical matters. The remaining 2 project sites are:

Hamilton Street Rest Garden, Yau Tsim Mong District

Sitting-Out Area under Hill Road Flyover, Shek Tong Tsui

Photo Credit: DTFS

Location: Lei Yue Mun Path, LYM, HKSAR

Site Area: 4,000m2

Architect: P&T

Client: Kowloon Development Company

Project Status: Completed

Although the setting of this project is in essence a typical podium landscape, the space is treated like an Inner Urban Community Park.  It shall be the heart of this community and be valued as a neighbourhood meeting place. A space desired by the community; perhaps through its respectful recognition of the site’s rich history.

DESIGN APPROACH

Thedesign intent to translate the history of the site and add meaning to the public realm needs to be achieved without being too literal. The subtle application or complex re-interpretation of historical or cultural references is the key to making this landscape meaningful and successful.

It is intended that the design delivers an intimate yet highly utilised pocket of colour and light in a public domain otherwise dominated by asphalt and concrete. The creative application of colour tones derived from the granites of the local historic quarries is intended to give meaning to the hardscape material palette.

Re-imagining a play space that is more than simply a proprietary product surrounded by safety material. A sensory play space that reflects the idea of being suspended in mid-air, much like the historic stilt houses in the LYM area; this could take the form of a flush trampoline, climbing net or hammock that is integrated with a seating element that in itself contains the space.

To embrace the presence of the historic lighthouse and the idea of it being a beacon for safety, a sense of well-being and activity permeates every aspect of the podium landscape, from the calming water cascades to the lushly planted surrounds.

The early settlers in Lei Yue Mun are commonly misconstrued to be fishermen; in fact they flourished in local farming communities. Hence the incorporation of Urban Farming allows for families to rekindle the past and take advantage of this wholesome and educational family activity.

The value of providing safe, comfortable places for youth to gather and socialise whilst they play with their touch-screen devices should not be underestimated. Undercover Landscape spaces provide the perfect opportunity for such a function.

Location: Haikou, Hainan, PRC

Site Area: 1 Ha

Architect: Ronald Lu & Partners

Project Status: Completed

Haikou Mixed-Use (Phase 2+3, A) Sales Area has been comeplted and open to operation. The Design Concept evolves around the idea of "reflection" and in particular the nature of both calm and dynamic reflections. Mirror Pools and Stainless Steel Sculptures shall be positioned with precise intent throughout the landscape; the overall geometry of pathways shall also emphasize the relationship between the calm and dynamic characteristics.

Location: Yuen Long HKSAR

Site Area: 2,000m2

Project Status: Completed

This project calls for a major renovation of its Commercial Town Centre and an injection of ecological influences and attractions into it's retail street and lakeside environment. The upgrading works included the central plaza, building facade beautification, screen planting, bulletin boards etc.

PRD Magazine Feature

Location: Sung On St, Hung Hom, HKSAR

Site Area: 4,000m2

Architect / Facade + Interior: ALKF / ARK

Project Status: Completed

The famous writer Milan Kundera once published a novel called “Slowness”. In it he describes how we resonate with our surrounding spaces completely. The feelings of the speed, nervousness or calmness are all felt by its inhabitants.

Hung Hom Bay has been partially reclaimed several times since 1850. Rumsey Rock was buried under the reclaimed land between Tsim Sha Tsui East and Hung Hom in Kowloon in the 1970s. The original position where the rock once stood is now a part of the private housing estate Harbour Place.

Rumsey Rock is symbol of slower times; long before the harbour was completely changed by land reclamation. It’s resonance, it’s ripples once marked the harbour and its maps. The Clubhouse Pool can be interpreted as the symbol of Rumsey Rock; an Oasis from busy modern life. Its presence as the centre point of focus; an effect that ripples through the rest of the podium landscape.

A landscape for experiencing slowness. A truly moving experience can seem to suspend time. Art can slow down or speed up time. The causality of Nature will tend slow down time. As a modern people, we need to slow time down so that we can experience it fully.

Shedding the Industrial past. Accepting the presence of major infrastructural elements but not allowing them to dominate. Creating ones own open space above the city to help to nullify the bustle below.

DESIGN APPROACH

By negating the circulation route at the southern side of the podium and shifting the key circulation to the interior, the outdoor areas could finally make full use of the little space in this area. The result is a series of aesthetically interesting and purposefully framed outdoor rooms that peel off from the interior circulation route.

PACIFIC PLACE ‘ABOVE’ LOUNGE

Location: Pacific Place, Admiralty, HKSAR

Site Area: 100 sqm

Client: Swire Group

Project Status: Completed

KOLA was commissioned to refurbish a small visual terracing garden that serves both a VIP Lounge and the Pacific Place Shopping Mall. The design applied a controlled selection of plant species and hardwork materials. Because the visual garden is located in a deep courtyard located between the building and a major public escalator, natural light was invited into the space by the use of light gravel and rock formations with mirrored surfaces. The mirrored surfaces were carefully arranged so that the lounge users are able to catch glimpses of the sky above.

Locations: Chung Mun Road

Site Area: 2,000m2 Approx.

Client: Architectural Services Department

Project Status: Completed

This Design and Build project will see the development of a series of Recycling Centres throughout Hong Kong that focus on community education and encourage involvement in the environmental processes of recycling. KOLA is working with Cheung Hing Construction Company to meet the expectations of the Architectural Services Department (ASD) on three such sites; Tung Chung, Kwai Tsing and Tuen Mun.

KOLA was involved in the design of this upgraded courtyard space for the British Consulate of Hong Kong. The design involves an upper and lower courtyard space connected by an amphitheatre which can accommodate small group gatherings and a new BFA ramp. A new bar seating setting was also created to allow users to enjoy the view of the vegetated hillslopes.

Locations: Tuen Mun

Site Area: 2,000m2 Approx.

Client: Architectural Services Department

Project Status: Completed

This Design and Build project will see the development of a series of Recycling Centres throughout Hong Kong that focus on community education and encourage involvement in the environmental processes of recycling. KOLA is working with Cheung Hing Construction Company to meet the expectations of the Architectural Services Department (ASD) on three such sites; Tung Chung, Kwai Tsing and Tuen Mun.

Locations: Kwai Tsing

Site Area: 2,000m2 Approx.

Client: Architectural Services Department

Project Status: Completed

This Design and Build project will see the development of a series of Recycling Centres throughout Hong Kong that focus on community education and encourage involvement in the environmental processes of recycling. KOLA is working with Cheung Hing Construction Company to meet the expectations of the Architectural Services Department (ASD) on three such sites; Tung Chung, Kwai Tsing and Tuen Mun.

Location: To Shek St, Shatin, HKSAR

Site Area: 3 Ha

Architect: Tetra Architects & Planners

Client: Home Affairs Department

Project Status: Completed

This Public Park is set in the unique environment located under the Sha Lek Highway in Shatin. It is part of the "Creation of Space" Initiative on behalf of Home Affairs Department (HAD). The once under-utilized environment now offers eye-catching spaces to the public for performances and exhibitions uses. The park was designed in collaboration with Mr. Allen Poon of Tetra Architects.

Location: Sanya, Hainan, PRC

Site Area: 3 Ha

Architect/Landscape: ARchiTech Design / Jerde Partnership

Project Status: Completed

Arena is the F&B Precinct for the Grand Hyatt Sanya Haitang Bay Resort and Spa Project. Ko Landscape Architects Limited has been commissioned by the client to inject further landscape greenery and micro-climatic considerations into the built space and to act as the Creative Director for the project.

The current scope includes Conceptual Design and Implementation of landscape enhancements; as well as  giving direction to and implementation of all outdoor artwork and outdoor leasable spaces. Furthermore, the landscape architect is required to propose the future outdoor events and activities of Arena as well as the distribution of the F&B tenant types.
 

Location: Mid-Levels, HKSAR

Site Area: 550m2

Project Status: Completed

The project will see the refurbishment of an existing landscape environment that is underutilised due to a lack of greenery and conducive seating environments. A key consideration is that the Roof Level presents a unique, protected and safe play area for the client’s children.
The Design of this private rooftop garden takes a more pragmatic approach rather than a philosophical one; where geometric clarity was applied in order to define the garden. Three factors that were equally as defining were that of Micro-Climatic Considerations, Capturing Views, and Attention to Detailing. All aspects of the designand furniture selection addressed the high levels of exposure to the elements of wind and sun.

In terms of materiality, the re-use of salvagable existing materials and the specification of lightweight and durable materials such as Glass-Reinforced Concrete (GRC) played an important role in minimising waste, loading and the construction period. All in all, a restrained palette of hard and soft materials and fine detailing results in an elegant and inviting garden for its owners.

Location: Repulse Bay HKSAR

Site Area: 1,300m2

Project Status: Completed

Repulse Bay Residence is perched on the edge of a cliff with commanding views towards Ocean Park. The project scope involves the upgrading of the Arrival Plaza (G/F) and Swimming Pool (LG/F) environments. Juxtaposed against a Classical Building Facade, the landscape will serve to provide a contrasting yet complimentary surrounding. The intended design outcome will be a more minimal landscape look that relies on planting form, deliberate positioning and a limited plant palette.

Locations: Ma On Shan

Site Area: 100m2 Approx.

Client: Henderson Property Agency

Project Status: Completed

This one of six small courtyards for Ground Floor Duplex Units within the Doublecove Residential Development. Our services involved the complete dressing up of the outdoor space, including the hardwork and softworks design as well as lighting, furniture and pot selection and procurement.

Locations: Ma On Shan

Site Area: 100m2 Approx.

Client: Henderson Property Agency

Project Status: Completed

This one of six small courtyards for Ground Floor Duplex Units within the Doublecove Residential Development. Our services involved the complete dressing up of the outdoor space, including the hardwork and softworks design as well as lighting, furniture and pot selection and procurement.

Locations: Ma On Shan

Site Area: 100m2 Approx.

Client: Henderson Property Agency

Project Status: Completed

This one of six small courtyards for Ground Floor Duplex Units within the Doublecove Residential Development. Our services involved the complete dressing up of the outdoor space, including the hardwork and softworks design as well as lighting, furniture and pot selection and procurement.

Locations: Ma On Shan

Site Area: 100m2 Approx.

Client: Henderson Property Agency

Project Status: Completed

This one of six small courtyards for Ground Floor Duplex Units within the Doublecove Residential Development. Our services involved the complete dressing up of the outdoor space, including the hardwork and softworks design as well as lighting, furniture and pot selection and procurement.

Locations: Ma On Shan

Site Area: 100m2 Approx.

Client: Henderson Property Agency

Project Status: Completed

This one of six small courtyards for Ground Floor Duplex Units within the Doublecove Residential Development. Our services involved the complete dressing up of the outdoor space, including the hardwork and softworks design as well as lighting, furniture and pot selection and procurement.

Location: Ma On Shan

Site Area: 100m2 Approx.

Client: Henderson Property Agency

Project Status: Completed

This one of six small courtyards for Ground Floor Duplex Units within the Doublecove Residential Development. Our services involved the complete dressing up of the outdoor space, including the hardwork and softworks design as well as lighting, furniture and pot selection and procurement.

Location: Muk Tai Street, Kai Tak

Site Area: 80m2 Approx.

Client: Henderson Property Agency

Project Status: Completed

This one of six small courtyards for Ground Floor Duplex Units within The Henley III Residential Development. Our services involved the complete dressing up of the outdoor space, including the hardwork and softworks design as well as lighting, furniture and pot selection and procurement.

Location: Muk Tai Street, Kai Tak

Site Area: 80m2 Approx.

Client: Henderson Property Agency

Project Status: Completed

This one of six small courtyards for Ground Floor Duplex Units within The Henley III Residential Development. Our services involved the complete dressing up of the outdoor space, including the hardwork and softworks design as well as lighting, furniture and pot selection and procurement.

Location: Muk Tai Street, Kai Tak

Site Area: 80m2 Approx.

Client: Henderson Property Agency

Project Status: Completed

This one of six small courtyards for Ground Floor Duplex Units within The Henley III Residential Development. Our services involved the complete dressing up of the outdoor space, including the hardwork and softworks design as well as lighting, furniture and pot selection and procurement.

Location: Muk Tai Street, Kai Tak

Site Area: 80m2 Approx.

Client: Henderson Property Agency

Project Status: Completed

This one of six small courtyards for Ground Floor Duplex Units within The Henley III Residential Development. Our services involved the complete dressing up of the outdoor space, including the hardwork and softworks design as well as lighting, furniture and pot selection and procurement.

Location: Muk Tai Street, Kai Tak

Site Area: 80m2 Approx.

Client: Henderson Property Agency

Project Status: Completed

This one of six small courtyards for Ground Floor Duplex Units within The Henley III Residential Development. Our services involved the complete dressing up of the outdoor space, including the hardwork and softworks design as well as lighting, furniture and pot selection and procurement.

Location: Muk Tai Street, Kai Tak

Site Area: 80m2 Approx.

Client: Henderson Property Agency

Project Status: Completed

This one of six small courtyards for Ground Floor Duplex Units within The Henley III Residential Development. Our services involved the complete dressing up of the outdoor space, including the hardwork and softworks design as well as lighting, furniture and pot selection and procurement.