Celebrating Women in Architecture: Wendy Y. Tsai Honored for Excellence in Residential Design
As part of International Women’s Day, the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) highlights the achievements of Wendy Y. Tsai, an architect at The Oval Partnership Ltd., whose innovative approach to residential design has earned her recognition through two prestigious awards:
HKIA Medal of the Year in Hong Kong: Residential Building (42 Tung St)
*HKIA Cross-Strait Architectural Design Awards: Residential (42 Tung St)
42 Tung Street: A Vision for Boutique Urban Living
42 Tung Street is a 23-storey residential tower located in Soho, Sheung Wan, featuring 13 boutique units, each with a private lift lobby. The project draws inspiration from Hong Kong’s historic Tong Lau architecture, integrating a modular façade design that respects and enhances the surrounding urban fabric.
As the lead architect for interior design, Wendy Y. Tsai envisioned a space that seamlessly blends architecture and interiors, creating an urban landmark that embodies a refined boutique lifestyle. The design approach reinforces the cohesion between the exterior and interior, ensuring a holistic experience throughout the building.
The material palette was carefully selected to enhance the architectural concept, featuring muted sandstone paired with a cool, silver-grey travertine feature wall. This combination emphasizes the gridded façade while adding an element of warmth and sophistication. The ground floor canopy and 3.7m-tall clubhouse panoramic windows were designed to complement the building’s massing, subtly inviting curiosity while maintaining a sense of exclusivity.
Maximizing Space and Enhancing the Living Experience
One of the primary design challenges was the limited floor plate, which required a highly efficient spatial arrangement. The introduction of a pocket door system allows the kitchen to be separated from the main living space, creating a flexible and adaptable environment. This innovation enhances spatial efficiency, providing an element of surprise upon arrival while also improving functionality by containing cooking activities within a defined area.
The project prioritizes an elevated living experience, ensuring that each design decision contributes to a cohesive, luxurious urban retreat within Hong Kong’s high-density environment.
Redefining Craftsmanship and Luxury Living in Hong Kong
Through close collaboration with the client (TDS), Wendy Y. Tsai and The Oval Partnership Ltd. have redefined craftsmanship and luxury living, setting a new benchmark for boutique residential architecture in Hong Kong. The project is not merely about creating living spaces but about crafting an integrated lifestyle experience that is both efficient and elegant.
42 Tung Street stands as a testament to the power of design in transforming urban spaces, offering a distinctive architectural language that bridges historical influences with contemporary needs.
The UIA recognises and celebrates the achievements of women architects who continue to shape the built environment through innovation, creativity, and excellence in design.
