Perched high above the city, Mount Austin by Soil Studios is a Hong Kong apartment shaped by heritage, belief and multigenerational living.
Framed by sweeping views across Victoria Harbour and the surrounding peaks, the home is conceived as a place of calm continuity, where daily life is grounded in compassion, ritual and connection.
From the private lift lobby, a gentle sense of arrival is established through a palette of sand, mud and walnut tones. Natural references appear early, with leaf prints and foliage motifs washed in soft light from asymmetrically positioned Flos wall sconces. Curved ceilings, beams and thresholds guide movement through the apartment, easing structural constraints into a cohesive, flowing experience. A rounded doorframe at the entry introduces a feeling of comfort, while a sequence of arched, timber-framed portals draws on classical Minnan architecture from Fujian, acknowledging the family’s ancestral roots.
These arches serve both symbolic and practical roles. One frames a shelf holding three sheep sculptures, representing the bond between three generations. Another mediates between the dining area and kitchen, while the third connects the living room to a flexible study used for guests and play. Fluted glass doors extend sightlines and daylight while maintaining privacy, lending texture and depth to the interiors.
Throughout the home, symbolism is woven carefully into everyday function. Buddhist beliefs are respectfully accommodated, most notably in the living room where a life-sized wood carving of Guanyin stands as a spiritual anchor. This presence is supported by a restrained, natural material palette that allows the artwork to sit comfortably within its surroundings.
The television wall features a custom console articulated with vertical detailing that references Minnan architectural language. Its elevated form lends visual lightness, echoed by the floating ringlets of the pendant above the dining table. Nature remains a constant influence through the alabaster pendant, handcrafted wallpaper by Mark Alexander, and a marble tabletop threaded with jade and earth-toned veining. The round dining table seats six, with additional stools close at hand, encouraging long meals and family gatherings.
