A Hong Kong Inspired Kitchen

This kitchen design revolves around a client's nostalgic memories of his grandmother's culinary traditions and the impact they had on his own cooking style and sense of belonging. Growing urban density in 1990s Hong Kong led to extensive redevelopment, shifting the focus of the city towards Western influences. However, within the confines of his grandmother's small apartment, the client found a profound connection to his roots. This emotional narrative became the driving force behind the design brief, which sought to create a practical kitchen that celebrated the client's cultural and familial heritage while embracing environmentally conscious materials.

The design response focused on two key parameters outlined in the brief. Firstly, it aimed to optimize the efficiency of food preparation (mise en place) and utensil retrieval, reflecting the compact nature of kitchens in Hong Kong, including the client's grandmother's kitchen. The overall planning of the kitchen incorporated strategic placement of handles, rails for hanging utensils, and open shelves for convenient access to sauces and spices.

Secondly, the design aimed to pay homage to the client's cultural heritage. The iconic "jade green" color, commonly associated with Hong Kong, was adopted for the steel cabinetry. The design of the splashback drew inspiration from the uniform rectangular tiles found in various metro stations across the city, while also referencing the red and white checkered pattern that adorned the grandmother's flooring—a motif commonly found in Hong Kong restaurants dating back to the early 1900s.

The resulting kitchen design merges modern and traditional construction techniques, offering a unique typology of cabinetry. By employing a combination of colors, material treatments, and intersecting elements, the design honors the client's cultural identity while meeting his practical needs. The outcome is a kitchen that not only serves as a functional space but also serves as a cherished symbol of the client's heritage and sense of belonging.