FAK3 of Hong Kong has been named a winner in the first annual AAP American Architecture Prize, which recognizes the most outstanding architecture worldwide for their project The Ribbon House which won best Houses interior.
     The idea of the house was to create a ribbon-like structure that dances through the 4 levels in a sequence of twirls. This creates an exciting transition through each floor level and the void space created by the stairs acts as a light well, drawing natural light into the basement levels.
     FAK3 was commissioned to transform an 1,000 sq m old house and landscaped gardens, positioned discreetly on a hillside with commanding panoramic views to the South China sea.
     The main entrance is located at the centre along the length of the house, which dictated the arrangement of spaces. Opposite the entrance is a void which the ribbon stairs penetrate through and a glass floor with views looking down 2 stories to the basement levels.
     The central part of the home is dominated by an elliptical opening that winds its way through every level in a serpentine helix pattern. At its widest in the lower basement, it becomes tighter with narrower treads as the staircase approaches the roof terrace.
     Adjacent to the stairs is a skylight that allows views of the sky to be seen from the two basement levels. Rooms are fluid, with spaces flowing into one another organically. The kitchen and dining area both have direct access to a back garden designed for al fresco dining featuring a vertical wall of plants. Folding glass doors that can be completely opened creating a strong connection between inside and outside. Sliding glass doors in the living room lead to a grassy terrace with a mere glass balustrade separating it from the cliff. At the lowest level, two en suite guest bedrooms each borrow additional light with private pocket gardens, while another bedroom on the floor above boasts a white marble bathroom with bathtub facing a 270-degree view.
     The concept for the house is transparency, and our focus is to provide a strong connection internally with the ribbon like staircase tying the vertical levels together as well as the connection to nature. We wanted to enhance the concept that there is a temporal boundary between inside and out; that the whole house can open up to expansive views, light and air.
     For full story and more images, please refer to the next coming issue of BUILDING JOURNAL. Subscribe E-version <click here>