OP 1981

Modern Cultural Heritage Apartment in Sai Ying Pun | OP 1981

Discover OP 1981, a thoughtfully renovated 425 sqft apartment in Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong. Blending nostalgic Hong Kong elements with modern design.

Nestled in the historic neighborhood of Sai Ying Pun, OP 1981 is a 425 sqft apartment that preserves the essence of Hong Kong’s rich heritage. Originally built in 1981—the same year the owner was born—this residence reflects the cultural and architectural identity of its time, seamlessly integrated into contemporary living. Our design approach honors the neighborhood’s history while creating a space that is both nostalgic and modern.

Design Inspiration: Inspired by 1980s Hong Kong
Inspired by Sai Ying Pun’s early development era and colonial architectural influences, the design reinterprets the industrial elements and local heritage. The apartment’s aesthetic echoes the 1980s Hong Kong atmosphere, with nods to colonial design and local materials, creating a cultural tapestry within a compact space.

Materials & Details: Recreating Local Heritage
The project features a palette of nostalgic colours, including royal green accents inherited from colonial aesthetics, and traditional Hong Kong materials such as vintage tiles and industrial-inspired finishes. These elements evoke a sense of familiarity and warmth, reimagined through contemporary craftsmanship.

Space Layout & Optimization: Light & Flow

• Nostalgic Colour Palette: The use of royal green and other period-specific hues.
• Cultural Murals: A wall art mural in the open kitchen, created by a local artist, depicts a montage of historical landmarks.
• Reinterpreted Heritage Elements: The iconic floor tile pattern was transformed into a sliding screen, blending function with cultural homage.
• Flexible Layout: The apartment’s layout was reconfigured to maximize space and light, with a movable screen wall allowing flexible privacy and openness.

Challenges & Solutions
The limited space of a traditional Hong Kong double-room apartment posed layout challenges. To enhance spaciousness and functionality, the design opened up the two rooms and kitchen, while the movable screen wall maintained privacy and optimized daylight, resulting in a harmonious living environment.

“This apartment beautifully captures our memories and history, blending the old with the new in a meaningful way.” — Owner

Interested in designing a space that reflects your heritage? Contact us today for a consultation or view our portfolio of culturally inspired renovations.