The architects maintained the existing configuration with the living, kitchen and dining areas on the top floor and the bedrooms and study below. They focused instead on access to the pool, further enhancement of the view and bringing in more natural light.

They also relocated the original staircase in the atrium as it hindered the flow. The freed space is now highlighted with a concrete skylight and chandelier that brings much-needed natural light into the space below. A concrete-finned cantilevered staircase is a new feature on the façade. “We worked a lot with off-form concrete, fine steelwork, and in-situ terrazzo for the floors for a slightly brutalist approach, material-wise. It served to replace the 1990s ‘tropical modern’ look with a contemporary spirit. The skylight was one of the most complex details we’ve designed, and also the most challenging to build,” explains Adela Askandar.

“Concrete has a natural way of responding to the climate, which we like. In this project, parts of the concrete façade are planted with creepers that complement the architectural elements as they weather the surface. We always design with the landscape in mind from the outset; this is an important aspect of our work - to establish direct correlation between greening or shading and temperature control.”

The concrete ‘mansion’ remains uninhabited as the client and his family have moved back to Hong Kong. He remains philosophical about his unfulfilled dream, calling the house a ‘beautiful mistake’.