Côte&Ciel

Hong Kong, China

Photo © Hoshing Mok

Architects: Linehouse

Location: 45 Tung Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, China
Year: 2015

Côte&Ciel is inspired by the complementary clash between coast (côte) and sky (ciel). Linehouse’s interpretation visualises the collision of these two elements in various ways: nature vs urbanity, inside vs outside, and reflective vs matt. The site in Hong Kong, on Tung Street in Sheung Wan was designed to contain two double height spaces; one at the entrance and one at the back where a garden was inserted.

These two spaces were filled with a vertical field of metal poles which serve as a perpendicular connection between the elements. The poles have a horizontal and vertical gradient from rough to polished finish. Vertically, a datum of polished stainless steel define the high level of the poles and rough finish at lower level. The façade features a horizontal gradient, composed of different finishes of metal; polished stainless steel, brushed steel, raw steel and black metal.

The poles operate as an apparatus for display with suspended exhibition boxes contained within, and mirrors and hooks are used for bag display.

The intermediary retail space between the elemental installations is clad in grey bush hammered basalt stone. The bag display fixtures are designed with black lava stone, black metal and perforated stainless steel. Custom lighting is made of polished stainless steel and tube lighting. Finally, the cashier desk is clad in a grey Balmes stone complimented with stainless steel inserts.