Pondering your Hong Kong accommodation options? Launched in 2019, TOWNPLACE SOHO is a flagship residential project by Sun Hang Kai Properties (SHKP) that aims to provide a new flexible leasing experience for millennials and young professionals. We find out more about it here, and turn the spotlight to its unique communal area – known as “Duo Social Space” – where contemporary art and design merge with a work-from-home ethos. (Plus, scroll down to read what one of Expat Living’s Singapore-based editors thought when she stayed here on a recent visit to Hong Kong!)
Leasing in the heart of downtown
The property is located at 18 Caine Road, Central, in the heart of Hong Kong’s CBD. As a resident, that means you have art, shopping and entertainment options right at your fingertips. (You’re three minutes from Lan Kwai Fong, for starters!) It also allows for some amazing views, including of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens.
There’s a wide-range of high-quality accommodation for singles and couples on offer; these include serviced, furnished and unfurnished apartments, and in different styles so you can personalised your living space. What’s more, the leasing terms are flexible, ranging from one month to multiple years.
Not just any communal space
The aforementioned Duo Social Space is a 30,000-square-foot clubhouse that spans both the Soho property, together with the sister TOWNPLACE property in Kennedy Town (at 97 Belcher’s Street). This is a first-of-a-kind in Hong Kong, with tenants from both properties able to cross-use the facilities as they please.
Featuring curated elements by interior design firm Richards Basmajian, Duo Social Space is a fun, work-friendly space that also incorporates artistic and cultural elements at every turn. As the firm’s David Richards explains, “We set out to create spaces to allow residents to experience art and access cultures themes in every corner while working, at leisure or just hanging out.”
David adds that in the current work-from-home era, it operates as a trendy yet flexible extension of both a living room and a home office. “A space with flexibilty for this dual-purpose function will be the new trend – especially in Hong Kong with its limited supply of land.”
Nature is never far away, thanks to added greenery inside and views to outside from the full-height windows. Plus, the Richards Basmajian team incorporated organic elements such as water features, gardens and statues to enhance the green-living feel.
Modern seating – from sofas to designer armchairs – is grouped for comfortable chilling out or casual functions. For individuals and small groups who want to work, there are open desks with built-in power sockets and USB outlets. Various niches and booths provide privacy for Zoom calls and phone meetings. And bigger groups can customise their own zone thanks to specially designed partition walls, whether it’s for a private conference, seminar or party.
Taking a break
Both floors of Duo Social Space also have their own social kitchens. Stocked with steam ovens, induction hobs and hoods, coffee makers, food prep areas and more, these are great for everything from casual chitchat with a fellow resident to larger gatherings.
On the upper floor, meanwhile, you’ll find a well-equipped gym and a wellness room overlooking an outdoor pool. Or, for even more of an escape, head to the top-floor Sky Garden. The views of Victoria Harbour and the surrounding city from here are sublime.
Focus on art
Artist Kristopher Ho and street art collective Parents Parents were brought on board to enhance the idea of the Duo Social Space being a city oasis, and also to give it a unique touch.
Renowned for his bold style and detailed sketching, Kristopher was inspired by the nearby Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens for his murals. Featuring a Bornean orangutan and an American flamingo, his artworks highlight the importance of nature and wildlife in the city. This is a different side of Hong Kong, yet one that’s equally as appealing as its well-known icons and landmarks.
The team from Parents Parents created abstract paintings inspired by iconic landmarks in the neighbouring Central and Sheung Wan districts; think Duddell Street Steps, gas lamps and other features. They opted for a wide colour palette based on the demographic of the residents; a sense of youthfulness and vitality comes through in the bright tones, while the darker tones evoke tranquillity and comfort. Three-dimensional elements and geometric patterns hint at the multicultural yet harmonious nature of the residence.
Embracing tech and more
In a property with such a cutting-edge feel, it’s no surprise that technology is used to great effect at TOWNPLACE SOHO. Via a dedicated mobile app, residents can use smartphone authentication technology to open their apartment’s electronic door lock (in the Soho property); there’s also a Smart Home system for controlling lights and more. The App also allows access to news of events organised by the brand’s Community Team.
In all, if you’re on the lookout for an independent and flexible residential leasing option, TOWNPLACE should appeal. The property combines hassle-free living, a flexible working mode that’s ideally suited to 2021, and a communal networking space that highlights art and culture while allowing like-minded people to come together creatively and socially.
A word from an Expat Living editor
One of the editors from our sister Expat Living magazine in Singapore recently stayed at TOWNPLACE SOHO on a visit to Hong Kong. Here are some of her highlights.
“The property’s great location made it easy for me to nip out to IFC for lunch, even during a hectic work day. It was also extremely convenient to return from an evening of drinks at one of the bars in Soho. The leases are flexible, which makes a great option for visitors who are going to be in Hong Kong for a few weeks.
My apartment felt like a home away from home but with a smart home feature! Using the TOWNPLACE app, I could remotely access the air-conditioning and lights of my entire apartment. I didn’t have to wait until I returned to the apartment to turn them on. Another technological perk was the Bluetooth speaker in the bathroom – my Spotify playlist filled the air as I showered!
A favourite part of staying here is the sense of community. During my stay, I went for a mixer at Club Rangoon where regular faces warmly welcomed me. I struck up a friendship with an expat who has been at Soho for two years. We would later go for a junk trip together and we have plans to catch up when she comes to Singapore later this year!”
– Patricea Chow
To find out about leasing availability and more, visit townplace.com.hk.
See more in our Living in Hong Kong section
