The accommodation in the 186-square-meter split-level house in Marina Cove, Sai Kung is arranged over six and a half floors. With so many levels to play with, the central staircase became a key element of the new look. Out went the narrow stairs and metal balustrades and in came a single slim-line balustrade with wooden handrails.

On each level of the house, Clifton maximized the size of the windows, to bring in more natural light, and installed fuss-free white blinds to keep the look clean. Just as neat is the cove lighting, aided by accent lamps and downlights.

Outside, Clifton installed a series of large and small steps leading from the terrace to the private floating dock at the edge of the marina. Now it is a more interesting use of the space. It’s a gathering place for family and their friends, somewhere the kids can have picnics.

But it’s the large kitchen-diner that is the heart of the home. By moving the helpers’ quarters to the ground-floor lobby, Clifton was able to reclaim the space for a “dirty kitchen” behind an opaque grey glass sliding door, which contains cooking smells and hides the washing up.

Nautical Home Away from Home Shanghai Daily Oct 2019