Renowned Hong Kong-based architect and designer Steve Leung brings his sophisticated brand of luxury to 8 Conlay.

BY SHERRY KOH

Type E is one of the largest units in Tower A.

WHEN you buy into a branded residence, you are also subscribing to the developer’s definition of luxury, which is often brought to fruition through the designer’s philosophy and sensibilities.

The concept of branded residences is not new in Malaysia. So, what was KSK Land’s approach for its branded project 8 Conlay, which comprises two towers of luxury serviced apartments, a nine-storey niche retail podium and the five-star Kempinski Hotel?

Answer: They formed a formidable group of creative extraordinaire to push boundaries and deliver solutions that add real value to a global consumer’s lifestyle. Together, they pored into every single detail and corner. Nothing is an afterthought.

Type B1 is designed around the “water” element. Upon entering, one is treated to the magnificent view of KL city centre, beyond the foldable doors.

This will be evident when its on-site show gallery for its first residential tower (Tower A) opens its doors on Oct 8. The residential towers are named YOO 8, serviced by Kempinski. What you will witness are design elements of the highest standard. After all, the interior design is created under the brand, Steve Leung & YOO, two revered names in the design world.

YOO design studio was founded by property entrepreneur John Hitchcox and superstar designer Philippe Starck in 1999. Their A-list talents worldwide include Kelly Hoppen, Jade Jagger (Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger’s daughter), Marcel Wanders, and of course, Steve Leung.

A design virtuoso
Leung, 58, is a chameleon when it comes to creativity. He is an architect, interior designer and product designer. He was first introduced to the world of design by his uncle. Leung’s tone softens as he speaks of his uncle, “When I was young, I stayed with my second uncle. He is an architect and I would watch him work at home after office hours. He is my idol. He is really good in calligraphy. He is an artist. I knew that I was going to be an architect as well. It was very natural as I like art, too.”

Leung is the creative director of Steve Leung & YOO.

To Leung, architecture, interior and product design are connected, and one discipline should not be regarded as more professional or prestigious than the other. Leung shares, “Some would say that I moved from architecture to interior, and now product design. I think that it is the other way around. I designed my own furniture when I was very young. So I often joke that I have been a designer for more than 50 years.”

Leung also enjoys changing things up occasionally. For instance, he had the office repainted over a weekend and his staff wondered whether they had arrived at the wrong office come Monday.

“I like doing these things. Design should be fun!” Leung chuckles as he relates his brand of humour. The surprises don’t stop there.

He points to his colourful jacket, “This is my first time wearing this. I usually wear plain colours. Today, I suddenly changed my image. I told my staff that this is just the beginning, as I also bought a pink jacket!”

While design should be fun, Leung is serious when it comes to augmenting commercial success. His entrepreneurial streak extends to his other passion – food. To date, he has six restaurants under his lifestyle brand, 1957 & Co. They are Gonpachi, Sushi Ta-ke, Mango Tree I and II, An Nam and Bella Vita. Dining at any of his a-cut-above restaurants is a visual feast and a complete delight for the palate.

Highly curated luxury
Leung will bring in a fresh lifestyle experience to 8 Conlay. Tower A of YOO 8 highlights the essence of nature as reflected in the Eastern Chinese philosophy that incorporates the elements of fire, wood, metal, water and earth. The focus for Tower A would be on two elements; “water” (represents purity, fluidity and calmness) and “wood” (represents harmony and warmth). “Water” showcases lighter hues, while “wood” delivers more contrast. The apartments also feature other elements, such as brass and copper (“metal”), which lend a beautiful touch of refined elegance.

There are 564 branded residences in Tower A, with built-up sizes ranging from 682 sq ft to 1,295 sq ft. They are standardised in certain ways. All apartments feature an open-plan layout where the kitchen, dining and living areas breathe quality liveability. The outdoor area is also seen as an extension of the living room.

The bathrooms feature different types of marble.

Leung explains, “When the doors are open, we want to feel that the living room is extended to the balcony and beyond, into the surroundings. This is also a very typical Chinese way of designing, which is to borrow the view outside into the room and it becomes part of the room.”

The luxury is indeed in the details and you will sense it when you live at YOO 8.

Noted projects in Hong Kong by Steve Leung

39 Conduit Road: The unit boasts stunning views of Victoria Harbour. It is the epitome of the high life, enjoyed by those with impeccable taste.

Yoo Residence: A high-floor, one-bedroom unit was sold at HK$43,000 (RM22,694) per sq ft, making it the highest-priced unit of its type in Hong Kong.

Sing Yin Chinese Restaurant: Instead of traditional grandeur, this Chinese restaurant of W Hotel Hong Kong is designed to recreate the unique features of Hong Kong’s streetscape.