Hong Kong’s Playpod Sanctuary Marries Aesthetics + Well-Being

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In a time where mental health and wellness have taken center stage, the architectural world has increasingly turned toward creating spaces that nurture the mind and soul. Playpod Sanctuary, designed by studio Bean Buro, stands as a beacon of this philosophy. Nestled in the scenic mountains of Hong Kong’s Tuen Mun district, this three-story residence balances functionality with emotional healing, crafting a serene environment for a family of four.

Drawing inspiration from the iconic post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne, Bean Buro’s vision reflects the tranquil beauty of Provence – the region immortalized by Cézanne’s canvases. The gentle greenery and serene landscapes of the French countryside are reimagined in a modern design that blends natural materials, calming hues, and playful shapes. The creative duo behind the studio, Kenny Kinugasa-Tsui and Lorène Faure, embraced the essence of Cézanne’s work, using his vision of nature to infuse the home with a sense of peace and lightness.

Spacious modern living room with large windows, curved furniture, wall-mounted TV, abstract art, and a balcony with potted plants overlooking a cityscape with domed buildings.

Modern living room with plush beige chairs, round wooden coffee table, art on marble wall, contemporary pendant light, large windows with sheer curtains, and cityscape view featuring a white building.

Modern living and dining area featuring minimalist decor, a marble dining table, wooden chairs, green plants, and a cozy seating space with round coffee table and neutral-toned furniture.

The design of Playpod Sanctuary goes beyond aesthetics, prioritizing the psychological and emotional needs of its inhabitants. Understanding the importance of mental health, especially in a post-pandemic context, the studio focused on crafting a space that would serve as both a functional home and a mental retreat. The layout is thoughtfully divided into private, semi-private, and public zones, encouraging both family connection and personal solitude when needed. The home features a rooftop terrace and spacious living areas that foster interactions while respecting individual privacy.

Modern dining area with a marble table, rattan chairs, hanging lights, and a wall-mounted decorative piece. A glass door opens to a patio with a cushioned bench, potted plants, and a textured stone wall.

Dining area with a marble table, wooden chairs, a teapot, and a cup. Wooden shelves on the wall hold decorative items and a potted plant. Vertical green paneling is seen on the right.

The design process was marked by close collaboration with the family, ensuring that the end result catered not only to their practical needs but also to their emotional well-being. Intensive design meetings allowed the family to actively participate in shaping the space, exploring creative solutions that would support their daily routines and lifestyle. This collaborative approach gave rise to unique, multifunctional spaces such as a welcoming lounge area for guests and dynamic play zones for the children.

A small teacup sits on a green marble table with curved edges, beside a wooden chair with a woven back.

A modern, minimalist staircase with beige carpeting and glass railing, surrounded by vertical slats. Plant near bottom right. Neutral-toned interior with terrazzo flooring.

Modern interior room featuring curved walls, geometric patterned flooring, a small staircase, a desk with a chair, and a large window with curtains allowing natural light to enter.

Aesthetically, the home embraces nature, with materials like natural wood, green accents, and custom-designed furniture blending into a cohesive palette. These elements were carefully selected to foster a soothing environment, while durable and functional materials like terrazzo flooring add a layer of playful practicality to high-traffic areas like the kitchen and entrance.

A modern home office with a wooden chair, desk, pegboard wall organizer, arched shelf, and large floor cushion. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide ample natural light.

A modern interior featuring curved architectural elements, a staircase with wooden steps on the left, geometric floor patterns, and built-in seating with pastel-colored cushions.

Modern library interior with wooden curved walls, a desk with a dolphin painting, two blue chairs, and bookshelves in the background.

Lighting, acoustics, and material choices were meticulously designed to heighten sensory comfort. Lighting systems were chosen to offer different levels of warmth and brightness, creating flexible atmospheres that respond to the changing needs of the family. Acoustic partitions were integrated to maintain peace and quiet, crucial for a mentally restorative space.

Curved interior balcony with a light green railing and slatted design. Wooden flooring and wall, with an arched window in the background overlooking a garden.

A modern bedroom with a low-profile bed, neutral bedding, a floor lamp, and sheer curtains covering large windows. A framed picture is resting against the wall on the wooden floor.

A neutral-toned bedroom with a beige bed, gray and beige pillows, a small side table with a pink lamp, and a framed picture with a cat illustration leaning against the wall.

A recessed shelf with four levels, holding minimalist decor items including sculptures, candles, a clock, and a model house. The shelf is built into a light-colored wall with an arched top.

Minimalist room with wooden sliding doors, round cutout in the right door, built-in shelves to the left displaying decor items, and a low platform inside holding art prints. Neutral color palette.

Minimalist interior featuring a wooden platform with art pieces and a circular window. Natural light from the open glass door brightens the space.

A neatly organized walk-in closet with clothes and shoes on shelves and hangers, illuminated by a floor lamp. An arched doorway frames the entrance.

A child's bedroom with a neutral color scheme features a bed with an astronaut-themed pillow and a soft, curved headboard design. The room also includes a climbing wall and rings for physical activity.

A child's bedroom featuring a bed with an astronaut-themed bedspread and a starry ceiling. The bed's headboard is illuminated with soft, curved lights. Gymnastics rings and ladder are on the wall.

A wooden loft bed with a staircase on the left, white curtains below the bed, and star-shaped decorations hanging in front.

A modern bathroom features terrazzo walls, two round sinks with black faucets, a large mirror, and two pendant lights. A glass shower enclosure is visible in the background.

A modern bathroom viewed through an arched doorway, featuring two round sinks, wall-mounted faucets, pendant lights, and a terrazzo backsplash.

View through an arched mirror showing a modern bathroom with terrazzo wall, two sinks, and black towel racks.

Two people engage in conversation while seated on tiered, wooden seating. The background features abstract, green paintings and a potted plant.

Kenny Kinugasa-Tsui and Lorène Faure of Bean Buro

For more projects from Bean Buro, head to beanburo.com.

Photography by Steven Ko.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.





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