Crafts on Peel

“Renovation is an act that connects history and future possibilities.  We preserve, at the same time, intervene.  We remove and insert precisely new elements.”

 The project revitalises a 3-storey tenement built in 1948 to become the home of Crafts on Peel, a charitable organisation with a mission to revive, reinterpret and perpetuate traditional craftsmanship. The site serves as a creative venue to enhance public appreciation of craftsmanship and juxtapose traditional crafts with modern lifestyles through exhibitions, workshops and Crafts Fellowship Programme.

A prominent feature that runs through the building is the exposed brick wall which the design deliberately preserves.  Large voids, which are thought to be windows of the original exterior walls, are replaced by stainless steel display shelves that also serve as structural supports.  Loose bricks are broken into chips, mixed with white cement and installed as terrazzo to strengthen the brick wall.

The renovation process is an improvisation with the existing building which design modifies and refines with site conditions to create a juxtaposition of the old and new. Intact stairs threads are kept and while the broken ones are repaired with a 5mm thick steel plate installed.  Polycarbonate layered with perforated steel panels are inserted between flights of stairs, but it gives way when existing solid balustrades can be retained. Externally, the building is painted white with fine horizontal texture, retaining the outline of the original façade features.  Revolving windows reminiscent of 1940-50s fenestration designs encourage natural ventilation to the space inside. 

Photos courtesy of Crafts on Peel

LOCATION
11 Peel Street, Central

TRANSPORTATION
View here

GUIDED TOUR
Date: 28 Sep 2024 (Sat)
Time: Session 1:  2:00 PM to 3:00 PM / Session 2 : 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Language: Cantonese
Led by : Crafts on Peel & Eureka
Capacity: 8

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