It takes a certain kind of eye to create a beautiful and elegant home, and nowhere is this more evident than the abode at 8 Wai Yin Path in Kowloon. Perched atop the new Homantin Hillside development, this three-storey penthouse, designed by bespoke architectural firm AB Concept, is testament to the Hong Kong-based company’s creative and innovative excellence. Dubbed a “villa in the sky” by its creators and designed with discerning individuals in mind, the space offers luxurious urban living and ample space – perfect for hosting, for relaxing and for family time.

Each of the three levels includes a feature patio, creating a sense of openness, while huge floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of natural light. The glass is framed with rich yet distressed mahogany-coloured cladding to create a contemporary and seamless look. Beyond, the glass-edged balconies give the outside areas an open-plan feel, while also offering unparalleled panoramas of the lush mountains.

Upon stepping inside, visitors are immediately greeted with a sense of serenity and elegance.

The soft-toned entrance hall has accents of the villa’s signature material – copper – which features heavily in details throughout the villa. The subtly spotlit living room is a peaceful place to plop down and relax, thanks to its neutral colour scheme, which contrasts nicely with the lacquered panelling along the staircase and the off-white stone-clad walls. It is these design choices that help create a multi-faceted effect with different textures and materials.

Opulent without being ostentatious, the room lends itself well to entertaining, as well as quiet evenings at home. Thoughtful decor choices like a grey-blue sofa, wood-hewn table and cloud-like feature rug create a sense of being up in the sky. If residents and guests find themselves flying too high for comfort, they’ll be anchored again by a touch of nautical chic decor in the form of a metal-fringed circular mirror on the wall which bears resemblance to a ship’s porthole.

For those who like to host dinner soirées, the dining room offers a contemporary setting for eating in style, with jaw-dropping cityscape views on display via the full-wall window. The focal point of the room is the opulent, handcrafted Nimbus pendant chandelier made from circular-shaped glass and satin brass fixtures. The custom-made marble floor ensures the room looks well polished with just a touch of the grandiose for good measure.

Upstairs, two well-appointed bedrooms command spectacular city views, while the calming neutral hues create a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. The master bedroom features custom-made carpeting and distinctive copper piping across the ceiling, as well as tones of silver, grey and blue. The look is contemporary yet understated, with the clutter-free space allowing for outstanding, uninterrupted views.

Additional touches, like a high-end walk-in wardrobe complete with textured suede finish and slick, all-glass shelves, help to maintain the classic feel. The second bedroom has walls the colour of sea-green foam, and its restful, ambient atmosphere makes it suitable for accommodating guests or serving as a children’s room. Both bedrooms come complete with sliding doors that lead to secluded private balconies.

Residents of this plush city-pad can also pamper themselves in their luxurious bathroom – another work of high-end craftsmanship. The all-marble suite features a dual sink vanity and an egg-shaped bath with pure white and glass fixtures.

Next up is arguably the most impressive space in this Hong Kong penthouse-the luxurious rooftop garden. Fragrant plants and budding flowers are scattered among plush seating areas, while the transparent balcony walls are perfect for a spot of city gazing or an intimate party. It’s here that AB Concept has really shown distinguishing touches, like a fireplace for al fresco dining and tranquil lanterns for lighting up the space on warm summer evenings. The overall effect is sleek, well thought out and comfortable.

The staggered design of the building is a bonus architectural feature. It lets the homeowner gaze down at the lower patio areas, which gives the whole building a sense of unity and creates an inside-meets-outside effect.

For AB Concept, the penthouse is another addition to an extensive and exclusive portfolio. As experts in the world of hospitality and luxury residences, they have worked with many upmarket hotels including the Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Rosewood Hotels and W Hotels. They have also undertaken global projects, with examples of their work stretching from Asia to the shores of the Cote d’Azur.

Founded by Ed Ng and Terence Ngan in 1999, the Hong Kong-based company now has offices in Bangkok and Taipei and is continuing to make waves in the world of luxury architecture. Seeking to re-define high-end living, co-founder Ng was featured in Hospitality Design in 2010 as one of the “Wave of the Future” upcoming designers to watch. With projects like 8 Wai Yin Path, it’s easy to see why. The penthouse also highlights a new era for Ho Man Tin, marking it as an up-and-coming destination for large scale design projects.

Since welcoming an MTR station last October, the area is fast becoming one of Kowloon’s – and Hong Kong’s – increasingly prestigious residential areas. In addition to bespoke residences, other developments – like the arts- and lifestyle-focused One Homantin Residential complex – are bringing affluent individuals, business workers and families to the rapidly expanding area.

Despite being part of Homantin Hillside and the much larger redevelopment project, AB Concept’s penthouse still manages to maintain an air of uniqueness. The new owners of this bespoke abode will no doubt value the privacy, outstanding views and elegant design. An excellent investment for anyone seeking the best in architectural prowess and style, the residence marks what may well be a new era for luxury living in the heart of Kowloon.

Text: Siobhan Brewood-Wyatt