How Le Corbusier and French bubble houses inspired this Lamma Island renovation
A ceramicist breathes new life into a run-down flat, transforming it into a studio that is a canvas for his architectural sculptures
Dubbed “The Lookout” by Sahuc and his partner, Jerome Sozzi, an arts logistics professional, also from France, the 1980s-built apartment had never been renovated and was in a sorry state when the couple bought it in 2021. However, the pandemic-induced dilemma of whether to stay in Hong Kong or go delayed any immediate plans to improve the derelict space, although Sahuc, who was then beginning to explore his skills as a ceramicist, initially used it as a makeshift workshop.
“The flat was very run-down and we had to fight to even open the shutters,” recalls Sahuc. “But it has amazing natural views over the hills and the sea, and was such a calming place even in its bad condition that I didn’t want to lose its spirit and outstanding feng shui.”
Although demolition work on the flat began in January 2023, the impetus for change accelerated only in 2024, when Sahuc decided to pause his career in the luxury-goods industry. He wanted to pursue his passion for ceramics full time and design a collection of “luminescent sculptures” and murals, which would necessitate a proper creative studio. This decision sparked a full-scale makeover of the apartment, which took a year to finish.
“I am not an academically trained architect but I did all the plans myself,” he says. “I worked with a contractor on the major renovation aspects but the finishes and decoration are all me.”
His interventions were both strategic and sensitive. Keeping the two bedrooms as they were (one of which now doubles as a study and guest room), he demolished walls to open up the stairwell to the main living area. He relocated the kitchen to the rear and borrowed space from the corridor to enlarge the sole bathroom.
Much to his contractor’s consternation, he stripped back supporting beams and the underside of the stairs to the roof to reveal their raw concrete, preferring the rough texture to a polished finish. A more serendipitous discovery came when he ripped out the 40-year-old grey fitted carpet to find beautiful, original floor tiles in pristine condition beneath.