Covid-19 keeping you indoors? Here’s how to make the most of your Hong Kong balcony or rooftop
- From plants to sturdy, durable furniture, there are plenty of ways to transform even the tiniest outdoor space into a comfortable haven – the experts tell us how to do it
If we needed any more incentive to value outdoor space in a crowded city, Covid-19 well and truly drove that message home.
Sean Affleck, Make Architects Asia and UK director, says it was wonderful to see so many low-rise rooftops being used during the pandemic, functioning as home gyms, home offices, entertaining spaces and dining rooms.
“This gave inspiration for how these spaces could be used more effectively and it would be great to see developers use the opportunity to integrate more active roof terraces for the benefit of their residents,” he says.
“And of course, not only rooftops. The Hong Kong government is encouraging balconies on new developments by discounting gross floor area calculations, which can only be a good thing.” For those fortunate enough to have outdoor space, Affleck advocates integrating shade, shelter and cooling to make the space work for you throughout the seasons.
“Plants are worth the investment,” he says. “They are brilliant at reducing the ‘heat island’ effect and minimising the heat absorbed by concrete floors and walls so that the space cools when the sun goes down, rather than reradiating heat in the evenings.”
