Sean Affleck; an architect, dreamer, & pragmatist

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Sean Affleck; an architect, dreamer, & pragmatist

10 July 2023

Sean Affleck is a busy man.  It’s taken three attempts to meet, but the moment has finally come, and we stand chatting on the pool deck of Victoria Coast in Pok Fu Lam, an apartment complex he and his team have recently breathed fresh life into.  Sean’s tall frame, clad in a black suit, echoes the building he fondly stares up at.

“It’s like a lighthouse sitting right on the coast overlooking the South China Sea,” explains Sean enthusiastically as he looks to the structure that he’s been focusing on for five years now.  “We love the sculptural form of the building.  It’s not shy, it stands proudly, unapologetically, like it always has b。een here.  And the views from it are just stunning, especially in the evening when the sun drops down.”

Courtesy of Make Architect: Sketch of early design of Victoria Coast by Sean Affleck Sean Affleck

Built in the late 80’s, Victoria Gardens, as it was known for three decades, is a Pok Fu Lam landmark; its twin towers being popular with expat families drawn to the green surroundings, spectacular views, proximity to Central, and outstanding choice of local schools. But its age was having an impact on the quality and health of its living environment, so Chinachem engaged Sean’s practice Make Architects to assess the options for its replacement or refurbishment.

Founded by renowned architect Ken Shuttleworth, Make describe themselves rather unusually as free from a house style, choosing instead to study each brief and location free from preconceived ideas. The only caveat is their principles, to which each studio in London, Hong Kong, and Sydney adheres, to do their best for the planet and for people. This approach is a high priority for client and architect alike on Victoria Coast.

Courtesy of Make Architects: London Aquatics Centre’s concept design

Courtesy of Make Architects: London Canary Wharf kiosks

“Our work with Chinachem on this project has evolved as the world has changed and the brief shifted accordingly so our ‘no house style’ was perfect,” explains Sean. “Chinachem’s view was that the building has stood for a very long time, so let’s help it keep standing.”

Initially all options were on the table; demolish and rebuild, a typical Hong Kong approach, but not one with good environmental credentials. A light touch renovation; cost effective and quick. Or a full-scale regeneration.

“Following the conservation of Central Market, I could see his aspiration and vision,” recounts Sean. “He wanted this to be more sustainable, and more regenerative and people focused.”

So, it was shifting lifestyles and Chinachem’s desire to take the most sustainable approach that led to the decision to retain and fully refurbish the twin towers, including the replacement of the building’s façade, a major undertaking.

The result of this commitment is a destination which feels fresh and of the moment, but with a space and flow that leverages the generous proportions of a design drawn 30 years ago. And when it comes to environmental performance, its glazing and high-performance materials now deliver much greater efficiencies in heat and sound insulation.

Reflecting on the location of Victoria Coast, Sean, who lived in Pok Fu Lam in the 90’s, has his favourite spots nearby. “The sunrises and sunsets are just stunning here. When you look out it’s incredible, you can almost touch the South China Sea. So, I love going down and walking right by the water’s edge.”

With infectious excitement, he describes how he enjoys spotting passing cargo ships and then via an app, discovering their far-off destinations; the Cape, Singapore, the UK. And I heard that same enthusiasm again when we spoke a week after the interview. He’s busy, in Hyderabad, for the day, pitching for new business, inspired by the next location and what it offers.
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Sean Affleck; an architect, dreamer, & pragmatist

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