Stepping into this 3,000-sq-ft flat in Sky Oasis in Macau, you will be welcomed by the warmth of the natural materials – a minimalist symphony of three kinds of wood (Walnut, Paulownia and Golden Teak), stone, paper and an occasional hint of brass.  The demure lighting throughout immediately stills your mind and invites you to explore this forest of details.  Meandering through the bar, the dining area and towards the living room, your best guide is the curvaceous wooden structure which is visible from all directions.  The rustic yet graceful centerpiece-combo – the coiling ceramic vase and floral arrangement – flanked by terrazzo and wagami adorns the space with a splash of zen. 

While you are mesmerised by the Eastern charm of the installation, the modern elegance of the living room on a lower level takes you to another realm – a den that exhibits timeless and non-ostentatious luxury made possible by neutral hues, low furniture with clean-line silhouette and tactile fabrics.  This contemporary area is linked effortlessly with the adjacent dining room and bar by the application of terrazzo and wood, contributing to the unity and continuity of the common areas.   The dining room, on the other hand, is modulated into a clutter-free wooden space whereby the wagami lamps and the wooden stripes are reminiscent of clouds in the woods. Such mono ambience is balanced and enriched by the discreet infusion of brass and stone in the bar, showcasing a modern interpretation of Eastern aesthetics.

The rhythm of the common areas extends to the Japanese tearoom and the master room on a raised level.  Visible through the curvy centerpiece, these rooms receded near the main entrance can be flexibly opened up and closed for privacy – thanks to the Japanese-inspired folding doors.  The sakura-patterned wooden screens, the bespoke Art Deco style mixed-media vanity table and the grey stone wall in the master bedroom together is a manifestation of understated extravagance.  The effect of emptiness in the connecting tearoom, however, adds a beautiful pause attributing to a perfect breathing space. 

This is a show-flat – yet it is not showy.  The designer seeks the equilibrium between being a part of nature and manoeuvring an artistic curation, ensuring the most meditative and immersive living experience for the future owner.  Various Hong Kong artists have been commissioned to create works of art inspired by the ambience of this piece of interior design – ceramic vases and tea wares; an ink wash landscape painting and an auspicious red-crowned crane oil; gold-thread painting inspired by the ocean; gongs and copper wares contrasting the softness of the wood; Japanese knots on door handle sending peace to the space.  Insinuation, imagination and seduction are provided for the dwellers as they reside in this exquisite setting.  Even scents and music are well taken care of, giving the design the fourth and fifth dimensions – the scents of green tea and sandal wood shower the space; zen-inspired background music provides a backdrop for calmness, concentration and a reflective inward journey when one is home. 

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//Max Lam Designs raised the stakes for the future of the typology by creating a holistic experience that intrigued the presiding jury ... How the team at Max Lam won their trophy "It's sensorial and well thought through ." Channelling each of the senses through bespoke art pieces and objects, Inward Journey invites visitors to stay, to slow down and to journey into themselves. // by Laura Bielecki of Real Estate Development, Judge Panel of Frame Awards 2020