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scents of dao

over the last 5,000 years, the teachings of shen nong, the father of eastern restorative herbal medicine, have been crafted into a precise methodical philosophy centred around the body’s balance and free-flowing energy systems.

adopting these learnings into the modern day, scents of dao was formed.

just as the moon circles the earth and the earth the sun, human bodies are energy systems that abide by the act of diurnal living. scents of dao unites two key elements, the sun and the moon, characterised through the merging of the two chinese symbols to become an anchor for day to night rituals that create natural harmony in our cyclical lives. this is the practice of balance and the discipline of opposing forces which create a harmonious tranquillity to our natural state.

to practice scents of dao, is to pay tribute to the healing properties of nature.

photographs by: vita mak & judy chen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

grand majestic sichuan

defined by seductive extravagance through a contemporary filter, grand majestic sichuan is a space of glamorous escape. blind tigers on the emblem nod to the exclusivity and freewheeling spirit of the roaring 20s. it is a tantalising lounge for the high-flying younger generation with a sophisticated eye for modern art in a classy yet high octane setting.

in this irresistible experience, connoisseurs will indulge in spicy sichuan classics, reinvented, all served in whimsical tablewares as the perfect canvas for this visual feast. more is more in this maximalist eatery, a sensory dining experience where the opulent interiors and bold flavours are in an intoxicating two-step.

goodman westlink

echoing the rugged beauty of its verdant surroundings, substance’s interior work for goodman westlink is an exemplar for sustainable, modern logistic centres. the spatial concept is anchored on usability, flexibility, and integrity, enabling it to deftly respond to diverse users, from office executives to truck drivers, from visitors to valued clientele.

taking after the organised systems that power logistics, we methodically excavated and repurposed the resources available at our location. wood is reborn as structure and furniture; soil and minerals from the land transform into terrazzo and stucco that clads floors and walls. striking a delicate balance between industry and nature, a living workspace emerges — one that aims to give as much as it takes.

hinting at crown shyness — a fascinating phenomenon where tree crowns delicately avoid touching — our brand identity for greenroof signifies a canopy of intertwining paths, reflective of how our spaces find rooting and inspiration in its natural context.


chalet nê

sheltering an itinerant family of four with roots in the east and west, chalet nê celebrates and encapsulates the warmth, sense of community, and artistry of east asian mountain cultures from its perch in the french alps. reflecting local building techniques and a sensitive gathering of resources from the chalet’s natural context, we symbolise the reverence early mountain tribes held for nature and its living denizens.

a steep cascade of pitched roofs topped with local larch wood shingles recall the peaks of the alps and himalayas, while ancestral stone wall patterns and intricate carpentry define the stalwart walls upholding the cavernous roofs. doorframe entrances and balustrade carvings pay homage to the drukgyel dzong monastery in bhutan, complemented by the la chaux plaster tempering the grain of the space’s reclaimed wood panels.

true to its savoyard name, chalet nê serves as a nest, ready to recharge its inhabitants for their next journey into exploration and discovery.

mother pearl

when sipping bubble tea, the spring-loaded pearls of tapioca instantly demands our attention. confronted by the unapologetic chew of the pearls, we unconsciously transcend into a state of unexpected satisfaction.

a pioneering advocate for healthy teahouses in hong kong, mother pearl encapsulates the deeply immersive bubble tea drinking experience through its magical concoctions. serving as a vessel for the sensations that emerge from sipping bubble tea, the negative space in its icon evolves with seasonal and flavour changes.

from the cloud of pearl-shaped lights floating above, to the dark olive green facade that opens a portal to a mystical universe, mother pearl expresses dimension through its organic materiality, drawing the consumer deeper into the sweetness of the present.

the rambler

named after goodman interlink’s unique and strategic location in the rambler channel, the rambler is a new take on café design, offering a refreshing space for customers, their workers and their guests to meet, socialise and recharge.

the selection of natural elements is a stark contrast to the industrial building the café resides in. a warm palette of materials interspersed throughout with timber wrapped around to nourish the soul and breathe life into the space – echoing the feel of a haven across day and night. the use of blue hues through a gradient of hand-glazed ceramic tiles reflects the lull of water and washes over with an air of contemplation.

the year of the pig

the year of the pig carries a symbol of “abundance ». this porky zodiac brings you prosperity, fertility and plenty of luck. to send blessings to everyone in the coming year, we designed 8 auspicious red packets that illustrate an array of fortunes treasured in the pig’s full belly: harmony, morality, happiness, longevity, love, peace, success and wealth. gold stamping and spot uv finishing was applied to bring a sense of crafted opulence with each packet individually hand wrapped in ribbed kraft paper, ready to be gifted to friends and family.

origin shangri la

a station is the crossroads of millions of lives that intersect and pass within seconds, a point of convergence harbouring exchanges and ruminations; beginnings and endings. located in the original outlet of shangri-la in singapore, origin epitomises the hotel’s legacy, and honours south east asian produce. the existing arches carved into the space reminisced of station platforms and presented a befitting structure for execution. as diners travel through the bar, main dining, and private dining areas, they are taken on an evocative journey from the ticket counter, grand hall, platform, and finally to the intimate carriage. the curvatures mirrored in the interior and campaign furniture, in combination with the kinetics sculpture at the bar, guide visitors through a rhythm of travel.

fukuro

after a long day of work, wearied salarymen of tokyo trail back to the comforting glow of izakayas, where they take refuge and unwind with food, drinks and uninhibited conversations. echoing these nocturnal waterholes, fukuro embodies a mystical ambience, whilst exuding a warmth that sparks spirited interactions between visitors. as a messenger of the night and a protector from hardship in japanese symbolism, the owl icon manifests the outlet’s identity. the profusion of wood crafted by simple carpentry oozes an intimate and relaxed atmosphere for visitors to indulge in a spin on a quintessential japanese experience.

ebisoba ichigen

ebisoba ichigen has achieved cult status amongst japan’s most discerning ramen aficionados – the secret to its success has been the pairing of ramen with a shrimp based broth for an innovative twist to an old and popular recipe. for its first hong kong location, we designed a space that reveals the power of the flavour by using colors that reflect the ingredient, resulting in the bold and instantly recognisable ebisoba red. reminiscent of the ribbed and curved shell of a shrimp, a sculptural canopy made up of individual pine strips runs from the street to the kitchen, paying tribute to the food while adding a touch of quirkiness to ship street.