Designed by PDP London Architects, Whitesands is a residential development of 28 detached house nestled between the beaches of Pui O and Cheung Sha on South Lantau, Hong Kong. The development draws on the beauty of its natural setting, with each house orientated to capture panoramic views of the South China Sea and the surrounding landscape.
Photography: Eiichi Kano
The brief called for a contemporary development that promotes a relaxed, beach-side lifestyle. An open, community living concept was introduced early in the design process; echoing this lifestyle and influencing how the design of the houses was approached. The community concept built a picture of the development from the earliest stage; one where the spaces between buildings are as important as the spaces within and as a collective, the houses form an idyllic enclave. The clubhouse, a simple pavilion, would be a discreet but intrinsic part of the community. Photography: Eiichi Kano
The design approach for Whitesands draws on openness and a connection to the outdoors, not only in the physical design of the buildings but also in its social ambitions for this new community. Strong connections to the landscape are key manifestations of this approach. Every opportunity was sought to blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, creating opportunities for residents to engage with nature and with each other.

Full height glazing, uninterrupted, frameless corner windows and large, sliding doors open the houses both v...