A Mercedes 300SL Gullwing parks in front of the security room; the floors are stone tile, while the walls are clad in custom GRC panels and the ceiling in untreated stainless steel.
A Mercedes 300SL Gullwing parks in front of the security room; the floors are stone tile, while the walls are clad in custom GRC panels and the ceiling in untreated stainless steel.

July 15, 2022

Words: Jesse Dorris

Photography: Dennis Lo

A Work of Substance Takes the Wheel for an Automotive Library in Hong Kong

By design, car parks are great places to check out automobiles. The Library, a 6,120-square-foot private enclave in Hong Kong, is something a little different: a revved up curated collection of priceless cars that, with some help from A Work of Substance, is more like a private club than the parking lot it replaces.

A rich palette of oak, teak, and leather comprises components that can be assembled and disassembled to reconfigure displays of the vehicles and memorabilia. Automotive details inspired the form and function of the furnishings. Integrated within the a rib system, and reflecting off the mirror and steel, are custom lighting A Work of Substance calls ‘the lantern.’ 

“Structurally, we took reference from car headlamps,” says founding partner Maxime Dautresme. “More than a design statement, The Lantern is a solution to architectural and lifestyle challenges—to provide interesting views of cars in a space that lacks width and verticality, and an effortless switch between moods.” Not to mention lighting the road ahead for automotive, and interior, design. 

A screen of frosted glass bricks, and a door with frosted glass portholes, demarcates a bathroom.
A screen of frosted glass bricks, and a door with frosted glass portholes, demarcates a bathroom.
A waiting room on the ground floor offers leather seating reminiscent of automobile upholstery.
A waiting room on the ground floor offers leather seating reminiscent of automobile upholstery.
A Mercedes 300SL Gullwing parks in front of the security room; the floors are stone tile, while the walls are clad in custom GRC panels and the ceiling in untreated stainless steel.
A Mercedes 300SL Gullwing parks in front of the security room; the floors are stone tile, while the walls are clad in custom GRC panels and the ceiling in untreated stainless steel.
Teak beams rise from floors of reclaimed oak.
Teak beams rise from floors of reclaimed oak.
The handles on the custom oak storage are inspired by those on the Zagato sports cars.
The handles on the custom oak storage are inspired by those on the Zagato sports cars.
Highly reflective stainless steel defines the kitchen.
Highly reflective stainless steel defines the kitchen.
Moody lighting creates intimacy in a bathroom, with a faucet by Waterworks.
Moody lighting creates intimacy in a bathroom, with a faucet by Waterworks.
Near an Aston Martin DB5, custom chairs pay tribute to the Ferrari Dino.
Near an Aston Martin DB5, custom chairs pay tribute to the Ferrari Dino.

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