THE owner of this duplex villa house with a paramount view of a fairway at Chung Shan Golf Club in Hong Kong, chose the location because, as an amateur golfer, he desired to escape from hectic city life and enjoy the golf course during weekends.

Johnson Ko's criteria for this weekend retreat included the location and bearing, surrounding view and distance between houses for means of privacy. "I chose this one because of its impressive scenery and potentials for renovation," Ko said.

Ko's first house in Hong Kong was designed by Catherine Cheung and it turned out spectacular. Cheung, the founder and design director of The XSS Limited, studied architecture and set up her own studio in Hong Kong in 2002. "I just couldn't resist her sophisticated design including every single concern of our family members' daily lives. I have faith in her, she never let us down."

This villa house gave Cheung another chance to work her magic. "We worked closely on the brief and she explained the work process during the renovation. Surprisingly, she used landscape and its lighting to harmonize the outside greenery with luxurious interiors in an exceptionally intellectual way," Ko said.

This house is solely intended as a weekend retreat where friends and family are invited to enjoy relaxed recreation and gathering for parties.

When Cheung first saw the original house, she knew what style she wanted to create. "The 180-degree paramount green view of the golf fairway should be perfectly showing off whenever someone is entering the house. The main structural theme is potentially generated by interlocking horizontal and vertical links."

"Interesting layouts also appeared by playing with stretching horizontal perception and circular sequences on both upper and ground levels. Visual comfort is received right from the entrance to the major pathway exhibited in a designated zone - the golf fairway. It also created a rhythm of transition from zone to zone through a vertical circular sequence."

Almost the entire interior has been redesigned including structure, rooms and function space. "Only the skin of the house is retained," Cheung said.

Due to the client's occasional stays involving multiple guests, dialogue between space and the circular sequences are highlighted. Intending to invite guests, the outside space is designed for a large percentage of hospitality, comfort and high-end recreational events. "For this reason, no partition walls were placed in public areas on the ground floor which is somehow crucial for this project," Cheung said.

"Connection between interior spaces and between interior and exteriors are linked closely."

Form and space are the homeowner's primary focus, rather than decor.

"Nothing is more important as understanding our client's habitation in programs. Every user's daily life pattern in the residence will become the priority design concern. That is, the realism of human activities. Each particular detail we might be able to study from in terms of clients' words, gestures, style and images is essential and highly respected in my design," Cheung said.

Attentively noticing their preference for lifestyle, vacation and work categories were taken into account to exact their customization analysis and to fulfill the future residents' dreams.

"My approach was simple but sophisticated, while examining the use of space plus lifestyle aspects of the users. Modern luxury is the most impressive style in blending the exterior landscaping into home space," she said.

The living and dining area has folding glass doors with direct access to the terrace and garden. The living room extends to the garden acting as a transition between the interior and the outdoor fairway.

The powder room is set as one big art piece in the center of the ground floor thus networking the circulation between living, dining area and kitchen as well. "As a departure from the 'solid zoning' approach, the relocated swivel powder room forms a center of division for the living space, dining area and kitchen, enhancing the continuation and integration sequence movement of the ground level extending out to the garden," the designer said.

The garden acts as an interception point between interior space and the fairway, while maintaining distance between the two.

The master bedroom enjoys a tranquil view of the golf fairway through open folding windows. The two-way balcony is shared between the master bedroom and the semi-open bathroom, which also dialogues horizontally with the golf fairway.

When asked which part of the house Ko liked most, he said: "Forced to choose, the living area and dining area are impressive with a huge open space extending to the garden. It is the perfect space to enjoy a party, banquet or drinks with the charming view."

Cheung said the earth tone is the perfect color to synchronize with the surrounding golf course.

"Taking the advantage of using local manufacturers, more reasonably priced products and materials were found," she said. Natural materials such as marble were procured at a stone mine by the designer. Other materials such as wood, tiles and mosaic were purchased separately. A large marble dining table was custom-manufactured at a Chung Shan factory.

To enhance their simple approach, most of the separate furniture and decorative lighting are custom designed to create a pure relaxed environment.

"The lighting scheme is essential and specially treated in order to create a resort sensation for gatherings and events," Cheung said. At night, public areas are spiritually "lit up" to bring a celebratory atmosphere to every event. Socialization is sophisticated and demonstrated to suit both day and night at every attentive level.

Cheung said the Chung Shan Golf House is one of her favorite projects, revealing that it has won international awards, including the award for the Best Interior by the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2011, supported by Bloomberg Television and Google.

Who is she?

Barbara Barry's designs range from elegant interiors to an extensive portfolio of home furnishings. Her honors include Interior Design "Hall of Fame," Architectural Digest list of "World's 100 Best Designers," House Beautiful "Giants of Design" and "Designer of the Year" from Elle Dcor International Design. Additionally, she has been awarded the ASID "Designer of Distinction," "Designer of the Year" by Traditional Home and "Best Residential Design" by Interiors Magazine. Her passion for beauty finds expression in many forms through partnerships with internationally renowned companies. Her signature designs for Ann Sacks Tile & Stone, Baker, HBF Furniture and Wedgwood, as well as her signature bed and bath line Barbara Barry Dream, have received high acclaim.

Tell us some of your works, and name the one you are most proud of.

I have had the fortune to design a range of projects, including private estates and luxury residences. Designing philanthropist Eli Broad's apartment in the Sherry-Netherland Tower in New York City was a once-in-a-lifetime project.

Working on this landmark building I was able to utilize materials I didn't commonly use, like the custom doors I designed in bronze to recall the building's original entry doors. We had the doors made by the company that restored the Statue of Liberty.

My passion for living elegantly everyday has led me to create signature home furnishings with such renowned partners as Kohler, Ann Sacks Tile & Stone, Baker Furniture, Boyd Lighting, Hartmann Luggage, HBF Furniture, Kallista, Kravet Fabrics, McGuire Furniture and Tufenkian Carpets.

There are Barbara Barry showrooms in Bangkok, Singapore and Moscow with plans for Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Hong Kong.

Are you currently involved with any project?

I'm currently launching my new collection called Indochine as well as my new collection with Baker Furniture. The Indochine line of fabrics, trims, wall-covering and carpets with Kravet Fabrics was wonderfully inspired by my travels in Asia during the past few years. Asia has been a large influence on me and my work because of its ancient culture, the graciousness of its people and the way they use and relate to nature.

My current residential projects include a custom vacation home on the pristine Lake Tahoe, an apartment on the Chao Phraya River outside of Bangkok and a private residence on the brilliant shores of Malibu, California.

Describe your design style.

I am inspired by beauty: The grace of form, the simplicity of line, quiet colors and natural harmonies. My vision is to infuse simple luxuries into everyday living. I strive to create refined interiors and products that are as sophisticated as they are livable.

Is there any designer you look up to? Who inspired you out of the design circle?

John Dickinson from San Francisco as well as Michael Taylor. Both are iconic American designers and authors of the "California style" and were great influences.

What do you collect?

Japanese tea bowls and other tea accoutrements.

What does your home mean to you?

My home is my sanctuary. With all of my travels across the globe and time spent away, I relish the quiet moments I have at home. I recently decorated my own house (for the first time!), which I found very daunting but satisfying in the end. It has been wonderful to give to myself what I have given to so many clients over the years.

Where would you like to go most in Shanghai?

Everywhere. Seriously, I would love to discover the tearooms of Shanghai and learn more about Chinese tea.

What will be the next big design trend?

Living more simply but with the highest quality. I term it "zen luxury."