How Le Corbusier and French bubble houses inspired this Lamma Island renovation

Dubbed “The Lookout” by Sahuc and his partner, Jerome Sozzi, an arts logistics professional, also from France, the 1980s-built apartment had never been renovated and was in a sorry state when the couple bought it in 2021. However, the pandemic-induced dilemma of whether to stay in Hong Kong or go delayed any immediate plans to improve the derelict space, although Sahuc, who was then beginning to explore his skills as a ceramicist, initially used it as a makeshift workshop.

“The flat was very run-down and we had to fight to even open the shutters,” recalls Sahuc. “But it has amazing natural views over the hills and the sea, and was such a calming place even in its bad condition that I didn’t want to lose its spirit and outstanding feng shui.”

Although demolition work on the flat began in January 2023, the impetus for change accelerated only in 2024, when Sahuc decided to pause his career in the luxury-goods industry. He wanted to pursue his passion for ceramics full time and design a collection of “luminescent sculptures” and murals, which would necessitate a proper creative studio. This decision sparked a full-scale makeover of the apartment, which took a year to finish.

“I am not an academically trained architect but I did all the plans myself,” he says. “I worked with a contractor on the major renovation aspects but the finishes and decoration are all me.”