KplusK, also known as identical twins Paul and Johnny Kember, have been producing evocative modern architecture for over 22 years, from their original home base in the UK where they both studied (Paul at the Bartlett school of Architecture, Johnny at the Royal College of Art, London) to the Far East where they have been established for the past decade.
Committed to the production of integrated modern architecture, their highly prodigious output includes master plan developments in Thailand, Korea and China, over 30 private residences and three of the leading serviced apartment buildings in Hong Kong (Ovolo, Erba and the recently launched Abeo). Among their projects are headquarters for the likes of Vidal Sassoon (Xintiandi, Shanghai) Ogilvy, M&C Saatchi and Mercedes-Benz in China, to hotels and residential boutique properties in Phuket and Bali.
Naturally the awards have followed, 26 in the past 6 years, including the Gold Award from the Hong Kong Designers Association for four consecutive years. They even find time within their busy schedules to pass on their knowledge and experience as part-time Professors of Architecture at the University of Hong Kong.
HOT! managed to catch up with Johnny on one of his more recent trips to Bali overseeing two exciting residential villa projects to find out what inspires their design philosophy and what sort of projects most excite them.
When did you first realise that you had a desire and a talent for architecture/design?
Since the age of 14. Paul convinced me then to attend a series of extracurricular classes in Architecture, and I’ve immersed myself in the art of Architecture ever since.
Who or What are your main influences?
Architectural mavericks such as Carlo Scarpa for his lyrical use of materials and detailing, John Lautner for his bravado and inventiveness of form. Will Alsop and John Pawson for their commitment to two entirely different ideals.
How would you describe the style you espouse?
Evocative, experimental modern architecture.
What was/is the most satisfying project you have been involved in and why?
The residence for our friend Hein Van Ameringen in Bali. He gave us free reign to create our own brand of tropical modern Architecture on a truly stunning site (a hundred metre cliff face on the southern coastline of the Bukit, 85 metres above sea level). That was also made possible by the commitment of the Karang Kembar development team.
How do you see design and architecture evolving?
The creation of environmentally responsible design, from the specification of sustainable materials, to the integration of eco-friendly systems such as photovoltaic cells, solar water systems, low energy LED lighting, wireless technology and harnessing the earth’s natural forces to build lyrical Architecture in an environmentally responsible way.
Having designed in cities for commercial projects and also residential properties in Asia’s most sought after locations, what are the challenges you most often face when considering a tropical villa design such as in Bali?
Persuading a Client that “pushing the envelope” is always best, and finding contractors and crafts people that are committed to excellence.
Given any location in the world, what would you most like the opportunity to design?
We have been asked to design an orphanage in one of the satellite towns outside of Cape Town. I’m looking forward to starting this one. I’d like also to build an Artist’s retreat spanning a river in France. I’ve been dreaming of that for 15 years.
What advice if any would you offer to someone considering retaining your services for a villa in Bali?
Purchase a few cases of champagne to fuel the days of discussion concerning the project. Try not to be in a rush or be led by too many preconceptions. Allow the design of your residential environments to evolve over time, this will create huge benefits in the outcome. After all, a house is for life.
