Habyt Bridges, a collaboration between Habyt and the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), is a project that aims to rejuvenate the South of Hollywood Road (SoHo) neighbourhood in Hong Kong by transforming nine iconic tong laus (tenement buildings) into a vibrant flexible living site.
Beyond architectural restoration, Habyt Bridges is dedicated to preserving the original design of the buildings and strengthening the social communities within the neighbourhood. This immersive approach aligns with Habyt’s mission to provide affordable and accessible flexible housing solutions with a strong emphasis on heritage preservation.
Habyt Bridges comprises nine interconnected buildings located across SoHo, featuring a total of 38 fully-furnished rooms in various configurations – from single private rooms to full two-bedroom apartments. The monthly all-inclusive fee (including utilities, Internet, and cleaning), starts from HK$7,888 (after discount, was HK$9,000) on flexible contracts for a minimum lease period of one month, reflecting the commitment to making heritage-inspired living accessible to a diverse community.
During the design phase, meticulous efforts were made to preserve and rejuvenate the original elements of the buildings, in alignment with the mission of the URA. The URA is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life through urban renewal, focusing on the conservation of heritage buildings and the revitalisation of historic neighbourhoods. This resulted in the creation of a distinctive mid-century modern tong lau-cum-co-living space, adorned with furniture in vibrant accent colours, retro wall art, and pendant lights. The seamless integration of mid-tone wood with contemporary elements enhances the overall aesthetic.
Habyt Bridges is deeply committed to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, striving to minimise its environmental footprint and promote responsible living practices. This commitment is reflected in the installation of solar panels to power communal spaces, the implementation of a comprehensive recycling programme with easily accessible recycling bins for members, and active participation in Hong Kong’s plastic reduction program, including ceasing the issuance of single-use plastic bags. Frequent communications will be sent to remind residents of the importance of the 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – in their daily lives. Through these initiatives, Habyt Bridges aims to create a sustainable and socially responsible living environment that benefits both residents and the broader community.
Beyond accommodation, Habyt Bridges aims to be a vibrant community hub. In addition to retail and food & beverage spaces, dedicated community programming launched in early-April and offers an array of events not only for Habyt members but also for the general public. The events will revolve around four main pillars: wellness, knowledge-sharing, community building, and impact engagement. As part of its commitment to strengthening a culturally rich environment, Habyt Bridges will introduce an innovative Artist-In-Residence Programme. Local artists are welcomed to stay at Habyt Bridges at a discounted rate, underscoring Habyt’s dedication to supporting and actively participating in the local arts scene.
To inaugurate its debut, Habyt Bridges participated in the annual event, HKWalls Festival 2024, that aims to create opportunities for local and international artists to showcase their talent in Hong Kong and internationally through the mediums of street art and street culture. American artist, Rabi, was invited to paint a wall mural at Wa In Fong, which sets the stage for future artistic expressions. Augmenting these initiatives, the inclusion of two community farms adds a sustainable and communal aspect to Habyt Bridges. The events, combined with the community farms, are designed to enhance the lives of Habyt members and extend the project’s positive impact to the local community. This approach bridges the gap between Habyt members and the neighbourhood, creating a harmonious blend of shared living and active community engagement.
