Jia International Ltd. serves both homes and offices

New concepts of mobility increase functionality and take advantage of modular design innovations

Managing director and project director Almon Au Yeung and her able assistant, Project manager Dora Chow of Jia International Ltd., are both very enthusiastic about their new office pantry system which is composed of mobile, modular kitchen units suitable for multi-national organizations, business centres and the like.

With its clever design and the use of a flush sliding system to save space, the new “BOB” system (bedroom, office, and bathroom) unit is a stand-alone, veneer cabinet that has cabinets overhead to hold a coffeemaker and microwave oven, with work space beside the small induction stove and sink. The panel doors open with a slight push, so no handles are necessary. Under the counter, it also has easy, roll-out drawers for coffee and tea cups, water glasses and wine glasses, plates, flatware and cooking utensils. It holds all the equipment usually provided by an office kitchen pantry but takes up less space. An added plus is that it provides storage cupboards on the back side for files, books, papers, other kitchen implements or whatever is needed.

“The beauty of this modular kitchen is that when an office relocates, which is often in Hong Kong, this unit can come along with the rest of the office equipment. All it takes is a water hookup and electricity to set it up and the pantry is ready to go,” said Almon. She added that the veneer is European layered plywood, which is strong and durable, yet gives the warmth of natural wood patterns.

For businesses such as private banking, there are additional modules that allow for private catering to top executives or VIP clients, staff functions, holiday parties and other events. When a dinner is served in an office setting, both staff and clients enjoy absolute privacy and comfort.

Using the sous vide (French for “under vacuum”) method of cooking, gourmet catered meals are possible without the muss and fuss of traditional cooking. In sous vide cooking, food is first cooked, frozen and sealed in airtight plastic bags and then put into a water bath for a long time—72 hours is not unusual— at a predetermined temperature much lower than normally used for cooking, typically around 60 °C or 140 °F. All YOU need to do is reheat the food, which retains all its essential flavour, vitamins and appearance, and a gourmet dinner is served. Jia offers the ‘Shock’ freezer and ‘Vacuum Machine’, an oven, a steamer and a plate warmer as a component package for ‘professional pantry’ ensemble.

Dora said, “Michelin-star dining is now possible in an office environment because there is no frying or cooking to do. A stove-hood charcoal filter system whisks away the food odours so no exhaust pipe is necessary. We even provide a dual temperature wine refrigerator so that white and red wines are drinkable straight from the unit. We have found that investment or private bankers are especially interested in this ultraprivate way to entertain their esteemed clientele and provide them with top privacy but cosy atmosphere.”

“WOW” kitchens for all
Almon is very proud of the expanded showroom in Causeway Bay that affords the space to set up three fully equipped mock kitchens for families, developers, home builders and remodelers. Besides serving private clients, Jia also often installs kitchens in show flats at new property developments so that prospective customers can feel the space and see the quality workmanship.

All kitchens are the heart of every home, and even the company name “Jia” means “family” in Chinese. The WOW factor is enfolded in every custom design. W for “wish,” O for “original,” and W for “wonder” encapsulate the feelings Jia wishes their clients to have as they appreciate their new kitchens.

No matter what kitchen size is needed, Jia has a solution. Storage is what matters most to most cooks, yet the finishes are also important. Jia’s designers use only hardware products primarily from Germany. ALNO AG, a listed company group renowned for being a contemporary, high quality, kitchen cabinet manufacturer, and is the second largest in the world. The company offers a range of exterior finishes that are beautiful, durable and easy to maintain. Always conscious of costs, many ALNO cabinetries are conscientiously designed to cater to finest details such as a beveled edge, so there is no need for costly handles and fittings while providing a clean, modern look.

Almon recommends using these European goods, which are mid-range in price, “because if you just go for price, you will need to redo your kitchen much sooner. We cater to people with mid-range to high-end budgets so that we never compromise on quality. We spend every penny on hardware that lasts forever. Jia is also oriented towards the finer details of what a kitchen means and what it is used for, and we are also wellregarded for our after-sale services.”

Both Almon and Dora are involved with the research and development of new kitchen ideas and highly recommend that Jia’s staff be involved from the beginning of a new kitchen, no matter what the size. They are well versed with the “open” kitchen concept so they provide wall units that house a dishwasher, refrigerator, pull- ut shelves and bins, storage for plates, flatware, food, and cooking utensils to reduce clutter. Pull-out units add to the visual effect of a clean, modern kitchen.

Almon said, “When a kitchen is not practical, it is not functional. Jia provides a total solution: the design, supply, installation and after-sale services to make sure it is finished correctly.”

FAST FACTS
• Jia International  as established in 1999 by Almon Au Yeung and her husband 

• Staff consists of 13 full-time consultants and designers coupled with a group of full & part-time technical draughtsman

• The company has clients in Hong Kong, Macau and an increasing number in China, Japan and the US

• There are over 1,000 different materials to choose from to suit every budget and design

• Installation is done by highly trained craftsmen