The building was inspired by traditional Chinese graveyards and designed by German architect Ulrich Kirchhoff to create a "neighbourhood village feel".

Each floor has rooms for intimacy and privacy, in contrast to public columbariums.

The columbarium offers basic two-person units for $58,000 to top-tier packages for $2.9 million.

The shortage of urn spaces in Hong Kong led to the creation of private columbaria like Shan Sum, which were previously unlicensed columbaria in temples or refurbished factory buildings.

The government's decade-long effort to bring in private companies has eased the pressure on the deathcare sector, but the cost of the units is beyond the reach of most people.

The situation has improved but not solved, with around 25% vacancy among the current 425,000 public columbarium spots and more supply in the pipeline.

A government-run location was chosen for its good feng shui and affordability, as the family had no incentive to consider private options.

The father's desire for an ocean view was fulfilled through the niche's angling towards the sea.