Flooring and wooden interiors hand-crafted from the finest quality timber, lovingly handled to ensure all interiors exude timeless luxury and elegance.
Discerning clients choose designers who specify wooden floors and interiors which are beautiful, unique, natural, strong and durable. Individual care and craftsmanship by hand are bywords for a company that always pursues perfection.
Made in Germany. Available in Hong Kong
Interior Architecture: Ina Rinderknecht Photography: Reto Guntli and Agi Simoes
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Zhuhai CCCC Huitong Hengqin Plaza is a 309 metre commercial tower located in the financial district within the Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin. The tower overlooks Macao, a 5-minute ride to the Hengqin-Macao checkpoint. The tower is topped with a parabolic moon-like crown symbolising new beginnings, rebirth, and dreams, creating a clear and powerful identity on Zhuhai’s skyline. The material and details of the tower’s façade are echoed in gentle fluid shapes, and the stepped forms of the podium softened by the green roof and terrace. The tower is accompanied by two luxury apartment towers
TREASURY & ZHA LAUNCH QUALITY
FOCUSSED SPATIAL ASSET PLATFORM
Treasury Spatial Data, a San Francisco based design technology startup, and Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), Treasury founding partner, announce the Treasury digital spatial asset platform. The platform includes a suite of creative and technology tools to discover and license premium spatial assets. Fostering a creative community and conversations on the importance of spatial design and the value of 3D assets in the age of the spatial internet, is a founding pillar. Protection of the digital assets that power spatial computing and the metaverse, using fingerprinting is an integral feature of the platform. Treasury assets including architectural exteriors and interiors, landscapes, artistic spaces, by ZHA and other spatial creators including; architects, reality capture specialists, artists, interactive experience developers, are now being deployed in premium spatial experiences by builders in game, events, branding, medicine and industry. ZHA Principal, Patrik Schumacher, said: “The metaverse is finally becoming a project of real scale and social impact, because architecture is waking up its potential and responsibility to design for digital space as much as for physical space. The Treasury platform is our way to help put the design industries at the centre of this revolution.” www.zaha-hadid.com
which are connected by a terraced retail podium. The idea of parabolic moon is also vertically expressed through the curtain wall and vertical sky gardens (one for every 15 floors) that also represent community and vitality. Additional design strategies including indigenous landscaping, rainwater collection, and efficient planning are employed to minimize environmental impact. The lighting design reinforces the verticality through various spacesranging from pedestrian experience, neighbourhood sky gardens, and city skyline. www.gensler.com
URBAN SANCTUARY IN HANGZHOU’S FUTURE CBD BY 10 DESIGN
10 Design, (part of Egis’ Architecture Line), unveils a new commercial landmark set to redefine the city’s future CBD. Located in the emerging Liangzhu New Town of northern Hangzhou, CR Land’s Chengbei MixC stands as a new urban icon, seamlessly connecting the city centre via two metro lines.Adjacent to a sprawling public park, this masterfully planned 800,000m² development perfectly balances function and aesthetics, setting a new standard for modern live-work environments. 10 Design was commissioned to design the Grade-A office tower and a 160,000m² shopping mall. Complemented by a residential community for 2,000 households, this mixed-use complex is poised to activate the district and become a new growth engine for the city. Rising 285 metres into the Hangzhou skyline, the office tower sets a new precedent as the district’s tallest structure, offering breathtaking views of the urban green spaces and cityscape beyond. The tower’s sleek and contemporary design prioritizes flexibility, catering to the diverse needs of startups and established corporations alike. www.10design.co
Bonder is qualified in the ISO EN/BS/GB Standard Test Method.
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PEI ARCHITECTS READIES TWIN TOWER FOR LINGANG FTZ, SHANGHAI
HONGKONG LAND TO INVEST MORE THAN HK$7.8 BILLION IN LANDMARK
A new twin-tower project is coming into focus on a prominent lake site in Shanghai, punctuating the end of a major boulevard with the competition-winning design led by PEI Architects. The twin 198 metre towers emerge from a twolevel retail podium and stand 40 stories tall each with dramatic sky atriums at their pinnacle.The two slightly asymmetrical towers stand adjacent to each other, “separated by a taut vertical void but bound by a singular point to create a unique expression of a traditional arch structure.” The structure combines composite concrete and steel framing as well as architectural exposed structural steel, or AESS, to create a thrilling expression for the atrium interiors. The façades are double-laminated insulated glazing units, or IGUs, plus building-integrated photovoltaic roofs on top of the podium to add solar power. The project leaders at PEI Architects, Sandi Pei and Toh Tsun Lim, stated, “This design represents the timeless modernity that is the hallmark of our firm, and we believe its distinctive geometric form will stand out as an iconic gateway for the Bank of China and Shanghai Free Trade Zone.” https://pei-architects.com
EMBRACING THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION: BUILDING WITH ETFE
Sustainability and innovation are essential pillars of progress. At the forefront of this revolution stands Vector Foiltec, the inventor of the Texlon® ETFE system. Renowned for its groundbreaking applications, Texlon® ETFE is transforming architectural design and building practices across the globe. With over 1,700 iconic projects worldwide, Vector Foiltec has a proven track record of excellence and innovation. As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, the construction industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) is emerging as a frontrunner in sustainable building materials. Its production involves significantly lower energy consumption compared to traditional materials like glass and steel, resulting in a reduced carbon footprint. Moreover, ETFE is fully recyclable, ensuring that its environmental impact is minimal even at the end of its lifecycle. Green building certifications such as LEED and WELL are becoming benchmarks for sustainable and healthy construction. ETFE’s properties align seamlessly with the criteria set by these standards. www.vector-foiltec.com
Hongkong Land’s strategic investment of HK$3.1 billion in LANDMARK reinforces Central, Hong Kong as a world-class destination for luxury retail, lifestyle and business. Hongkong Land estimates an additional HK$4.7 billion capital investment from retail tenants across the LANDMARK retail portfolio. Cartier, CHANEL, Dior, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Saint Laurent, Sotheby’s, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels have committed to create world-class destinations. “Tomorrow’s CENTRAL”, their upcoming strategic investment to expand and upgrade its LANDMARK retail portfolio over a three-year period, with phase one commencing in the third quarter of 2024. As part of the transformation project, 10 world-class, multi-storey Maison destinations will be created, establishing a unique luxury retail proposition, both in Hong Kong and globally. Hongkong Land Chief Executive, Mr Michael Smith, said: “The considerable investments Hongkong Land and its strategic partners are making are not only a powerful endorsement of Central’s enduring role as the city’s iconic business and lifestyle hub but also demonstrate our shared, unwavering confidence in Hong Kong’s future as a global financial centre.”
www.hkland.com/en
IN HAMBURG A DOOR OPENS TO NATURE: WILDLIFE EMBASSY
Germany’s tallest sustainably built wooden high-rise, the 19-storey ‘roots’ in Hamburg, tells the story of the beauty, diversity and ecological importance of native wild animals, ‘Wildlife Embassy’ opened on 30 August 2024. Around 5,500 cubic metres of softwood were used for the construction alone, plus façades, windows and cladding.The natural wood material saves an estimated 26,000 tonnes of CO2 compared to the production, transport and disposal of conventional building materials. How and where do the 48,000 wild animal species in Germany live? Why are they endangered? And what can we do to protect them? The exhibition for children and families, designed by ATELIER BRÜCKNER, shows the habitats of wild animals in an interactive and playful scenography. The 2,200m² exhibition space is divided into two themed areas. In the first section, visitors learn how wild animals live in Germany. As different as wild animals and humans are, their ways of life are very similar: like humans, animals also move, eat, dwell, have sex, create a family, and perceive their environment.The second part of the exhibition focusses on the coexistence of humans and animals: humans have always interfered with nature. This is neither fundamentally good nor bad; humans can worsen the situation or do something good for nature and wild animals. www.atelier-brueckner.com
(c) Timothy Schenck
CANON INVITES ENTERPRISES TO “THINK BIG
THE POWER OF FUTURE”
HEADPHONES, REMASTERED: INTRODUCING THE DYSON ONTRAC™
Navigating the era of omnipresent Generative AI, large-scale language models (LLMs) are becoming indispensable for multifaceted operations due to their expertise in data and textual processing. As a seasoned provider of cutting-edge business technologies, Canon Hong Kong hosted the “THINK BIG – The Power of Future” event in Hong Kong, showcasing the revolutionary technological changes transforming the commercial landscape. President and CEO of Canon Hong Kong, Mr. Kazuhiro Ozawa, said: “Generative AI will be the indispensable companions and pivotal catalyst for entrepreneurs worldwide to stay ahead of the curve. Enterprises will witness the versatile applications of myriad tomorrow’s solutions alongside Canon, enabling them to formulate competitive, cost-effective, and sustainable business strategies with the Power of Future. Our goal is to enable our customers and business leaders to fully harness the power of emerging AI technologies, thereby helping them to achieve their strategic objectives in a future increasingly influenced by intelligent automation.” https://hk.canon
Dyson has unveiled its first high-fidelity, audio-only headphones: the Dyson OnTrac™ headphones. Offering advanced noise cancellation, these headphones deliver up to 55 hours of immersive listening. With over a hundred customisable colour combinations for outer caps and ear cushions, each ear cushion is crafted from ultra-soft microfiber and high-grade foam for superior comfort and acoustic seal. Multi-pivot gimbal arms and a uniquely positioned battery in the headband ensure balanced weight distribution. To create an optimal listening environment, the Dyson OnTrac™ features a custom Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) algorithm which uses 8 microphones, sampling external sound 384,000 times a second. This combines with superior materials and carefully designed internal geometry to cancel up to 40dB of unwanted noise. Jake Dyson, Chief Engineer: “Dyson’s audio engineering mission is to preserve the integrity of the artist’s sound wave, free from interference.We also wanted to create a set of headphones that people would cherish, be excited by, and be proud of.” www.dyson.hk/en-HK
JEB Group First Acoustic Partitions Provider in APAC to disclose Carbon Footprint
JEB Group, a leader in sustainable office fit-out solutions, specialising in acoustic partition systems and furniture, is proud to announce their achievement of both ISO 14067 and ISO 14064-1 certifications obtained from BSI, a leading ISO standards-based solutions provider. This dual certification underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility and transparency, solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable office design and construction.
By obtaining ISO 14067 certification for its Partition Systems, JEB Group has demonstrated its ability to quantify and manage the product’s carbon footprint. Additionally, the ISO 14064-1 certification validates the company’s comprehensive approach to measuring and reducing its organizational greenhouse gas emissions.
Asia Pacific Pioneer in Product Carbon Footprint Disclosure
With climate consciousness soaring, companies are driven to be more transparent and accountable when it comes to their greenhouse gas emissions. JEB Group leads the industry by becoming one of the first partitions provider in APAC to investigate and report on its partition products’ carbon footprint.
With JEB’s home and reach across Asia Pacific, the Group recognises and acknowledges their own share of global emissions, which is why they want to be a catalyst to, not just address their own footprint, but also to inspire others. This significant accomplishment builds upon JEB Group’s existing commitment to environmental responsibility and reinforces their position at the forefront of sustainable office fit-out practices.
ISO 14067 is an international standard that provides a framework for assessing the carbon footprint of products. JEB Group continues to adopt a mentality of measuring first to ensure they understand their product, processes, and supply chain. The result of the study will be used to identify important contributors within the upstream production stages of the product life cycle, to identify ways to improve the quality and positioning of their products.
The ISO 14064-1 standard specifies principles and requirements for designing, developing, managing, and reporting organization-level greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories. It provides a framework for JEB Group to accurately quantify and report GHG emissions, ensuring transparency and accountability in their environmental impact.
Join JEB in Building a Sustainable Future
JEB Group pursuit of ISO certifications reflects them unwavering dedication to sustainable practices and developing eco-friendly solutions within the built environment industry. Sustainability is ingrained in the Group’s vision and mission. They actively seek to incite and enable sustainable design, processes, and practices across all our key business areas. The Group focuses is on delivering innovative, sustainable solutions that lead the market towards a better future, whilst minimising environmental impact.
If you share JEB Group’s vision for a sustainable future, they invite you to get in touch. “Let us collaborate and turn your sustainable design vision into reality!”
Partition System Example: Curved (X-SERIES: Double Glazed)
Rob Wall, CEO of JEB Group, receives a certification from the BSI team
Partition System Example: Feature Glass
IPerformance Monitoring: Bridging Profit and Sustainability in Real Estate
n today's real estate landscape, the convergence of profitability and sustainability is reshaping the role of landlords. Understanding the role landlords play in shaping the environmental impact of buildings, we explore various initiatives that bridge profit and purpose.
Landlord Initiatives for Sustainability
S ustainable leases serve as the foundation for environmentally conscious landlord-tenant relationships. These agreements go beyond conventional leases, incorporating provisions that align with sustainability goals. Landlords hold a significant position in steering sustainable practices within their properties.
Certain fundamental aspects are often addressed in green leases. Landlords and tenants typically commit to setting and achieving specific energy performance, waste management, indoor air quality, and water conservation standards.
To further demonstrate the commitment to sustainability, leases may include terms related to green building certifications like LEED and WELL. This is where landlords and tenants can collaborate to achieve and maintain these certifications.
Performance Monitoring in Green Leases
Building performance monitoring systems are becoming increasingly popular in green leases, and this is not without reason. Landlords who have already implemented such technologies note several benefits, including enhanced ability to meet sustainability goals, improved tenant satisfaction, and increased property value. Another advantage is the competitive aspect that arises when data can be compared from tenant to tenant. This comparison can foster a sense of healthy competition, encouraging tenants to adopt more sustainable practices to achieve better performance metrics.
Their popularity is also supported by the fact that green building certification standards are starting to require such systems for their certifications.
For example, the latest version of LEED, LEED v5, includes mandatory criteria of the implementation of real-time performance monitoring systems.
Ongoing monitoring can significantly reduce energy use, conserve water, and improve air quality. These improvements can be demonstrated in measurable units like GHG emissions reduction or water savings. More importantly for many building owners, these improvements can also be represented in monetary terms.
Tangible Achievements
For instance, one of BEE’s distinctive customers, a luxury shopping village owner, has implemented our real-time performance monitoring system, BEE Sense, in the contract with its tenants. More than 119 luxury boutiques use it to monitor their energy spending and indoor air quality (IAQ). Additionally, 11 restaurants and food kiosks use water meters alongside energy and air monitoring.
We have installed over 900 monitors across the commercial center, covering an impressive 175,000 square meters of area in Shanghai and Suzhou. These data points include energy monitors, water usage monitors, air quality meters, and water quality monitors. BEE Sense provides greater visibility into what's working well, identifies areas for improvement, and promotes goal setting based on actual performance results.
After a year of monitoring, the benefits became evident for both the landlord and tenants. This data-driven approach enabled our client to identify outliers in energy consumption and pinpoint specific areas of inefficiency. By comparing and benchmarking tenants' performance, the building owner can craft a targeted action plan for further enhancements.
Additionally, using the massive amount of data we received from the system, we developed a set of recommendations that led to significant savings: a 12% reduction in energy consumption, which is about 290 tons of CO2e, and significant improvements in water reuse. This is equivalent to approximately $15,000 in annual savings.
Using our real-time monitoring technology, the client has increased all the sustainability indicators, continued to benchmark their performance, and improved their ratings. They achieved a 5-star rating in the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) and an outstanding 90/100 score in the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM). Over three years of collaboration, they improved their benchmark score by 125%, ranking among the top three retail centers throughout Asia.
Challenges and Solutions
Implementing performance monitoring systems in green leases comes with challenges such as high initial costs, technical complexities, and tenant resistance to change. These barriers can be daunting, but effective solutions exist.
The high initial cost can be mitigated through incentives and rebates from government programs aimed at promoting sustainability. Additionally, demonstrating the long-term cost savings and return on investment can help justify the upfront expenses. Clear and transparent reporting mechanisms, regular updates on energy efficiency improvements, and certification programs can help tenants track and understand the environmental impact of the property.
Technical complexities can be addressed by partnering with experienced providers who offer comprehensive support, from installation to ongoing maintenance. This can also solve challenges related to accountability and measuring sustainability performance.
Lastly, tenant resistance can be minimized through education and engagement. Providing clear communication about the benefits of monitoring systems, along with training sessions, can foster tenant buy-in.
Open communication channels and collaboration between landlords and tenants are crucial for overcoming these concerns and fostering a successful transition to green leases.
Credits:
Architecture: Sito Architekten GmbH
Landscape Architecture: Enea GmbH
Lighting Design: Lichtkompetenz GmbH
Architectural Concept, Interior Architecture, Furnishing Interior & Exterior: Ina Rinderknecht
Pastoral Retreat : Inside a Luxurious Modern Appenzell Villa
Bavarian wood specialists Schotten and Hansen collaborate with international interior architect Ina Rinderknecht to bring their natureinspired design and cutting-edge timber technology to Villa Fernblick.
When Ina Rinderknecht’s client first purchased the property that would become Villa Fernblick, he called her with excitement. The land, perched on a mountain crest in Appenzell, held a unique history—it was once a vacation home for nuns and their students.
“They already found the most serene space to create their sanctuary,” Ina recalls, reflecting on the mystical quality of the site. The challenge, as she saw it, was to respect the land’s spiritual legacy while introducing something new. “It was about reading the land, understanding and appreciating what was there, and then treating the new with respect.”
Set on this tranquil hillside, Villa Fernblick blurs the boundaries between architecture and the natural world. Designed to harmonise with its surroundings, the villa blends into the landscape rather than disrupts it.
“We wanted the roofline to disappear into the hill,” Ina explains, emphasising her commitment to creating a structure that would feel like a natural part of the environment.
The property includes a main villa, a guest house, and a thoughtfully designed garden, featuring a pool pavilion and a natural swimming pool. Ina collaborated with Schotten and Hansen, Bavarian wood specialists, to ensure that the villa’s interiors reflected the calming, spiritual nature of the land. Their craftsmanship is evident in the wood panelling that mirrors the natural tones and textures outside, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Ina, who returned to Zurich to establish her practice after years of working on luxury projects from Hawaii to Milan, has built a reputation for creating spaces that are both luxurious and understated. Villa Fernblick captures the essence of its historical roots while thoughtfully incorporating modern design elements that complement and elevate its surroundings.
Text: Julienne Raboca Photography : Reto Guntli and Agi Simoes Kay Chan
DESIGN THEORY: HOLISTIC AND HARMONIOUS
The villa’s design navigated community guidelines while aiming to evoke a distinctly Asian aesthetic. “We wanted to give it a notion of Asia,” Ina explains, reflecting her personal background and the desire to infuse the architecture and interiors with a serene, harmonious atmosphere.
One of the client’s specific requests was to avoid bare walls, which led to an exploration of yacht-inspired wall panelling. “The idea of the wall panellings coming from the yacht industry was very intriguing to us,” Ina notes. The challenge lay in integrating different materials to create a cosy feel without being overly decorative. Instead, the design focused on achieving a holistic, wellrounded interior architecture.
Heritage colour references played a role in developing a specific colour scheme, incorporating creams and ivories with subtle tints of natural shades, perfectly matched to the travertine floors with their off-white and yellowish undertones. Additionally, the use of strongly veined woods in deep browns added a layer of depth and structure to the space.
Ina’s approach to luxury residential design is both adaptive and respectful of context. “You’re not just a translator for your clients’ wishes; you also have to be a good reader of the time, location, and historical context,” she reflected.
Luxury, she explains, varies widely depending on cultural and personal preferences. “In Switzerland, some clients want shiny textures, while others prefer roughness and rawness.” This flexibility means that each project is unique, shaped by the client’s vision and the particularities of the landscape.
Ina likens her role to that of a detective, piecing together a design that aligns with the client’s aesthetic needs and cultural background. She noted, however, that her design philosophy leans towards a more serene, Asian-Italian understated luxury, rather than more ornate or traditionally British interiors.
A SHARED VISION
When designing Villa Fernblick, Ina knew that the materials she chose would define not just the look but the very feel of the home. Schotten and Hansen were selected precisely for their ability to create a sense of natural luxury.
“You create that in a staging process,” Ina explains. “The bigger the spaces are, the more you need to structure them the right way—whether it’s colouring, lights, or material volumes.You have to respect the harmonies we create; it’s innate.”
This understated elegance is why Schotten and Hansen’s materials, with their rich textures and honest, natural quality, were indispensable. Their wood panelling doesn’t just cover walls; it transforms the physical experience of the space, making it feel grounded and authentic. “They’re honest, they’re real, they’re natural,” Ina adds, summing up the impact of Schotten and Hansen’s influence on the villa.
Ina’s admiration for Schotten and Hansen’s craftsmanship is born from experience. “I really fell in love with their material,” she says. “Once you stay in a room with Schotten and Hansen wood floors or wall panels, you’ll never go back to anything else.”
This was evident in a project in Italy, where the client initially chose a generic oak veneer for some rooms but used Schotten and Hansen’s colourful woods for others. The difference was stark.
“Once it was installed, they were like, ‘Wow, why didn’t we go with Schotten and Hansen right away?’” Ina recalls. This is the moment when clients realise that quality materials make a world of difference. “The results are miles apart,” she says. Even when budget constraints arise, the difference between using Schotten and Hansen’s materials and not using them is always significant.
Ina’s relationship with Schotten and Hansen, particularly with the founder Torben, is close and collaborative. “We’ve worked on several projects together, including some large villas we couldn’t photograph,” she says.
Their relationship deepened after Ina discovered Torben’s sampling of colours, which led to a shared vision. Together, they developed a showroom concept in Ina’s office in Erlenbach, showcasing a colour palette that aligns with an NCS system. This collaboration extended to exhibitions, like their launch at Clerkenwell Design Week in London, where they presented the possibilities of Schotten and Hansen’s veneers and colours. It was, as Ina notes, “very well received.”
NEW REALMS OF CREATIVITY
For Ina, this project with Schotten and Hansen was more than just another collaboration; it was a springboard. “We’re constantly exploring new opportunities,” she reflects.
As Ina continues to experiment, her latest venture—a furniture line developed with an international Asian manufacturer—signals her intent to bring her designs to a global stage. “It’s fascinating,” she says, noting how this collaboration has grown beyond her initial expectations, now spanning continents with plans to debut at Milan’s Design Week next year.
But the villa remains a personal highlight, particularly the spa, where every detail was custom-made to perfection. The slatted wood, the emerald green stones, the heated stone benches—all contribute to a space that’s not just unique, but irreplicable.
“Every corner is customised,” she explains, underscoring the bespoke nature of the project.
Looking ahead, Ina’s plans are as ambitious as ever. With new residential projects, a striking lakeside restaurant, and an innovative boat design on the horizon, her collaboration with Schotten and Hansen continues to evolve.
GUIDING THE WAYFANTASTIC FAÇADES ILLUMINATE PRAGUE’S OLD TOWN
The Masaryčka building, a landmark by Zaha Hadid Architects, has been inaugurated, restyling the urban landscape of “the City of a Hundred Spires”, Prague, Czech Republic.
Located one kilometre east of the city centre’s Staroměstské Square, Masaryčka’s design establishes a visual dialogue with the embellished historical architecture of Prague’s Old Town, revitalising a decaying urban site. With its facades now completed, the Masaryčka building is defined by circulation routes which will provide access to new civic spaces for the city.
Accommodating the continued growth of the city’s corporate sector with office spaces designed to meet 21st Century working patterns, the 28,000 square metre Masaryčka office and retail development incorporates seven storeys within its eastern section and nine storeys at its western end.
Masaryčka’s design integrates with Czech Railways’ ongoing modernisation of the historic Masaryk Railway Station that is creating a new public square partially over its railway tracks, enhancing access to the platforms below and providing new pedestrian routes between Florenc and Hybernská on either side of the station. It combines sidewalks and piazzas with zones for relaxation and social use. All communications will be designed with the comfort of people with different levels of mobility in mind.
Bordered by Masaryk Station’s railway platforms to the south, Na Florenci street to the north, and the Wilsonova elevated freeway to the east, Masaryčka has been constructed on a derelict site that has stood abandoned for several decades. To the west, Masaryčka replaces the existing car park on Havlíčkova Boulevard with a new public square with interchanges between the city’s rail, tram and bus networks, defining a welcoming gateway to the city for suburban rail passengers as well as those using the express rail link that is currently under construction to Prague’s international airport.
AN ECO-FRIENDLY, GREEN HEART
Masaryčka’s construction and procurement has prioritised local suppliers and materials with a high recycled content to meet the targets for embodied and operational carbon established by the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge.
External fins within Masaryčka’s façade contribute to solar shading in the summer and transform the project’s horizontal composition to the verticality of its western façade facing the spires of the Old Town. Targeting LEED Platinum certification, Masaryčka incorporates a double-insulated façade that ensures optimal natural light at all work areas and communal spaces. A cascade of terraces divides the two buildings while similar terracing on the eastern façade gives every office floor direct access to generous outdoor spaces.
Text: ZHA Photography: BoysPlayNice Billy Leung
Planting using local species of shrubs and trees irrigated by Masaryčka’s rainwater collection system, including the transformation of Na Florenci into a tree-lined avenue, will provide cooling summer shade and natural air purification. Low-flow systems and grey-water recycling will further reduce the centre’s water consumption.
The elevated park above the railway station offers panoramic views across the city. Hybrid ventilation is supported by a high-efficiency plant with waste heat recovery systems while the building’s smart management systems continually monitor and adjust environmental controls to reduce energy consumption.
An adjacent hotel being built at the intersection of Hybernská Street and U Bulhara will supply the Masaryčka area with additional retail and accommodation capacity. The shopping arcade in the atrium of the hotel will be connected to the elevated roof with the park’s landscaping above the tracks providing a beautiful and relaxing public open space right next to the busy crossroads.
TRANSPORTATION UPGRADE
Due for completion in 2026, Czech Railways’ renovation of Masaryk Railway Station adjacent to Masaryčka retains the existing historic terminus building and includes the construction of the new public square partially over the tracks giving access to individual platforms and a direct transfer to Prague’s metro line B. Transforming the station into a fully accessible, multi-modal transport hub for the city, its modernisation programme extends the current number of tracks from seven to nine and reconstructs all platforms, overhead line equipment and power supply.
In a city renowned for its enchanting architecture, Masaryčka is the perfect futuristic addition to Europe’s “Golden City”.
Michael Griffiths, Director at Arquitectonica in Hong Kong, highlighted how their design principles aligned with the client’s vision for a space that prioritised employee well-being, connectivity, and adaptability. “Our proposal stood out because we truly listened to what the client wanted - a space that would engage their team and foster collaboration,” Griffiths says.
The building is a modern marvel with its parabolic floor plate design and striking glass exterior. Inside, the gross floor area hosts amenities that are unusual for a typical office setting, such as a gym and a multi-purpose sports hall. Griffiths compares these features akin to the campuses of the largest tech giants, creating an environment that supports both work and wellness.
One of the building’s most remarkable features is the 80-metre atrium staircase, designed to encourage movement and interaction across different levels, reducing reliance on lifts and fostering a more dynamic work atmosphere.
Perched on the hillside of Wan Chai, No. 1 Stubbs Road has seen the city change around it for more than half a century. First completed in 1969, the original AIA Building marked the beginning of the district’s transformation from a sleepy residential district into a bustling commercial hub. A few months ago, AIA Group unveiled its redeveloped headquarters designed by global firm Arquitectonica, winner of the 2019 American Prize for Architecture.
Reopened in May 2024, the 22-floor structure is a study in modern design, with its sleek glass exterior and innovative features. Home to 1,800 employees at full capacity, it embodies a new era of corporate architecture in Hong Kong. From the approximately 200-metre indoor running track that loops around the building to the continuous 80-metre atrium staircase, this is a space where form meets function in the most forward-thinking way.
Hong Kong's First Urban Campus
The redevelopment of Hong Kong's first urban campus was a project that spanned five years, culminating in its official reopening in May 2024. This ambitious project marked an innovate progression from the traditional corporate office, focusing on the needs of the contemporary workforce.
Griffiths explains that adaptability was a key consideration. “The client wanted a building that could evolve over the next 50 years. Whether that means expanding meeting spaces or repurposing the existing spaces, the building is designed to accommodate those changes,” he says.
Healthier, Longer, Better Lives
“We knew we had to make the building feel alive,” Griffiths says. “So, we split the core, let the light flood in, and designed spaces where people can move, connect, and even exercise.” That extends to every part of the building, the most striking expression being the red ribbon of a running track looping around the structure— an escape route for workers to break up their screentime.
The building’s ambition earned it the 2023 Asia Pacific Property Award for Best Office Development in Hong Kong. But the real victory is in how it redefines the workspace as a place to live better—whether you’re harvesting herbs from the organic food garden or attending a town hall event in the multipurpose space that doubles as a sports venue.
Text: Julienne Raboca Photographer: Tam Wai Man Billy Leung
Sustainability in its DNA
The AIA Building is a living blueprint for the future, where sustainability isn’t an afterthought but embedded in the DNA of its design. Every detail—from the solar panels soaking up the city’s intense sun to the rainwater capture system that nourishes the landscape gardens—serves a purpose.
Griffiths, who has spent nearly two decades with Arquitectonica, explains the vision behind the project. "We wanted to create a space that breathes, that interacts with its surroundings in a meaningful way." It’s why the building produces its own energy, thanks to a biodiesel generator and those solar panels. It’s why the gardens, fed by captured rainwater, doesn’t just exist for show—they supply fresh herbs directly to the canteen’s kitchen.
The architecture speaks the same language. The parabolic floor plates curve away from the hillside, opening up expansive views while strategically limiting solar heat gain. Inside, a vast atrium channels light deep into the core, a deliberate counterpoint to the shadowy interior spaces of traditional high-rises.
That said, the building certainly wasn’t without its challenges. Integrating the old foundation, which included existing piles and a large drainage system, required creative problem-solving. These obstacles, however, ultimately sharpened the project’s focus, resulting in a space that balances functionality with thoughtful design.
The AIA headquarters’ design was made with regard to its past. Adaptive reuse, for examples, preserves structural elements from the original building and repurposes them as public seating—a nod to the site’s history.
Furthermore, the integration of indoor and outdoor dining areas fosters a strong connection between the workspace and its natural surroundings, inviting employees to engage with both. Additionally, the plan carefully respects local height restrictions and incorporates natural greenery, allowing the building to blend harmoniously with its residential neighbourhood.
“It’s not just about creating a building; it’s about creating a space where people can thrive,” says Griffiths. “We’ve managed to respect the past while building for the future.”
Michael Griffiths Arquitectonica
Sustainability,
Surging
Entries
& Popular New Categories
Confirm Build4Asia Awards 2024 as Best Edition Yet!
Distinguished executives from all corners of the Hong Kong building industry attended a full house for the Build4Asia 2024 Awards Presentation Ceremony on 9 May 2024 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Hong Kong’s fastest growing Building and Innovation Awards program, jointly organised by Build4Asia and PRC Magazine, Build4Asia Awards 2024, celebrate achievement, development and innovation within the building industry and professional excellence in contributing to a quality and sustainable built environment from all corners of the building industry.
LIVE GREEN, BUILD SMART, BE RECOGNISED
The 2024 Awards, the third bi-annual edition, received a record number of entries. Accordingly, the Awards Jury was expanded to include 12 esteemed Judges representing a cross section of design and engineering professions.
The organisers, Informa Markets in Asia, and PRC Magazine, published by ROF Media, are grateful for the support of Build4Asia Awards official Supporting Organisations, Hong Kong Façade Association (HKFA), Hong Kong Interior Design Association (HKIDA), and Lighthouse Club International (LHCI).
The most talked about new category, Excellence in Façades, quickly emerged as one of the most competitive categories in the Award’s history. HKFA President, Simon Chan, made a welcome speech and introduced the finalists. The winner of the first ever Excellence in Façades Gold Award was Nan Fung Development for their project, AIRSIDE. Far East Facades (Hong Kong Ltd., took home the Silver Awards for their project, The Henderson, with Wong Tung and Partners winning the Bronze Award for their project, Treasury Building.
This year the fastest growing category, Projects Outside Hong Kong, enjoyed an almost 100% increase in entries with Outstanding Architecture - Projects Outside of Hong Kong (Commercial) Gold Award going to MixC Nanjing by Lead8. The Siver Award went to YOFC Wuhan Headquarters by Gensler, while 5+design won Bronze for their project, Taikoo Li Qiantan. Outstanding Architecture - Projects Outside of Hong Kong (Residential) Gold Award was won by Decibel Architecture for their project, CV Windsor.
This year, buoyed by the enthusiasm of the industry, Build4Asia Awards 2024' highest accolade and Top Jury Prize was rebranded as the Excellence in Sustainability Award. The quality of submissions was high and after the votes were tallied, three projects received such high marks, that for the first time in Awards’ history Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards were awarded in this category.
Excellence in Sustainability Award Gold Award for 2024 was won by Lead8 for MixC Nanjing. Nan Fung Group won Silver for AIRSIDE and Wong Tung and Partners took home bronze for their project, Treasury Building. As publisher of PRC Magazine, we are grateful to the industry for joining our quest to foster and engage in an ongoing dialogue on sustainability, green design, net zero carbon and related issues that will ensure today we are building healthier societies for the benefit of all, most especially generations yet to come.
RECOGNISING THE FINEST AT BUILD4ASIA AWARDS
Developers, architects, interior designers and contractors are recognised in the Building Categories. Judges rewarded projects that foster green design, use resources sustainably and promote overall design excellence and innovation, a commitment to net zero carbon, and innovative use of materials and safe practice. Projects that contribute positively to the overall health of society are favoured by Build4Asia Awards.
Technologies, security systems, building materials and products are recognised in the Innovation Categories. Materials that contribute to the circular economy and promote net zero carbon, innovative products that add efficiency to design, technologies that advance sustainability and systems that protect property and lives have been recognised by the distinguished 2024 Awards Jury.
AIRSIDE by Nan Fung Development Limited
Text: Mike Staley Photography : Walter Ding Billy Leung
Build4Asia is the region’s preeminent showcase for the Building, Electrical Engineering and Security Industries, held over four decades. As a trade fair that is strictly open only to professional trade visitors, it has become one of Hong Kong’s most highly valued exhibitions.
Celebrating achievement, development and innovation within the building industry and professional excellence in contributing to a quality and sustainable built environment, Build4Asia Awards will return in 2026, with entries opening in July 2025. Please contact your ROF Media representative for more information.
The Henderson by Far East Façade (Hong Kong)
Immigration Headquarters by Far East Façade (Hong Kong)
Janice Lee, Event Director - Informa Markets
Simon Chan, President, Hong Kong Façade Association
(tower and lobby) Ningbo New World Lot #5 by LWK + PARTNERS (HK) Taikoo Li Qiantan by 5+design
Organisers:
Fuzhou Rivercity by Kerry Properties
Zhengzhou Kai Xuan Plaza by Wong & Tung International
YOFC Wuhan Headquarters by Gensler
CCE IDROZERO
A new type of drop seal is introduced into the Hong Kong market that can keeps water out for up to 63mm high. It is ideal for the water-tightened requirement environment, such as main doors, toilets and kitchens. It is particularly useful for elderly and disabled people. Any type of single-leaf door can be used.
CCE IDROZERO can withstand 600 Pa of water pressure for 55 minutes, the highest level (Class 9A) for the international standard of water tightness, UNI EN12208. As a result, no more floor threshold is necessary and the building can be an architectural barrier-free building. Our aluminium is made by recycled material because protection of our planet is essential.
Group Holidings Limited
Unit 6A-4, 6/F, Koshun House, 331 Nathan Road, Hong Kong +852 2116 0876
Worldmate
Hippobobo Play
Our playgrounds are customised to fulfil the special and individual requests of any client. With a Certified Playground Safety Inspector on our staff, we can design qualified safety playgrounds with considered all-around aspects from the management level to meeting parent’s expectations and children’s play value. We provide after-sales services, maintenance and customer feedback to keep our quality and user experience at a great level.
Our products are made from recycled and non-toxic materials. We choose to reuse existing components such as steel, plastic components or foam etc., to build up a new design. Also, we offer trade in service to clients and collect used play equipment after checking and cleaning. We will donate second-hand play equipment to NGOs to reduce pressure on landfills and allow more children able to play with our products.
A Bridge Connecting Culture & Landscape
Designed by Architectural Design & Research Institute of South China University of Technology (SCAD), and commissioned by Guangzhou Construction Investment and Development Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Haixin Bridge, a curved, inclined pedestrian bridge, represents a significant technical and engineering achievement, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits that are essential to the region's architectural heritage.
Located in the heart of the CBD, connected to Ersha Island Art Park in the north and Guangzhou Tower in the south, Haixin Bridge is the first pedestrian landscape bridge across the Pearl River. 300 metres upstream is the Guangzhou Bridge and 1,600 metres downstream is the Liede Bridge.
Guangzhou’s CBD boasts world-class urban landscapes on both sides of the Pearl River. However, what was lacking in this vibrant metropolis and provincial Capital City, was not just another bridge, but a functional urban public space that seamlessly connects both sies of the river. Reflecting local culture
The design of Haixin Bridge features a fluid, curved shape that gracefully links the north and south of the city. The design also seamlessly integrates with the existing pedestrian systems on both sides, while paying careful attention to the spatial order of the central axis. The bridge embraces the city centre with an open posture, creating an unrivalled panoramic view that overlooks the Pearl River's core scenic area. Not only will it serve as a vital artery for urban connectivity in the years ahead, but it also provides a stunning public space for citizens and visitors alike.
The design concept for the bridge is deeply rooted in the regional cultural identity, which is fully reflected in its architectural features.
The bridge's form draws inspiration from the water sleeve and ancient Qin, two distinct cultural motifs found in the Lingnan region. Similarly, the bridge deck's landscape design is inspired by the local water flower market, creating a cohesive and integrated design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This design feature enhances the functionality of the bridge, providing additional space for pedestrians while creating a unique and dynamic urban space. As an extension of the city's public realm, the bridge serves as a vibrant and engaging social space, imbued with a sense of place and cultural identity, seamlessly creating its place in Gunagzhou’s architectural landscape.
Innovative design
The bridge deck design is innovative, featuring a varied height profile on either side of the main beam, creating high and low surfaces. The bridge has a 198-meter main span, with a primary arch tilted 10 degrees to the east and standing at 56 meters high. Its span-to-rise ratio is 1:3.4, with the central portion measuring 15 meters wide and the widest point at approximately 20 meters.
This curved inclined pedestrian bridge is the world's largest in terms of span and has the widest bridge deck. The bridge's structural system comprises a curved inclined arch with a box girder, providing excellent structural stability and efficient use of materials. The primary arch's 10-degree tilt maximizes clearance height, and the bridge's lightweight and transparent structure avoids obstructing the view corridor of the Pearl River. Its plan is a combination of three tangent circles, and its elevations comprise parabolic arches that ensure a smooth transition between the skylines of the two banks.
The bridge deck is seamlessly connected to the pedestrian walkway on both sides using a slope, allowing pedestrians to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding scenery without the need for constant vigilance, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted urban public experience. The design also includes warm wooden handrails, a non-reflective curtain wall surface to prevent glare, glare-free lighting design, rounded corners to prevent collisions, and mist cooling systems, all of which provide a user-friendly experience for people with disabilities and children.
The Haixin Bridge is an exemplary pedestrian bridge designed by visionary architects who prioritized the integration of urban public spaces into their design approach. More than just a functional structure, the bridge has become a dynamic and transformative public space that serves as a vital connector for the city. Its versatility and adaptability make it a unique and indispensable asset for Gunagzhou.
Since its inauguration a year ago, the bridge has been utilised by locals for a variety of activities, including morning jogs, leisurely strolls, picnics, and educational programs for children as well as public events, such as outdoor concerts and the finish line for marathons. It has also become a popular venue for political and cultural events, such as party building activities and festival celebrations.
At a regional scale, the Haixin Bridge has become a landmark of urban public space, a symbol of the city's commitment to creating vibrant and accessible public spaces. Overall, the Haixin Bridge is a testament to the power of innovative design and its ability to enhance the quality of life for urban communities.
Information and Images: SCUT Billy Leung
Photographer: Tam
Biggest
Located on the top floor of a 1950’s residential building, the former attic, once used as a storage space, and now converted into a modern living space with infrared saunas and a whirlpool bath. It is organised into four spaces, extravagantly different in materials and heights: a 3 m-high living room, a 1.14 m-high bedroom with plenty of storage, a toilet with a rain-shower, and a spa. The spa is the most enclosed space of The Cabanon: the room within a room.
It is most likely the smallest apartment in the world; certainly the smallest with a spa.
The micro apartment is an experiment in space planning for the architects and owners, Beatriz and Bernd, who increasingly saw personal growth in voluntary reduction. “However, this reduction was never understood as austerity,” say the owners. The Cabanon is of the most luxurious smallness, an epicurean reduction.
The Cabanon takes its name from the eponymous cabin of Le Corbusier at the Côte d'Azur. Like the Le Corbusier cabin, the Cabanon of Rotterdam has been conceived by the same architects who will occupy it. At 6,89 square metres, it is half the size of Le Corbusier’s cabin and - unlike his Cabanon – fully autonomous and carefully bespoke designed for this creative couple of architects.
The Cabanon is a manifestation of the specific desires of the owners to create the space as their second home. They wanted a small bed to sleep closeinevitably - and a bench along the 6 square metre window that overlooks the city. They did not need a large kitchen, “As we love to eat out during the weekend,” but they wanted to have the possibility of cooking nonetheless. They also prioritised to have a rain-shower, two infrared saunas, and a whirlpool bath.
Information and Images: STAR strategies + architecture and BOARD -Bureau of Architecture, Research and Design
Photography: Ossip Architectuur Fotografie
Dancers (Models): Guido Dutilh and Boston Gallacher
Billy Leung
A TEMPLE OF PROPORTIONS
The Cabanon is a temple in the proportions of its owners who became the modulors of their Cabanon. Beatriz and Bernd’s (B & B) heights are 1,72 m and 1,78 m respectively. The spaces at the Cabanon are dimensioned according to the height and width that B & B need to perform their functions: When they shower they need a space of 2,13 m in height and a width of 62 cm; when they take a bath or use the saunas they need a height of 1,80 m; and when they sleep or sit on their bed they need a height of 1,14 m and a width of 1.35 m. For the living area they wanted to keep the generous height of 3 meters. It’s total volume is 21.19 cubic metres.
The Cabanon makes clear that different rooms with different sizes and functions might not need the same height. The Cabanon seemed to get bigger the more programs were added to it. The adaptation of heights made that possible. It could be a model for optimising housing and costs; however, The Cabanon does not a have a place in current housing production: it does not follow housing space regulations; it is based on logic.
The designers state that The Cabanon is an exercise performed in rare conditions. Normally four major constraints shape the design of a project: regulations, time, budget, and space. The Cabanon was free from two of these: regulations and time. Only budget and space were limited; however, the limitation of space was a wish, rather than a constraint.
The four spaces in the Cabanon have been shaped based on standard products: the bedroom was designed with a specific mattress in mind; the spa according to the bathtub length; the kitchen based on the mini-fridge depth, in order to avoid the need of customized objects, but rather the other way around: the Cabanon would adapt to standard and affordable products. The execution would also be organised around these: the bathtub had to be placed before building the walls around it.
PRACTISING REDUCTION
The materials of the Cabanon could have cost substantially more had it been realised in its initial colour palatte. The spa was initially conceived in green marble, the shower in white mosaic, the living room in blue cementtiles. Irresistible offers in building materials caused the spa to be clad in black Chinese marble from the 80’s, the shower in blue mosaic, and the living room in coral cement-tiles. Mint green for the bedroom was the only colour voluntarily chosen, as a surprise, “As mint green would never have been our first choice!”
“The Cabanon is not only a theory, it is a paradigm,” say Beatriz and Bernd. Certainly, The Cabanon is proof that a limited budget and limited space – with enough time - are not necessarily limitations at all.
Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier's Cabanon, 1951, seaside cabin on the Côte d'Azur in France is his smallest building, one of 17, on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
