ZHA’s devotion to integrating architecture with the public realm
Henderson Land introduces a more fluid form of urban design
Lead8’s founding partners review trajectory of bold first decade
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Schotten & Hansen, creator of the finest-quality regenerable wooden flooring and surfaces for some of the world’s most beautiful spaces, celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2024. Reflecting on four decades of craftsmanship and innovation, Schotten & Hansen, is proud to have worked with world-renowned architects, designers and commercial partners, resulting in an inspiring portfolio of projects from luxury residential, yachts, hotels, showrooms, and private members’ clubs.
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LEAD8 CREATING LOW CARBON COMMUNITIES WITH MASS TIMBER
FUTURE SMART CONSTRUCTION AT LEE GARDEN EIGHT
Hip Hing Construction has implemented the innovative Distant Tower Crane Command System at Lee Garden Eight, a JV commercial property development by Hysan Development Company and Chinachem Group. This state-of-theart system seamlessly integrates Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, enhancing construction site safety and improving working conditions.
With real-time monitoring technology, operators can access critical data such as wind speed and load weight and operate cranes via remote-control equipment. By operating the crane remotely, the system can significantly reduce the risks associated with working at heights and improve working conditions. The system is equipped with advanced multi-angle HD cameras, AI-assisted vision, and collision detection capabilities, recreating the operational environment of a tower crane within the ground-level control cabin. It enables operators to execute precise lifting operations and conduct real-time safety evaluations. This innovation represents a significant milestone, laying the foundation for the future of smart construction with the potential to reshape the industry’s image to attract younger generations to join the construction industry. www.hysan.com.hk
CORK WALL PANEL SYSTEM WITH ADVANCED COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN
Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has partnered with Gencork to create a unique cork wall panel system, Thalia, that combines all the benefits and natural properties of cork’s remarkable materiality with ZHA’s advanced computational design. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the cork walls offer functional benefits such as acoustic absorption, thermal comfort, and anti-vibration properties, enhancing the workspace environment. Exploring variables such as curve symmetry, smoothness, gradation, and pattern density, the design’s curvatures are tailored to align with Gencork’s craftsmanship and production methods, imparting a distinctive texture that highlights cork’s exceptional properties for interiors. Gencork’s expanded cork is locally sourced and manufactured using biomass to generate the energy needed for steam production, which is crucial for creating expanded black cork, resulting in a minimal environmental footprint. Designed with precision, this unique collaboration represents a thoughtful exploration of advanced design methodologies elevating sustainable materials in architecture.
www.zaha-hadid.com
Lead8 has produced a conceptual vision to transform Vancouver’s last remaining city-owned and large vacant plot of land along its False Creek waterfront. The team saw the 22-acre site as an opportunity to imagine a world-class and sustainable community and to leverage mass timber construction to establish a distinctive and visionary destination for the city. With support from leading North American engineering firm, Glotman Simpson, the comprehensive plan aims to create a sustainable community that drives economic growth and enhances residents’ quality of life. By combining indoor and outdoor realms, green initiatives and community-oriented programs, the design looks to revive the downtown waterfront site for future generations. Lead8 co founder & executive director, Claude Touikan, said: “We always look for opportunities to contribute our expertise to address urban challenges. Mass timber is an exciting and sustainable building method that is gaining popularity and has the ability to solve many of our environmental issues in the design and development industry. https://lead8.com
A NEW URBAN ICON IN THE CENTRAL CITY OF TAICHUNG
The Top1 Global Trade Centre is located close to the transportation systems at the core of Xitun District, in Taichung City, serving as a vital transportation hub and a rapidly developing industrial and commercial centre in Taiwan. Completed in 2024, the almost 32,000m² office tower uses streamlined lines to break the rigid building mass, retreating inward through the curved outline to create sufficient open space along the street, facilitating an inviting arrival experience. A retail space is designed underneath the office floors, complemented with a clubhouse at the top, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city and a
FORMER SUPERMARKET BUILDING NEW MUSEUM FOR PAPER ART
BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group is set to transform a former supermarket building into the new Museum for Paper Art in the North Jutland region of Denmark, ‘Museum for Papirkunst’. With paper art deeply rooted in the Danish cultural heritage, including the iconic folded lampshades by Le Klint and H.C. Andersen’s paper clips. The approximately 900m² former supermarket building will be renovated and expanded by BIG to create a 2300m² museum with space for workshops, events, teaching rooms, storage, and office facilities. The adaptive reuse project is pursuing DGNB Gold or Platinum certification. The Museum for Paper Art is conceived as a new lightweight roof structure. Like a single sheet of paper, the roof lands on the existing building and creates space for the new functions around it - uniting the new and old under one roof. The existing building walls will get a new acoustic-regulating layer of paper art on the exterior, inspired by origami and designed in collaboration with several paper artists. https://big.dk
CHAOWAI DISTRICT’S FIRST URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT BY GENSLER
sky pool. An elegant ‘S’ curve is embedded in the building’s main façade, creating a curvy gap that flows down to the podium. The streamlined building mass complements these curves, descending from the top of the building and extending toward the base. “The centre sits at a busy traffic intersection, offering excellent urban scenery. We hope to integrate the urban context into the design and build a new landmark in the bustling city.’ Says Aedas Executive Director, Nicole Liu. www.aedas.com
Identified as Chaowai District’s first major urban renewal project, Kuntai Tower will take the lead to develop and promote creative industries and innovative businesses for the district. Kuntai Tower will aim to attract enterprises of the “three new economies” – new digital economy, new service economy and new creative economy. Gensler’s design concept proposes for a “Culture Hub“ with a vision from 3 different scales – urban, community and architecture, which is aligned to the Group’s vision to rebrand the project into a place that fosters creativity and innovation, a platform that creates stories of innovation and makes a memorable experience for everyone. First built in 1996, it was formerly the headquarters of Kuntai Group. Renovation work for the building began in 2022. The tower has 22 floors, 3 underground floors and a building height of 87.6m, of which floor 1 to 6 are commercial areas and floors 7 to 22 are office areas. The century-old Chaowai Street is one of Beijing’s “landmark” commercial streets, with a total length of about 1.4 kilometres from Chaoyangmen in the west to Dongdaqiao in the east. www.gensler.com
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Whilst the definition of sustainability and sustainable development can find its roots in many texts that range from Carl von Carlowitz’s forest management tome Silvicultura (1713) to Rachel Carson’s impassioned plea against the use of pesticides in A Silent Spring (1962), the academic Andrew Basiago suggests its emergence in the text A Blueprint for Survival (1972), a decade later (Basiago, 1995).
Text: Professor Jason Pomeroy
Images: Pomeroy Academy Billy Leung
The date of publication coincided with the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, held in Stockholm; following which the UN established the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as the world’s principal international environmental organization (United Nations, 1972). At the time, scientific data also emerged that demonstrated chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were depleting the ozone layer, which later led to the ban of CFC’s with the Montreal Protocol in 1987 (United Nations, n.d.).
The debilitating effects of pesticides on the environment, CFC’s on the ozone layer, the nuclear contamination of Chernobyl in April 1986 and the subsequent scientific evidence that the continued emission of greenhouse gases exacerbate global warming and cause long-lasting changes in all components of the climate system (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, n.d.), are just a few examples of the environmental cataclysms that shaped various summits conferences. However, the catalyst for change may have taken place in 1992 with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Rio de Janeiro.
The Earth Summit became the largest ever gathering of Heads of State, with an agreement signed by 154 states. Since then, governments have collectively signed accords in combating climate change. In 2015 the Paris Agreement was adopted for climate protection after 2020 which set a target for limiting warming to 1.52 degrees above pre-industrial levels by monitoring the emissions produced by various industries (Pomeroy, 2016).
Such protocols and global commitments over time have reaffirmed the need for a combined response to the global environmental problem. They have in turn become enshrined in environmental laws and policies and continued the discourse around the definition of sustainability and sustainable development: a term first coined in 1987.
The World Commission on Environment and Development sought to address the concern about the accelerating deterioration of the human environment and natural resources and the consequences of that deterioration for economic and social development (Brundtland, 1987), and published its findings in Our Common Future. It is from this report that sustainable development was first defined as ‘meet[ing] the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’ (Brundtland, 1987, p. 41). It is also where we start to understand the ‘environment’ as the place ‘where we all live; and “development”…[being] what we all do in attempting to improve our lot within that abode’ (Brundtland, 1987, p. 7).
The notion of ‘environment’ and ‘development’ being inseparable; and their outcomes being predicated upon socio-economic actions across local and global, rural and industrial, developing and developed nations, has yielded a variety of other definitions. These have mostly expanded on the presence of social, economic and environmental pillars: either weighted towards environmental preservation; or a greater socio-economic agenda. The results often highlight the multi-faceted and sometimes conflicting nature of the term sustainability and its multiple interpretations held by different groups, sectors, disciplines and governments (Johnston et al., 2007). According to Purvis, Mao and Robinson (2019), there has been ‘no single point of origin of this three-pillar conception, but rather a gradual emergence from various critiques in the early academic literature of the economic status quo from both social and ecological perspectives on the one hand, and the quest to reconcile economic growth as a solution to social and ecological problems on the part of the United Nations on the other’.
Despite the multiple interpretations of what constitutes sustainability it has been commonly argued that a balance between the needs of man and nature, through the careful trade-off between social, economic and environmental parameters of equal weighting, is required if a development is to be truly sustainable (Mawhinney, 2002). This in itself has yielded a plethora of sustainability rating tools that seek to deliver more sustainable developments through the consideration of a balance of indicators across social, economic, and environmental pillars.
SOCIAL
The concept of social sustainability covers a diverse range of societal issues that broadly calls for greater equality amongst mankind. This lends itself to fostering greater liveability prospects for all, regardless of gender, race, age, sexual orientation; and better health and well-being, community engagement and increasing social capital. The legislative mechanisms of ensuring social support, human rights, labour rights, social responsibility and social justice similarly depend upon the relationship between people and the environment in which they occupy; and in these terms, social sustainability encompasses all human activities and should be read in conjunction with spatial sustainability.
SPATIAL
Beyond the notion of a city’s spatial network being a reflection of the relationship between social, economic, and environmental forces, Space is a commodity in need of preservation, yet continues to be re-distributed, privatised and depleted as a consequence of urbanisation and population increase. It can be problematic to have a discourse about society and the way people interact without also discussing the space in which they occupy – be that virtually or physically. Spatial sustainability as a counterpoint to social sustainability would seem inseparable in our discourse if there is continued physical migration to urban centres and / or the greater use of virtual space for mankind’s social interaction.
ENVIRONMENTAL
The concept of environmental sustainability considers the needs of the planet as an equally important dimension to the needs of its people. Healthy ecosystems provide vital goods and services to humans and other organisms and this necessitates the reduction of the negative impact of humans on our ecosystem. There is the need to preserve and manage our environment for present and future generations largely based on environmental science and conservation biology. There is also the need for a cultural step change in the way Mankind consumes via conventional linear practices, necessitating new ‘circular’ ways of thinking that treats waste as a systems ‘flaw’.
TECHNOLOGICAL
Society’s continued and increasing use of technology depends not just on the inherent characteristics of a particular technology but also on the way it is perceived, used or its ability to transform the context. An appropriate technological sustainability that acknowledges an energy-efficient, environmentally-sound, people-centred approach, can permit more community-
focused activity to work in symbiosis with citywide technological interventions. In addressing the weak and strong sustainability debate, a technological sustainability should ensure that environmental technologies, when used sparingly, can seek to reduce waste and pollution from our man-made systems whilst optimising our approach to preserving nature’s ecological systems.
CULTURAL
Cultural identity is increasingly challenged by globalisation. Whilst technology has helped bring people together and promoted the crossfertilisation of cultures, innovations and ideas, it has also arguably contributed to a transcendence of modernisation and commercialisation that need not relate to people, place or culture. Spaces, which may have once been imprinted by cultural practices and time-tested rituals, are also being compromised through the process of urbanisation, which potentially undermines the cultural identity of a place. If globalisation means globalising modernity, and modernity represents the harbinger of identity, the cultural sustainability discourse may be strengthened in its ability to form a localised counterpoint to globalisation.
ECONOMIC
The concept of economic sustainability refers to the economic well-being and quality of life of a nation, region, local community, or an individual, that is improved according to targeted goals and objectives that do not compromise the needs of the people or the planet. This translates to greater fiscal conscientiousness and a more acute understanding of societal value as opposed to societal cost. It can therefore be seen that an economic sustainability can correlate to the health and well-being of a nation or a business, and necessitates a fiscal prudence to remain in power, or in business. It has become increasingly important to ensure that economic development through public demand and government mandate does not compromise environmental conservation.
The Hong Kong-founded and international architecture and design firm, Lead8, celebrates its 10th anniversary. Now ranked in the world’s top 50 largest architecture practices and third in the retail sector globally by WA100, Lead8’s Co Founders discuss their incredible trajectory.
A Dialogue with Lead8's Co Founders :
Christine Hau, Claude Touikan, David Buffonge and Simon Chua
In their home city of Hong Kong, Lead8 has earned a reputation as thoughtful innovators, winning appointments to some of the most significant future-defining projects in the Special Administrative Region. From 11 SKIES connected to Hong Kong International Airport to the New Central Harbourfront Site 3, Lead8 has continued to push the boundaries of progressive urban planning, sustainable design and experiential placemaking.
As the firm has gathered speed outside of Hong Kong in recent years, their expertise can now be found shaping urban regeneration projects in Japan, ‘park-oriented’ communities in Southeast Asia, low-carbon mass timber visions in North America, mixed-use waterfront districts in the UK, and the next-generation of curated retail precincts in the Middle East.
Reflecting on their journey and what’s next for Lead8, the firm’s co founders share the vital lessons they’ve learned along the way, how the market is evolving and where to next as they step further onto the global stage.
As you reflect on your first ten years, what has been the secret to your growth and success?
Chua: Since the beginning, we’ve been interested in addressing the urban challenges and possibilities of our time, not just for the clients we partner with but also within the cities in which we live and work. HarbourLoop was the first initiative that allowed us to showcase the depth of our expertise as we explored future low-carbon strategies for Hong Kong’s harbourfront connectivity, community engagement and sustainable development.
In many ways, HarbourLoop helped lay the groundwork for our winning design for the New Central Harbourfront Site 3, one of the most important strategic additions and opportunities to transform Hong Kong’s Central Harbourfront experience.
Constant curiosity and our team’s receptiveness to understanding the issues facing the industry has underpinned our work and the Lead8 brand – and this has helped to form our reputation and in turn our success.
Which of your projects best represents your approach to addressing key issues that are facing the industry?
Buffonge: We’ve had the fortune to work on many high-profile projects that we believe will define a new generation of developments. One Bangkok in Thailand recently opened, a transformative worldclass neighbourhood in the heart of the city, and is the culmination of many years of hard work strategising how we can humanise largescale developments, a theme that will resonate with many in our industry,
One Bangkok brings a strong focus on urban ecologies to rewrite the retail narrative and experience in our dense urbanised cities. Our design scope spans two key retail precincts and looks very carefully at how we bring the landscape into buildings, weaving in nature and open-air realms, and capturing the local identity and global appeal of this amazing city within our built environment.
As your work takes you further around the globe, what regions do you have a particular eye on?
Hau: Our team was recently in Saudi Arabia to present at Cityscape Global and see our clients in the Middle East. Beyond the scale of development in the region, the desire for world-class design and innovation is incredibly inspiring and a welcome challenge and opportunity for our designers as they actively conceive the future of the cities in these countries.
Of course, Asia is our home, and very much an important regional focus for Lead8. From Southeast Asia's affinity for biophilic design where we recently completed the landscape-driven Bintaro Jaya Xchange in Indonesia to North Asia's push for cultural heritage and preservation with the work we're doing for Wakayama City in Japan, there is a lot we are looking forward to.
We have also recently crossed the Pacific and are building our relationships in North America and seeing the immense opportunity to partner with firms and developers that are revolutionising the building industry there.
Are these new geographies demanding different design approaches?
Touikan: We are seeing the rise of a new era of developments – integrated resorts, creative reuse, urban ecosystems. There is a strong focus on environmental performance and new strategies for sustainable design across all the markets we work within.
Learning from different geographies and development styles is one of the greatest benefits of working more internationally. Every project is trying to bring to life a future vision within a unique set of conditions. It becomes interesting when we can adapt ideas from other places to inform a new design solution elsewhere.
For example, in North America, mass timber building is embraced on a much wider scale than in Asia. There is the potential for the material to revolutionise our construction and design industry here, and so we’re interested in uncovering these connections to introduce new design solutions.
We are seeing the rise of a new era of developments with integrated resorts, creative reuse, and urban ecosystems.
Working around the world, what would you say has been the most important factor for the business?
Hau: Relationships and partnerships, with our clients, within the industry and most importantly, with our teams. Nurturing talent is incredibly important to Lead8 and we’re proud to work alongside many of our current team members who have been with us since day one. Over our years together, our colleagues have matured into their roles, and that strengthens the next layer of leadership at Lead8.
We were all recently together on the Star Ferry for our anniversary celebration, which was a special moment for the team, and to come together across all of our international studios in Hong Kong.
Our long-term relationships are the reason why Lead8 is here and still thriving, and so I would give anyone looking to establish and grow a business that advice. Work with people you admire and trust, and mutually support each other through the highs and lows.
Following the opening of One Bangkok, what else can we expect from Lead8 in the near future?
Chua: The opening of One Bangkok was a big moment for our Lead8 team, seeing this transformative, city-changing project come to life after so many years. There are still many moments like this ahead of us. ITC Shanghai will open later next year and will redefine the Xujiahui district of the city through its people-first infrastructure design.
There are also the future phased openings of 11 SKIES in Hong Kong, which will complete the experiential retail, dining and entertainment offerings – our team recently visited to see the progress and it is unlike anything I’ve seen before. Within the aviation space, we also have a VIP terminal in Southeast Asia that is almost ready to announce to the market and we can’t wait to share how we’re helping our clients evolve the travel experience as this sector continues to elevate how we think about transit-oriented design.
How are you continuing to push the envelope of conventional design thinking for Lead8 projects?
Touikan: This year, we launched the concept of the “Fifth Season” to address a demand in the industry to understand what the future could hold for living more harmoniously with nature. The “Fifth Season” represents a paradigm shift in urban planning and design and helps to transcend the conventional boundaries of indoor and outdoor spaces. The vision to reimagine our urban landscapes is incredibly relevant the world over and it has helped us show how we can create and deliver more vibrant, interconnected environments in our cities.
Our research into a more biophilic approach to design also led us to mass timber, and we’ve put this into practice with a conceptual scheme for Vancouver’s waterfront. There are incredible, sustainable materials in the market that haven’t yet made their way on a broader scale to Asia, and we’re interested in raising their profile to usher in a new way of thinking for building in our home region. We may just be on the cusp of seeing mass timber high-rises in Asia.
Given how much the industry has changed in ten years, what do you feel will define the next decade?
Buffonge: Today, we have far greater access to the technologies and material innovations that can allow our buildings and cities to function at a much higher level. Our vision is to continue to close the gap between the built and natural environments and live more sustainably within the world.
Image for reference only and subject to further design development
Image on opposite page and above - Lead8’s False Creek Mass Timber Community Concept in Vancouver, Canada
Lead8 reliving 10 years of memories on the Star Ferry, from cruising past their first studio in Quarry Bay to seeing the harbourfront evolve since HarbourLoop and now the progress of Site 3 in Central.
Sculpting the Urban Oasis: The Henderson
Nestled in the heart of Hong Kong’s bustling financial district, The Henderson stands as a striking new landmark, its fluid form a testament to the collaborative vision of Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) and their client, Henderson Land. ZHA’s competition-winning design is a response to a brief for a sustainable, flexible office building with a strong connectivity to the public realm.
In this exclusive interview, PRC Magazine meets with Sara Klomps, a senior architect and director at ZHA, whose unique background and design sensibilities have helped shape this captivating addition to the city.
Sara Klomps’ dual training in both the technical and creative aspects of design in her native Germany would prove invaluable throughout her career, particularly when encountering the work of Zaha Hadid.
“I was drawn to her work from a design point of view,” Sara recalls. “There was this incredible beauty, but also a sense of breaking conventions that really appealed to me,” she adds.
Despite the debates within the German architectural community about the late Hadid’s unconventional approach, Sara was captivated. She joined ZHA’s London office as a student in 1998 and as a qualified architect in 2000 to begin a career that would allow her to join what was back then a small team of about 20 personnel working with limited resources and relying heavily on hand drawn designs.
“It wasn’t about joining a brand,” she says, emphasising the firm’s evolution from those humble beginnings to its current global recognition as one of the world’s leading architectural studios. Over time, Sara has seen the design language evolved, moving from more angular forms to the fluid, curvilinear aesthetic that has become a hallmark of ZHA’s work.
In the London office, she played a key role on several ZHA cultural projects, including award winning MAXXI: Museum of XXI Century Arts in Rome, the Phaneo Science Centre in Wolfsburg in Germany, and the Lois & Richard Rosenthal Centre for Contemporary art in Cincinnati. Her portfolio also includes the London Aquatics Centre, a key venue of the 2012 London Olympic Games and the Forest Green Rovers Eco Park Stadium, the first all word football stadium in Stroud in England’s Cotswolds, where almost every element is made from sustainably sourced timber. She was also responsible for the development of the double-
curved external cladding on the award winning Investcorp Building for the University of Oxford and the Central Bank of Iraq in Baghdad which is set to complete later this year.
However, her journey in Asia, began with The Henderson when she relocated to Hong Kong from ZHA’s London office in November 2017 to lead the prestigious development on 2 Murray Road. It’s a project which she says highlights a design philosophy that breaks down the barriers between the external and internal.
A Polished Gem
The design team had initially envisioned the building form as a “polished gem”, and the concept of the building as a refined sculpted object was central to the architects’ overall approach. The end result is a highly complex, curved façade achieved through the team’s technical expertise and creativity and a collaborative approach with manufacturers and contractors.
"The polished gem concept was meant to convey a sense of the exterior being shaped and refined over time, much like a natural gemstone," Sara explains.
Indeed, the very concept that informs the curved, sculptural façade is tied into the team's philosophy of treating the external public realm as an integral part of the building, allowing it to "flow" around, underneath and even inside the structure.
Asked what three words she would use to describe the Henderson, Sara thinks for a moment before uttering "fluid, elegant, and calm", acknowledging that many other adjectives could equally apply.
Designing for Flexibility, Adaptability and Sustainability
Sara notes that the emphasis on flexibility was a key driver in the design, with adaptable floor plates allowing for future changes in the building’s use.
"We have a very large and almost column-free floor plate that allows it to be used for collaborative and traditional work environments, as well as trading floors and exhibition halls as seen at the levels occupied by Christies," she explains.
Sustainability was also a core priority. And while Sara acknowledges the challenges posed by Hong Kong’s regulatory environment, particularly relating to GFA and limitations on external shading and other green features, ZHA conducted in-house carbon analysis to understand and minimise the project’s embodied emissions. Challenges posed by the significant wind loads had to be addressed by a fairly heavy envelope structure, which has resulted in the use of thicker glass and heavier framing than usual.
ZHA’s design solution has also achieved remarkable reductions in operational energy use, especially when compared to other developments in the region, as reflected in the numerous accreditations achieved.
This includes the introduction of a wide range of efficiency measures designed to reduce energy and water consumption. These are supported using renewables, waste management and user engagement, including a smart chiller system, high-efficiency HVAC equipment and daylight sensors that reduce the need for artificial lighting during periods of sufficient natural light. Water consumption is also minimised using low flow sanitary fittings, as well as rainwater reusage for irrigation. Some of the building’s electricity demand can also be met by the photovoltaics integrated on the top roof. In addition, the building’s smart monitoring system can detect the degree of occupancy in any interior and automatically and learns to adjust the indoor air temperature, humidity levels and fresh air volume to meet demand.
Overcoming Challenges
Bringing any architectural vision to life is not without its challenges. And while the Covid-19 pandemic presented its own set of obstacles, Sara admits that the complex, curved facade of the Henderson presented a significant technical hurdle, which the team addressed through extensive collaboration with glass manufacturers.
With the help of their façade consultants, ZHA’s team leveraged advancements in digital glass forming technology to enable the mass production of the intricate panels with reduced waste. This involved working closely with facade contractors and glass suppliers, some of whom had to switch their manufacturing locations during the project due to supply chain disruptions.
"The glass was mostly manufactured in Europe, and the curtain wall was fabricated in Europe and China," Sara explains.
The team also had to address the unique wind and typhoon conditions of the building's westward orientation and were required to conduct wind tunnel tests and BD submissions to comply with the city’s building code.
Alongside the technical complexities, ZHA also placed a strong emphasis on integrating The Henderson with the surrounding public realm.
"The third-floor lobby is public. Anyone can go up there. There's art display, there will be coffee shops, there will be restaurants," Sara explains, highlighting the team's efforts to create a seamless connection between the building and the city.
This commitment to public engagement extends to the adjacent park, which will feature a large sculpture by artist Ned Kahn.
"There is, I think, a lot of interest in giving something back to the city for everyone to see and use," Sara says.
For the ZHA team, this blending of the public and private realms is a hallmark of their design approach. "It's rare that you have a commercial building which does not include a private lobby at the bottom, but this public space is an integral part of the space," Sara notes.
She also emphasises the importance of responding to the local context, despite the global nature of the project,
"We see The Henderson something of a solitary form in the urban fabric," Sara says, referencing the seamless way the development interacts with the asymmetric features of its iconic neighbours, the HSBC headquarters and Bank of China building.
A Sentimental Attachment
As The Henderson nears completion, Sara reflects on the personal growth and sentimental attachment she has developed towards the project.
"I really hope that the building remains and develops even more into becoming an integral part of the urban fabric," she says, emphasising the team's desire to create a truly public space that is accessible to all.
This sentiment speaks to the architects' broader vision for The Henderson, one that goes beyond the physical structure to encompass the building's role in the life of the city.
Through Sara's eyes, the story of the Henderson emerges as a testament to the power of collaborative design, technical innovation, and a deep commitment to integrating architecture with the public realm.
As Hong Kong's skyline continues to evolve, this elegant landmark stands as a shining example of the transformative potential of thoughtful, contextual design. For the architect, working on this high-profile project in Hong Kong represents a valuable professional and personal growth experience, allowing Sara to develop new skills and adapt to the unique design and construction realities of the Asian city she now calls home.
Sara Klomps, Director, Zaha Hadid Architects
Photo:YC Kwan
We are honoured to collaborate with an extraordinary team of client, architects, consultants, contractors and suppliers to realise this spectacular achievement.
We have provided structural and facade engineering consultancy on the following features of the project:
Ballroom at Cloud 39
Elevated Public Walkways
Art Garden
5th Floor Staircase
3rd Floor Lobby Internal Glazing
Our project team
Brian Eckersley, James O’Callaghan, Alberto Casali, Alexandros Cannas, Anthony Wong, Bill Zhang, Chay Graham, Damian Rogan, David Boyd, Giovanni De Mari, Guillaume Laurent, Ian Langham, Kosmas Moupagitsoglou, Madara France, Mariska van der Velden, Minxi Bao, Nuno Barbedo, Rafailia Ampla, Serene Yip, Yanchee Lau.
About us Eckersley O’Callaghan collaborates with visionary clients on stateof-the-art projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.
We are a global team of structural engineers and facade engineers renowned for a commitment to sustainability, technical excellence, innovation and digital design.
hongkong@eocengineers.com
Shaping Architectural DNA seele at The Henderson
DISCOVER THE ART OF ORGANIC FORMS AND MIRRORED SURFACES AT THE HENDERSON
In the heart of Hong Kong, nestled between iconic landmarks, The Henderson stands as a testament to architectural innovation. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, this 200 m tall tower captivates with its organic forms and cuttingedge surfaces. seele proudly contributed its expertise to bring this visionary design to life, from the intricate double-curved glass façades to the polished 3D-bent metal cladding. Every component is a unique masterpiece, crafted with precision to achieve the highest standards of quality and visual excellence.
FROM PODIUM TO TOWER TOP
A standout feature made by seele is the 1,210 square metres steel mullion and transom façade spanning levels 3 to 6. This façade integrates doublecurved glass panels measuring up to 2 x 5 m, treated with a cutting-edge coating designed to provide effective sun protection, avoid reflections, and ensure high visual quality. Each panel is unique, featuring varying bends and dimensions, and is precisely assembled using double-curved aluminium profiles and a toggle system. A special coating ensures seamless transitions between the mirrored soffits and transparent glass.
In the entrance area, all-glass façades reach impressive heights of up to 11 m. These façades, with their convex bent glass, reflect the building's organic design. Meanwhile, the opaque areas on the ground floor feature massive columns clad in biaxially formed sheet metal, as well as polished, multi-curved sheets adding a touch of sculptural elegance.
In addition to the podium façade, seele has also delivered the exclusive glass structure crowning the tower. The double-storey banquet hall on the 37th floor showcases a striking 375 square metres structural all-glass façade. Featuring 36 hot-bent glass panes up to 7.60 m long, along with single-curved glass panes on the roof, the design achieves a perfect balance of elegance and strength. Glass beams are seamlessly integrated with a steel structure provided by others, while the six-ply laminated glass ensures resilience against high wind loads. An external sun shading system enhances both comfort and efficiency.
Polished, 3D-bent metal sheet cladding complements the architectural concept, following the convex contours of the building and roof. Integrated LEDs highlight the roof’s design. Additionally, seele was in charge of the north and south post-and-rail façades, which combine glass with perforated metal sheets.
This crowning achievement underlines seele’s expertise in steel-and-glass construction, structural glass, and modular façades, delivering innovative solutions for interfaces with other building elements.
The Banquet Hall at the tower's crown, with its panoramic all-glass façade and roof, highlights the project’s focus on maximum transparency and innovative design.
seele engineered an 883 square metres all-glass structure, featuring 167 double-curved IGUs for the roof, supported by 119 glass fins. The curved and laminated glass panels, designed for extreme wind loads in a typhoon-prone region, required meticulous planning. Solar control coatings and advanced thermal insulation were seamlessly integrated into the roof design, ensuring both energy efficiency and occupants’ comfort.
The project also included vertical façades with cylindrically curved glass panes, some reaching dimensions of 7.6 x 2.1 m. Through precise prefabrication, seele ensured the seamless integration of glass elements with stainless steel profiles and precise alignment of curved geometries. By employing cuttingedge technologies, the engineering team combined architectural elegance with structural resilience, overcoming challenges such as stringent building codes and the impact of daily wind loads at a height of 200 m.
seele’s expertise plays a pivotal role in the project, addressing the complex demands of façade design and manufacturing. The team tackles advanced BIM processes and intricate data models to fabricate biaxially curved insulating glass panels and three-dimensionally formed metal sheets.
“With its bespoke building skin using cutting-edge technology, The Henderson pushes boundaries in realising 3D geometries”, Michael Seele, Managing Partner, seele hongkong Ltd.
ADVANCED TESTING AT SEELE´S TESTING GROUNDS
To comply with the stringent requirements of Hong Kong’s building regulations, seele conducted comprehensive performance testing for The Henderson at its facility in Germany. The testing programme validated both the structural integrity and the functionality of the innovative façade systems, including full-scale Performance Mock-ups (PMUs).
Key tests included:
• Air and Water Tightness: Evaluation of resistance to air permeability and water penetration.
• Wind Load Testing: Simulated extreme typhoon conditions, applying wind pressures of up to +4.41 kN/square metres and -6.93 kN/square metres.
• Structural Performance: Verified the glass elements’ capacity to withstand 150 % of the design loads.
• Hurricane Simulation: Tested resistance to flying debris under storm conditions.
Testing focused on both vertical façades and roof glazing, which featured sixply laminated glass for durability. Optical 3D laser scanning was employed for quality assurance, ensuring alignment with precise CAD models. These rigorous processes guaranteed compliance with safety and performance standards, effectively addressing the challenges posed by typhoon-prone environments.
INSTALLATION
For the assembly in the Tower Top area, the installation team of seele worked at the dizzying height of 200 m. Aside from the impressive height, the greatest challenge was the tropical climate. From May to September, temperatures soar to 35°C, with humidity reaching up to 95 %, accompanied by strong winds. During this period, the construction site has faced several closures due to extreme weather, including three violent typhoons and frequent heavy rainfall. One highlight, however, was the breathtaking view of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline.
Balancing the powerful forms of Central Hong Kong’s skyline, the curved façade of The Henderson introduces a softer, more fluid form for future urban design. PRC Magazine talks to Henderson Land’s Kevin Ng about how this new architectural icon embraces innovation and sustainability.
“Our building is located on the East-West axis, where two rows of powerful, masculine forms dominate the skyline,” begins Kevin Ng, Senior Deputy General Manager at Henderson Land Development Company. “Our vision for The Henderson was for a playful yet purposeful design that would soften the hard edges of Hong Kong’s urban landscape.”
Crafted by the world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), The Henderson is a sculptural masterpiece located between Central and Admiralty, across from the asymmetrical Bank of China Tower by I.M. Pei, and near Norman Foster’s HSBC headquarters. The Henderson stands as a new icon for the 21st-century cityscape, offering a graceful counterpoint to the angular, imposing structures that surround it. The organic language of the design also references the flower bud of the bauhinia, the very symbol of Hong Kong,
Flanked by Chater Garden, Lambeth Walk Rest Garden, and Hong Kong Park - and connected to the city’s extensive footbridge network - The Henderson integrates into the urban fabric. Its design reflects a deep respect for the city’s history and environment, merging parametric design with a commitment to creating habitable urban spaces. The Henderson is a timeless structure that elevates the city’s architectural heritage whilst introducing the workspace of tomorrow.
Ng’s reflections capture the essence of The Henderson - a building that is as much about the future as it is about honouring the past.
PASSION AND FORESIGHT
From the outset, The Henderson was envisioned as a symbol of innovation and elegance, among the towering giants of Hong Kong Island’s skyline. The journey to realise this vision, however, was anything but straightforward. The challenges faced, from crafting the intricate curved glass façade to navigating the complexities of the MTR-laden underground, tested the limits of modern engineering.
Yet, it was the passion and foresight of the building's professional team that ensured this project came to life. “Don’t let the problem become a problem, take it as an opportunity to go the extra mile” became Ng’s motto, and allowed The Henderson to stay on course even when the odds were stacked against it.
As The Henderson prepares to take its place among the city’s architectural icons, it stands as more than just a new addition to the skyline. It embodies a shift towards a more thoughtful, sustainable approach to urban development in Hong Kong.
The building’s refined yet enduring presence is one that softens the city’s hard edges while setting new standards for what’s possible in the world’s most demanding urban landscapes. In the end, The Henderson is a reminder that with creativity, collaboration, and unwavering dedication, the most ambitious visions can be brought to life.
A NEW KIND OF FAÇADE
One of the more unique features of The Henderson is its tailored knuckle crane system, installed in the “recess façade” specifically designed for Christie's, the international auction house. As Christie’s transitions to monthly exhibitions, the tailor-made crane system facilitates the efficient transportation of large and heavy artworks. This customisation underscores The Henderson’s adaptability, showing that the building is not just a static structure, but rather a responsive environment designed to meet, and even exceed, the specific needs of its tenants.
Text: Julienne Raboca Billy Leung
In another first, The Henderson also features a media façade that can display digital content across multiple planes without disrupting the building's sleek look.
"It’s not like a typical LED billboard that sticks out like a sore thumb," Ng notes.
And while the media façade remains invisible when not in use, avoiding the unsightly appearance of traditional screens, when activated, it can display synchronised messages and graphics, turning the building into a dynamic part of the cityscape.
THE CUTTING-EDGE FLUID FAÇADES
The Henderson introduces an all-glass curved façade to Hong Kong’s skylinea design choice that required a departure from the conventional faceted glass seen on similar structures. This ambitious project wasn’t without its hurdles, from the unique double-curved shapes to the technical challenges of producing these bespoke glass panels.
“We didn’t necessarily know who could do it,” recalls Ng, encapsulating the uncertainty that marked the early stages of the project. Despite collaborating with top-tier glass fabricators around the globe, early attempts were met with frustration. Issues with tolerances and optical deformation in the curved glass panels posed significant challenges, punctuating the unprecedented nature of this design.
The project's top management needed to see tangible proof that the design could work. As a consequence, all pre-construction mock ups specified by ZHA were instructed early on and weren’t just formalities but critical steps in securing the necessary approvals.
“With the help of ZHA we learned a lot about tolerances, optical deformation, and the coatings that would be crucial in making this work,” Ng explained. ZHA’s mock-ups became a proving ground, allowing the team to refine their approach and find solutions in real-time.
Aside from the mock-ups, extensive research and the use of “digital mould” technology helped ZHA and Henderson Land to address the issues with tolerances and optical deformation. The adoption of precision digitisation was key in achieving the complex curvature required for each glass panel, ensuring a perfect fit within each frame.
“Without the digital mould, we couldn’t have built it,” Ng admits.
This level of precision also led to a bold decision: the building would not maintain spare glass panels. Instead, the exactness of the fabrication process meant that replacements could be produced on demand with the same high level of accuracy, a gamble that demonstrates the project’s reliance on cuttingedge technology.
Beyond aesthetics and resilience, the façade plays a determining role in the building’s sustainability strategy. The patented solar-responsive ventilators, automated blinds, and openable windows - all controlled by a smart system - adapt in real-time to weather data collected from rooftop and street-level stations. These smart features are not just modern conveniences; they reduce the building’s energy consumption, without compromising the user’s comfort. Together with the highly efficient MEP systems integrated in the project they contribute to a 40-50% reduction in carbon emissions in the operation phase.
After initial hurdles, the team’s perseverance and innovation paid off, allowing them to produce the bespoke double-curved glass panels that define The Henderson’s striking façade. The final result is a building that not only meets the aesthetic and technical demands of the design but also stands resilient against the challenges posed by Hong Kong’s harsh weather conditions.
@Tam Wai Man
@Vivian Liu
@Tam Wai Man
@Vivian Liu
MVii Brings New Momentum to AR Digital Showcase
GROUND-BREAKING INNOVATION LEAP –
The Henderson AR App
Being the leading XR (Extended Reality) integrated 3D print and showcase model producer with a total commitment to innovation, MVii has been commissioned as the interactive AR App designer and creator for the Show Suite of The Henderson, which is Hong Kong’s boldest new architectural masterpiece to be showcased through highly interactive AR-integrated 360 experience, throughout the whole development, test fit walkthrough of featured Banquet Hall and office spaces as well as panoramic drone shooting views of featured floors. The MVii team custom-built a guided tour to walk through most key features of The Henderson via the App, to demonstrate all of the stunning designs and featured details efficiently, even though The Henderson office tower was not fully built at the time.
Additionally, MVii’s innovative journey also spans being the AR App designer, creator and 3D print engineering models’ producer for CEDD’s Trunk Road T2 and Cha Kwo Ling Tunnel as well as Kai Tak urban planning development, Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) 3D model creation and 3D printing, as well as TBM AR App creation; for all of these ultra unique and complex projects.
This has shaped and differentiated MVii to becoming the premier artistic model and leading innovative architectural XR producer globally. Leveraging on the advanced 3D digital strength integrated with bespoke showcasing models, MVii was commissioned to participate in designing and creating the Fanling North New Development Area master plan model, integrated with QR code scanning function, interactive Skateboard Game App, 3-meter long AR-integrated Trunk Road T2 project models for Fanling North, Kai Tak as well as Cha Kwo Ling Community Liaison Centre (CLC) respectively.
With over 20 years of expertise in global architectural model design and fabrication, MVii is an innovative architectural models and 3D digital interactive solutions producer. MVii facilitates leading developers, government departments, architectural designers, and engineers, as well as next level showcasing of projects through artistic craftsmanship and interactive digitalized 3D visualization. Our project coverage spans the globe, from U.S.A., U.K., France, Croatia, the Middle East, to Canada, Costa Rica, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, China and Hong Kong.
TRULY GLOBAL-CENTRIC FULL SPECTRUM ARCHITECTURAL SOLUTIONS
M Vii stands for “models”, “visuals”, “interaction” and “innovation”, from legacy to future-led creation with company founder, Bryan Wan’s global-oriented vision, steering MVii to remarkable recognition, winning the most highly interactive Unity-powered AR App-integrated scale model, showcasing iconic projects for the Henderson Land Group, departments of the HKSAR Government (CEDD, DSD and Highways Department), Hilton Grand Vacations, Marriott International, Zaha Hadid Architects, Kengo Kuma and associates as well as AECOM, not merely for architectural models, but also 3D Animation flythrough, 8K Rendering, advancing to game engine powered XR showcasing.
a. CEDD Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) AR Showcase, Hong Kong
b. CEDD Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Model, Hong Kong
c. Ka Haku Hilton Club 3D Animation, Honolulu
d. Hilton Grand Vacations Maui Bay Villas 8K Rendering, Hololulu
e. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort Masterplan Model, Honolulu
f. Award-winning MCIA Airport 3D Print Model, Cebu
TOKYO RESIDENTIAL TOWER
RESIDES AMIDST THE CITY'S MOST LUSH GREEN GARDENS
The Architecture MasterPrize is a global architecture award recognizing design excellence and advancing appreciation for quality architectural design. Winner in the High-Rise Buildings category of the Architecture MasterPrize 2024 is Park Court
Jingu Kitasando The Tower, designed by Hoshino Architects INC.
CENTRAL LOCATION
From its position right in the middle of Tokyo, at Shibuya-ku, Park Court Jingu Kitasando The Tower stands amongst three of the most lushly green spaces in Tokyo - Meiji Shrine, its outer gardens, as well as the Shinjuku Imperial Garden.
“The location provides tremendous freedom,” says Hiroaki Hoshino, founder of Hoshino Architects,” as it offers great access to the JR Yamanote and Tokyo Metro subway lines, which are at the heart of the city’s transportation network. This district will become a node where the urban functionality of heavy foot and road traffic intersects with the lush green spaces where even birds and butterflies can stretch their wings!”
As the site varies in elevation, The Tower takes advantage of the landscape to weave a tapestry of greenery, paths, water and other elements into the project, to create an exterior space that transforms the surrounding scenery, providing the building façade with an everchanging appearance every time one passes it by depending on the time of day, the light and the seasons.
NEST DESIGN CONCEPT
This project interweaves organic vitality with versatile connections brought about by the unique location to realize a comfortable architectural NEST.
“The design creates a woven exterior, further accentuating the delicate, soft, curved geometries throughout the entire building,” says Hoshino. “The eastern façade has a regular, linear shape, which creates a sharp expression that is rich with a variety of appearances, depending on the angle of view.”
Incorporating the NEST design concept to the interior provides a consistent feel and connection with the woven building exterior. In the entrance lounge, a threedimensional weave of the walls and floors creates a beautiful space that sculpts the atrium into a passage that guides visitors inside.
The approximately 55,655m² building, featuring 27 above-ground levels and 1 basement levels, is a Joint Venture of Shimizu Corporation & Fujita Corporation. It opens into a dynamic area, with a three-story vaulted ceiling that traces the large, elongated wall from the entrance. A stunning chandelier and bold staircase, diagonally leading underground, builds a central interior that can be seen as the heart of the building.
“The interior design, three-dimensionally weaving together vertical and horizontal lines, accomplishes enjoyably dynamic communal areas.”
FAÇADE DESIGN
Giving the exterior design a unique woven nest-like façade adds value to the building as an iconic tower in a dynamic city, allowing for stunning views close up, and from a distance in various surrounding locations and above. The lighting layout, by lighting designers Izumi Okayasu Lighting Design Office, accentuates the wavy design at the top of the tower, giving it a three-dimensional appearance at night, while the exterior lights softly illuminate the green facade, maintaining an inviting space after sunset.
The ground and rooftop sections are planned to be connected to the surrounding greenery and the interior mainly uses materials of wood to create an atmosphere of being inside a tree.
The site is located at the junction of a long sidewalk and a crossroads, where the design firm designed the site to be easily accessible, not only for residents, but also for the surrounding community. As such, the landscape was designed to be open to the surrounding environment. This allows for walking and other activities, with a pastel green wall planned to connect the private and public boundaries gently, while preserving residential privacy.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
The ecological focus of the project was to zero in on a soft connection to the natural environment, whilst expressing sensibilities towards urban fauna and their local diversity.
The use of various tree species in the landscape design serves to connect The Tower to the surrounding natural environments.
“By bringing together the separated urban greenery and consolidating the local green infrastructure, the habitat range of birds and other urban wildlife can expand, and more biodiversity within this area can be introduced.”
Solar panels are installed above the rooftop access, providing a sustainable source of energy to operate the tower's main facilities, including the elevators and communal lights, making the building safer during an event of natural disaster or emergency.
Information & Images: Hoshino Architects Bryan Chan
New Community Shared Green Spaces in Former Industrial District
83 King Lam Street mark of groundbreaking changes in the area and beyond.
Located in the bustling Lai Chi Kok district of Kowloon, 83 King Lam Street stands as a testament to New World Development's commitment to innovation and sustainable design. This mixed-use commercial development breaks the mold of traditional tower-and-podium architecture, featuring two 23-story office towers designed by Rocco Design Architects, and set apart to create a generous, well-ventilated public space in between.
Blending with the nature
Lai Chi Kok is an old factory and industrial district situated at the northwestern end of Kowloon in Hong Kong. In the last decades as Hong Kong’s economy has transitioned from industrial and manufacturing to finance, logistics, and tertiary sectors, the area’s industrial buildings has transformed into commercial properties. It has become a hub for various creative and fashion industries, who are attracted to the area’s readily available open plan and larger office spaces, with affordable rent yet located just a few MTR stops away from the city center.
Design by COLLECTIVE, the podium of 83 King Lam Street incorporates a unique concept not like the others, which vertically connects the street to the surrounding hills through landscaped podiums. This design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes environmental sustainability by integrating green spaces into the urban fabric.
The podium of 83 King Lam Street not just the base for the set of 2 commercial towers, it comprising 3 levels, features four primary components: retail and F&B outlets, two main office lobby entrances providing access to the twin towers, a multifunctional auditorium adaptable to various configurations, and an expansive outdoor plaza characterized by a continuous green landscape cascading from the second floor to ground level.
A Pixelated Landscape
Forming the centerpiece of the podium is a cascading landscape of steps –the ‘feature steps’ – which rhythmically winds its way up and down, left and right, connecting each level of the separated podium. Its parametric surface is expressed as a series of pixelated steps with varying heights, thereby creating a landscape of stairs, seats, and planters. At the top of the podium, the pixelated steps conglomerate into another landscape of tree planters and green walls, blending into the site’s rising green back-drop. In addition to effectively linking the base of the two towers, this fabricated landscape, and its curated greenery is meant to be an intentional extension of the natural green mountainside into the city’s urban fabric.
Inserted below the Feature Steps are two connected interior auditorium spaces – the upper and lower auditorium. The two spaces may be used as a single event space or partitioned to be used separately. The seats of the upper auditorium can also be retracted, transforming the room into a multipurpose open plan, thereby offering an event space as an additional amenity to office tenants. Architecturally, the auditorium space is distinguished by a unique stepped ceiling of varying heights, geometrically reflecting the parametric and pixelated nature of the exterior feature steps above.
Collectively, these thoughtfully designed spaces offer visitors, office tenants, and the public a range of unique indoor and outdoor community spaces within this former industrial neighborhood, which
The ONTOLO residential development in Pak Shek Kok, Tai Po, comprising over 700 luxury residential units, has achieved Provisional Gold rating under BEAM Plus and was designed to comply with the Sustainable Building Design Guidelines. The project possess a number of green features, including its ”StormTech Chambers” which collect rainwater for irrigation (https://www.hkgbc.org.hk/eng/membership/our-members/directory-detail?cid=910)
sustainable ceiling products are designed to minimise their environmental impact during the whole
and are fully
at the end of their working life. Bonder is qualified in the ISO EN/BS/GB Standard Test Method which
