Weaving Heritage into Modern Elegance
In the bustling heart of Hong Kong, Neri&Hu has reimagined the facade of the Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, incorporating a striking tapestry of staggered terracotta tiles. This bold redesign honors the city’s storied craftsmanship in tile and metalwork.
For more on contemporary design transformations, explore how a studio revamped an Istanbul apartment with bold colors and minimalism.
Transforming a Former Landmark
The project revitalizes a section of a previous Harvey Nichols department store. This section previously showcased an angled glass facade with a cantilevered volume. Neri&Hu sought to forge a cohesive visual identity for the hotel—a harmonious front that seamlessly unites its fragmented past.
A Design Embracing Tradition
Rejecting the glass-heavy precedent, Neri&Hu enveloped the structure with a textured facade. The Shanghai-based studio envisioned the existing skeletal frame as a canvas ready to don a new sartorial layer.
Using cast terracotta tiles, each supported by dark bronze shelves, the facade reflects the rhythmic intricacies of woven textiles. Strategically placed glass tiles provide a subtle glow, lighting up this urban tapestry.
Embrace the uniqueness of interior spaces with AI Design in Hong Kong which provides innovative bespoke design tools for creators.
“This piece stands as a testament to the city’s artisanal legacy,” asserts the studio, “bringing a bold, sculptural presence against the glass-encased skyline.”
About Neri&Hu
Founded in 2006 by Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu, the multidisciplinary studio is renowned for its context-driven projects. Notable works include the conversion of Tbilisi’s Telegraph Hotel and a creative hub in China transformed from an industrial space.
The photography is by Zhu Runzi.
Project Credits
- Partners-in-charge: Lyndon Neri, Rossana Hu
- Associate director-in-charge: Christine Chang
- Associate: Fong Huang
- Design team: Hugo Bartholomé, Joshua Wang, Nitya Ravi Latha
- Interior design: Joyce Wang Studio
- Design management: Hong Kong Land Property Company, Project Department
- LDI: Aedas
- Lighting: Isometrix Lighting Design
- Civil engineering: SYW & Associates
- M&E consultant: J. Roger Preston
- Façade engineering: HS & A
- Quantity surveyor consultant: Arcadis
- Contractors: Far East Facade
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What material is used for the new facade of the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong?
The facade is made of staggered terracotta tiles supported by dark bronze shelves, reflecting the intricacies of woven textiles.
Who are the partners in charge of the project?
The partners in charge of the project are Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu.
What was the facade design before Neri&Hu’s transformation?
The previous facade was characterized by an angled glass facade with a cantilevered volume.