Compelling because of its gracefully extended arches and concrete facade punctuated with a grid of recessed windows, Murray Building is one of Central’s most arresting architectural icons.
Designed by British modernist Ron Phillips in 1969, the former government office edifice has been given a new lease of life by much-lauded firm Foster + Partners, and has successfully been reborn as The Murray, a new international luxury hotel operated by Niccolo Group. We spoke to Colin Ward, a partner at Foster + Partners, about the highlights, challenges and responsibilities involved in the endeavor.
This project presented us with a fantastic opportunity to work with an important part of the city’s architectural heritage, giving it a new lease of life while being respectful of its history. The building is also an early exemplar of sustainable design, and we wanted to express and enhance its inherent environmental qualities.
It was a privilege for us to be able to work with Ron Philips, drawing on his experience and gaining valuable insights into the building’s history. The architecture of the original building is in direct response to the climate of Hong Kong – the windows are recessed and carefully orientated to avoid the harsh tropical sunlight – gaining it an Energy Efficient Building Award in 1994. We have retained the facade while upgrading other aspects of the building and extending its life by introducing a new function appropriate for the changing demands of the city – giving it a sustainable legacy for years to come.
See also: 6 ways Peter Woo totally transformed The Murray
The interiors are open and transparent, with carefully considered proportions, and infused with materials, furniture and art that evoke an inherent sense of elegance and beauty. — Colin Ward
We wanted our design to express a sense of integrity. We have stripped the building back to its original form, expressing the clean lines and volumes that are characteristic of the Murray Building. We have carefully intervened within the historic fabric to bring the building up to modern day environmental and technical standards without losing its unique identity. Our design also takes advantage of the building’s geometry to create unique room layouts that will give The Murray a distinctive character. The interiors are open and transparent, with carefully considered proportions, and infused with materials, furniture and art that evoke an inherent sense of elegance and beauty.
The Murray recalls the tradition of the grand hotels with its distinctive presence. It also seeks to redefine the idea of luxury, which is about a generosity of space, and an inherent understanding of how the hotel responds to the needs of the guest.
A version of this article originally appeared in our February 2018 issue.
The post Colin Ward on Redesigning The Murray and Renewing an Architectural Icon appeared first on Home Journal.
