Kowloon Commerce Centre
Revitalisation project creates Kowloon’s first Grade A commercial building.
Sector: Offices
Country: Hong Kong
Client: Sun Hung Kai
Services: Architecture Alterations / Additions Sustainability
Year: 2009
The Kowloon Commerce Centre was considered a secondary site by the client; however, it was positioned in a burgeoning business area which is strategically advantageous and has great potential. By revitalizing these two business towers, the client sought to inject new interest in the area and heighten the development potential. MAP was commissioned to develop elevation design proposals for the two towers based on their existing floor plans as well as podium, lobby, rooftop, and cladding system designs. With this in mind, MAP believed high specification and sustainable features were the path to success.
MAP decided to create a simple, bold expression for the towers without unnecessary expense or compromise of the interior space. To set the exterior tone, vertical pins were employed to enhance the vertical proportions of the towers, changing their existing blockish appearance. To ensure impact for building occupants and visitors upon arrival, MAP designed a high-specification lobby space incorporating a grand splayed wall system and canopy.
The Kowloon Commerce Centre is the first building in Hong Kong to be constructed to comply with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. The main eco-friendly features include: landscaped areas and sky gardens throughout the building; maximizing the natural light through the use of a double-glazed, curtain walling system; power and electrical installations (including elevators and air-conditioning) which comply with the latest standards; installation of CO2 detectors to monitor and improve indoor air quality; the use of eco friendly or recyclable building materials; and using recycled condensed water from air conditioners to reduce water waste disposal by fifty per cent.
The Kowloon Commerce Centre is the first Grade A commercial building in the district.
