As for the response related to ecology, we have took particular attention to the insulation of the building with the cladding, especially on the southern facade, because of the high temperatures due to the climate, but also because of the urbanisation of the city, which is mainly made of materials that store heat for long periods of time, such as concrete and untreated bitumen for the local climate.

We therefore automatically eliminated concrete walls or stone facings in favour of materials with a lower thermal mass.

After considering several light metals, including zinc and weathered steel, we decided on copper. We want to use copper produced from recycled copper materials. The durable, low-maintenance finish is ideally suited to Hong Kong’s tropical climate.

To ensure optimum insulation, the copper panels are separated from the thermal insulation of the façade by an air gap of minimum 10 cm width to prevent heat transfer. The heat from the copper cladding is naturally removed through this air gap. A natural convection current continuously draws in fresh air from the base of the façade while removing warm air from the upper part of the façade, this natural circulation reduces the temperature of the building considerably.

Also for maximum impact, the south façade has as few openings as possible for maximum heat protection but also provides a soundproofing of the building from the Queen’s Road West shopping street.

Both the project and the programme must be in keeping with their future neighbourhood, while at the same time offering exclusivity.

The project consists of several vertical units:

-The ground floor is primarily reserved for an art gallery with its exhibition garden connecting to the neighbouring city park, followed by 2 levels of retailers with direct escalator access and finally 2 levels of commercial offices.

On the upper level of the commercial block, a hanging garden with a reception area to welcome the residents and tenants of the 2 towers of 25 levels each, 1 tower consists of residential flats with flat variants from single to triplex with or without terrace allowing a greater variety of possibilities.

The other tower consists of service flats with a restaurant with a hanging garden and another panoramic restaurant.

The whole project is intended to be environmentally friendly.