If one were to use three words to describe offices in space-starved Hong Kong, cluttered, drab and generic often come to mind. Not so fast, says the guys at Hong Kong-based architectural and design firm THE XSS, who have devised a space rich in aesthetics for Brockman Mining Limited’s new Hong Kong office.

Perched on the 38th floor of the soaring Two International Financial Centre in Central, the 3,000sqft office is divided into fifteen rooms, including two conference rooms, one CEO room, one director room, six executive rooms, one common workspace and a pantry.

The sharp angles, while creating intriguing contours, had presented designers with a challenge: how to maximise functionality without sacrificing style.

Brockman Mining, which owns mines throughout the booming Pibara Region in Western Australia, wanted something that “represented both their brand identity and the key function of their business in Hong Kong: investment development”.

Inspiration was drawn from Brockman’s mining sites and the perplexing shapes that iron ore and hematite take on. Paying homage to mathematics, science and geometry – the three elements key in the mining profession – the unpredictability of nature is given a modern twist and is poignantly translated into a curated mix of jagged edges and folded glass structures. Bands of polished steel cut through the glass walls and windows, creating an interesting textural effect.

The sharp contours are juxtaposed with the linear elements in the corridor, which for the designers “encourages speed, efficiency and productivity”. The use of fluid and fragmented geometry is also evocative of the city’s never-ending pulsating energy.

The space is decked out in elegant tones of grey, black and white, with ergonomic furniture popping up in various places. An L-shaped lamp presides over a sculptural, glossy desk, imbuing the space with a sense of minimalist chic.

Floor-to-ceiling windows allow sunlight to pour in during the daytime, as well as enable inhabitants to enjoy panoramic views of Hong Kong’s Central Business District.

The project has already bagged five awards, including “Best International Office Interior” at the International Property Awards, “Best Office Interior Asia Pacific” at the Asia Pacific Property Awards and “Best Interior Design” at Perspective Awards.

THE XSS
thexss.com