CLP Holdings Limited (CLP), one of the oldest and most recognised brand names in Hong Kong, was registered in 1900 to provide electricity to the Kowloon Peninsula. In 1901, CLP took over the Canton Electric and Fire Extinguishing Company, acquired its power station in Shamian and began operations in Guangzhou, China. The first headquarters building was opened in 1940 at Argyle Street, Kowloon, and the present building in Hung Hom, Kowloon was purchased and occupied in May 2012.

In December 2021, CLP appointed Inarc Design to create a new international headquarters building at Kai Tak, Kowloon. The Chairman’s vision for this project was to create a legacy building for the next 50-75 years. The site is located at the southern part of a larger development that includes the new 50,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium, a hotel, and public open space. The development is on part of the former Kai Tak International Airport.

The architectural design solution consists of twelve floors including a landscaped rooftop and a rooftop helipad. The building accommodates approximately 500-600 people at full capacity and includes office, recreational, communal, and support areas.

The building’s key programme requirements were carefully integrated across its twelve floors. A rooftop helipad crowns the structure, while a landscaped roof terrace occupies Level 12. Office spaces are located between Levels 5 and 11, with recreational facilities for staff on Level 3. Level 2 features an open, landscaped communal area along with a secure lift lobby. The ground floor houses the main entrance lobby, the primary lift lobby, and the security and management offices. A dedicated goods delivery area is positioned beside the ramp to the basement, where car parking facilities are also provided.

The Main Entrance Lobby features a special glass enclosure for the CLP logo and is part of a low-rise ‘lantern’ structure designed to evoke transparency and lightness both during the day and at night. The entrance was conceived as a large, welcoming space to receive guests, staff, and VIPs, and to host major public relations events. The building visually ‘floats’ above this glass entry zone, while a darker, more solid podium anchors it to the site.

The architectural form draws inspiration from traditional Chinese folding screens, with staggered facades and articulated corners. Bay windows at all four corners were influenced by Chinese sailing junks and open up views to the surrounding parkland, sea, and urban areas. Staggered vertical mullions on the curtain walls reference the weaving pattern of bamboo in traditional Chinese houses.

Low-e double glazing technology reduces solar heat gain and improves insulation. Deep horizontal fins on southeast and northwest elevations further enhance shading performance. The landscaped rooftop and communal areas support LEED Platinum certification goals.

This office tower presents a contrast to the curvilinear form of the nearby stadium and responds to the location’s history with cultural and architectural sensitivity. The overall design reflects time, place, and memory – aligned with the client’s original brief.