This $3BN Henderson may be the World’s Curviest Skyscraper

Hong Kong features a diverse array of architectural styles, ranging from traditional to ultra-modern. One standout is the Jockey Club Innovation Tower, celebrated for its distinctive twisted design that sets it apart as a striking landmark. Another notable gem is the Xiqu Centre, dedicated to Chinese opera and renowned for seamlessly blending traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics, drawing architecture enthusiasts from around the world.

Currently, a new skyscraper is under construction on what is considered the most expensive site in the world. The Henderson, located in Central Hong Kong, is a 36-story building that will reach a height of 190 meters. Six years ago, Henderson Land purchased an old multi-level car park for US$3 billion in 2017, setting a record at the time for the world’s most expensive land sale.

The Henderson epitomizes world-class office and architectural excellence and is poised to become an iconic building on Murray Road in Central, the heart of Hong Kong. The construction of this uniquely designed skyscraper has been a significant challenge.

The Henderson is an impressive 36-story super Grade-A office tower in Hong Kong’s central business district. Designed by the renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, it combines world-class architecture with innovative, sustainable, smart, and resilient workplace features.

Zaha Hadid’s history in Hong Kong began in 1983 with a proposal for a private club on the Peak, designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape. However, it wasn’t until 2013 that she completed her first building in the city, the Innovation Tower at PolyU. The Henderson, is by far Zaha Hadid Architects’ largest and most ambitious project in Hong Kong to date.

Construction on The Henderson commenced in the year 2019, marking the beginning of a meticulous process aimed at creating a landmark structure in Hong Kong. From laying the foundation to erecting the towering superstructure, each phase has involved intricate planning and precise execution.

Also Read: Plan to Save the Empty One Times Square Building in New York City

The expected completion date of 2024 signifies not only the culmination of extensive planning and construction efforts but also the impending realization of The Henderson’s vision.

Developed by Henderson Land Group to meet global best practice standards, this project is poised to be among the first commercial buildings in Hong Kong to attain Platinum ratings on both WiredScore and SmartScore certifications. This guarantees an exceptional workplace experience, supported by superior digital connectivity and cutting-edge technology.

The construction narrative of The Henderson is a captivating tale of architectural ambition, pioneering techniques, and a steadfast commitment to creating something extraordinary in Hong Kong’s bustling Central Business District.

Inspired by the Hong Kong orchid, a symbol found on the city’s flag, The Henderson’s organic form features curvaceous volumes that mimic overlapping flower petals. Its sinuous facade comprises over 4,000 panels of double-laminated glass, each uniquely shaped with 1,000 different curvatures, creating a dynamic and fluid exterior.

Innovative construction techniques were pivotal to realizing The Henderson’s vision. The building was constructed using a top-down method, allowing simultaneous basement excavation and superstructure construction. This approach required meticulous planning and the installation of over 500 high-precision sensors to monitor stability, particularly around the nearby Mass Transit Railway tunnels.

The sculptural form of The Henderson stands out as a defining feature. Characterized by curvilinear lines and dynamic geometry, it exudes a sense of movement and modern aesthetics. Clad in glass, the exterior reflects the changing sky and transforms into a radiant beacon after dark, echoing architect Frank Gehry’s vision of a folded paper-like structure that adds an artistic flair.

Beyond its architectural feats, The Henderson integrates seamlessly with public space aspirations. Designed to feel like an extension of the surrounding parkland, it features two open-air balconies and an enclosed sky garden that incorporates a running track and offers panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. The top floor will house a column-free banquet hall, with an eight-meter clear glass ceiling that offers panoramic views of the city.

Regarding its tenant mix and office layout, The Henderson has already attracted notable occupants such as Audemars Piguet and Christie’s, underscoring its appeal as a premier business address. The office spaces boast a column-free, open-plan design supported by innovative structural elements like six mega-columns and a one-sided steel core.

Imagine traversing the sky-bridges that connect different sections of The Henderson. These elevated walkways not only serve functional purposes but also offer breathtaking views of the city below, creating moments of exhilaration for those who traverse them.

Incorporating vertical gardens, The Henderson softens its edges and brings a touch of nature into its urban environment. These living walls not only enhance the building’s aesthetic appeal but also contribute to improved air quality and occupant well-being. Sustainability is a core principle, underscored by features such as rainwater harvesting and efficient HVAC systems, aligning with contemporary environmental standards.

The Henderson holds cultural significance by celebrating Chinese opera through its design. Combining traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics, the building pays homage to Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage, enriching the city’s cultural landscape.

The current occupants of The Henderson have chosen to lease space in the building not only because of its prime location in the heart of Central, Hong Kong, but also due to its excellent digital infrastructure. This ensures that crucial business services like digital connectivity and smart capabilities remain reliable and resilient over time.

Upon completion, The Henderson will be home to a prestigious lineup of tenants that includes Christie’s, the renowned British auction house known for its global art auctions and prestigious clientele. Additionally, the CPP Investment Board, a major Canadian institutional investor managing funds on behalf of the Canadian Pension Plan, will occupy space within the skyscraper. Joining them will be Audemars Piguet, the esteemed Swiss watchmaker celebrated for its craftsmanship and innovation in haute horology. This diverse mix of tenants underscores The Henderson’s appeal as a premier destination for leading global brands across various industries.

The Henderson was constructed to meet rigorous global standards for digital connectivity and smart technology, achieving the highest certification levels: WiredScore Platinum and SmartScore Platinum.

Also Read: The Sentinel: U.S. $100 Billion ICBM Project

The WiredScore Platinum certification ensures that The Henderson provides exceptional internet and mobile connectivity. This includes robust physical infrastructure that is diverse and resilient, multiple high-speed service providers, and reliable mobile coverage throughout the entire building.

Additionally, The Henderson’s sustainable building design, validated through the SmartScore framework, aligns with occupiers’ Environmental, Social, and Governance goals. Occupiers benefit from building-wide services such as smart car park booking, ESG rewards, and carbon analytics accessible through an Integrated Tenant Engagement Analytics Platform. This platform serves as a comprehensive dashboard allowing occupiers to monitor their ESG performance against goals, derive insights, and receive actionable recommendations for reducing carbon emissions. The ITEAP integrates functionalities of an occupier mobile app, admin portal, management & operations dashboard, and integration layer into a unified platform, ensuring seamless access to building services and essential data for ESG strategies.

The Henderson’s construction narrative exemplifies a blend of visionary design, meticulous engineering, and a commitment to enhancing Hong Kong’s urban landscape. It stands poised to leave an indelible mark on the city’s skyline, symbolizing a new era of architectural excellence and urban integration.

With advancing technology, we can expect to witness an increase in curvaceous and ambitious buildings like The Henderson gracing Hong Kong’s skylines. Get ready to explore more videos on our channel, showcasing such distinctive skyscrapers.