Jana Rock, lead architect for the project said: “When so much in Hong Kong is about drama and height, to deliver something on a more human, tactile scale has been a pleasure to work on. It combines, interiors, architecture and art and is a beautiful, welcoming space.”
The new lower-ground floor offers a restaurant and all-day vegetarian dining room open to the public. The ground floor provides another café which also serves as the hotel’s check-in area, with the main lift lobby adjacent. The first floor, meanwhile, has a state-of-the-art meeting room with a balcony looking towards Tai Kwun and a lush canopy of trees
The interior design, inspired by Ovolo’s fresh, funky brand aesthetic, uses similar materials in different forms and quantity across the three levels to create one design narrative. The ground floor features timber flooring that becomes terrazzo on the staircase, and beige, concrete-like Equitone panels on the walls. A central structural column clad in vibrant botanical-print tiles is now a key design feature. The seating area benefits from a cosy fireplace, while a glass fire screen between the café and the timber-lined lift lobby visually connects the spaces. Guests will also see Ovolo’s signature ‘globe’ light and stainless steel ‘egg wall’ at the main entrance.
On the lower ground floor, timber clad banquette seating lines the restaurant on three sides to maximise the space for dining. A botanical-print wallpaper and live greenery above the banquette enhances the natural and airy concept of the space. The first floor function room is lined in natural oak panels and slats, with a timber floor. Including the existing balcony, which is being remodelled as part of the new facade, it provides 30m2. From there, guests have views of Arbuthnot Road and Tai Kwun. A new joinery wall features textured timber veneer doors, hidden AV stations, and an integrated mini-bar.
The washrooms on the lower ground and first floors feature timber slats and panels along the walls, with botanical floor tiles on the first floor and green terrazzo flooring on the lower ground. A textured glass screen separates the vanity unit and WCs, and pale gold taps adorn the wash basins.
Make has worked closely with the client on the artwork selection over the three levels. The key piece is a polished stainless steel doughnut shaped mirror at the lower ground floor which reflects the scenery of its surrounding and enlarges the perception of the space.
