With a design inspired by the bud of the Bauhinia blakeana, the curved glass facade of The Henderson uses highly resilient UV-blocking and weatherproof glass that insulates it from solar heating to achieve optimum thermal comfort and energy efficiency within – all helping to reduce the building’s carbon footprint. A key design requirement was that the building would be able to withstand extreme weather conditions, including super-typhoons. This led to a breakthrough in the engineering of the facade, which is constructed from bespoke, four-ply, double-laminated glass panels that are shaped into a curve using a custom-made digital mould.

The solar-responsive ventilators (SRV) – designed for The Henderson and patented by the developer – compensate for radiant heat coming into the building from the exterior, creating an air cushion between walls and office spaces and maintaining a comfortable temperature for the occupants. Each SRV has a predetermined angle for both its intake and outlet to drive air from a cool inward area to the glass facade. The patented device boosts ventilation and means each office has its own dedicated air flow system along the building’s facade.

Spending long hours in a poorly lit office without natural sunlight has been shown to have a negative impact on mental and physical health. To combat this, the building is equipped with a circadian lighting system that, according to Edward Chan, deputy general manager, Henderson Land, “works in harmony with our internal clocks and follows the human circadian rhythm by mimicking changing light patterns and correlated colour temperature, helping to shape a healthier work environment for all”.

And in keeping with its core philosophy of well-being, The Henderson is designed as an oasis in the heart of the city. It is surrounded by parks and landscaped gardens, while a Sky Garden on the 22nd floor is open to all the building’s users for moments of respite.

A satisfying commute

To make each occupant’s journey from entrance to office more comfortable and convenient, Henderson Land Development used state-of-the-art technologies to bring about the “hotelisation” of the workplace.

To enable a hands-free tech experience, tenants’ mobile devices linked to The Henderson are granted access to designated floors on arrival, so occupants can enjoy a smooth journey while having seamless access to the building’s key facilities. This is done via a bespoke tenant app, which provides users with personalised access via mobile devices, with features such as remote lift calling, office temperature adjustment, adjustment of electric blinds and car parking assistance, as well as links to event facilities and other customer services.

The enhanced IT infrastructure of The Henderson doesn’t end there: through the use of artificial intelligence, lifts are automatically assigned to minimise wait times, and can even sense lift loading to determine optimal travel times – shifting according to peak lift hours and requirements.

The lifts also function as “bacteria and pathogen elimination zones”, making these confined spaces safer and cleaner. Using another innovation patented for the development – the Lift Sterilisation Pod – they automatically and regularly sterilise the air and surfaces within by using UV-C and ionised particle technologies – effectively wiping out bacteria and viruses.

The forefront of connectivity and sustainability

As it aims to take a leading role in driving a collective change towards a more sustainable future, Henderson Land has launched an industry-first, three-way environmental, social and governance (ESG) partnership programme at The Henderson that connects landlords, individuals and tenants to strive towards common sustainability goals.

The advanced technologies adopted in the building will, according to the company, reduce its overall energy consumption and carbon emissions by 26 per cent, while the building has already achieved seven sustainable and smart building accreditations.

For sustainability, it has achieved a number of LEED Platinum and WELL Platinum pre-certifications, while for smart design it has been awarded a Double Platinum certification for technology in real estate. It is also among the first commercial projects in Hong Kong to obtain a double Platinum WiredScore and SmartScore certification for outstanding digital connectivity and advanced smart technology. The Henderson is also the first office building to achieve Platinum Leadership accreditation for the China Smart Building Label.

The building has already attracted confirmed tenants such as Christie’s auction house, leading global investment firm Carlyle and luxury Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet – businesses that share Henderson Land’s vision of embracing design and technology that enhance sustainability and workplace quality for all. These additions to the tenant line-up have brought the occupancy rate of the rentable floors of The Henderson close to 50 per cent.