In the heart of Central Hong Kong, a futuristic skyscraper has transformed a once-forgotten car park into an iconic urban landmark. The Henderson, a 36-storey, 190-meter tower designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, melds art, nature, and engineering in a way that redefines the city’s skyline. Inspired by Hong Kong’s beloved Bauhinia blakeana (the orchid), this architectural marvel not only serves as a cutting-edge office space but also symbolizes the city’s dynamic evolution.
The tower’s design draws direct inspiration from the orchid bud—the emblematic Bauhinia blakeana—imbuing the structure with a petal-like elegance. Its flowing curves evoke the natural growth of a flower, creating a striking contrast with the angular towers typical of Central. The building is elevated on robust columns, which not only highlight its organic form but also integrate a vibrant public plaza that connects seamlessly with Hong Kong’s elevated pedestrian network.
One of The Henderson’s most distinctive features is its double-curved glass façade. Approximately 4,000 bespoke glass panels—each a custom, four-ply, double-laminated unit—form a continuous, fluid skin that mirrors the organic lines of a blooming orchid. These panels, engineered using state-of-the-art parametric modeling, provide 100% UV protection and are designed to withstand Hong Kong’s typhoon-force winds. This sophisticated façade not only enhances the building’s aesthetic appeal but also improves energy efficiency by reducing solar heat gain.
Beneath its elegant exterior, The Henderson boasts a high-tensile steel structure that creates expansive, column-free office spaces with impressive ceiling heights. Advanced engineering solutions ensure that the tower meets stringent safety standards, even in extreme weather conditions. The incorporation of smart sensors and automated systems—such as the patented Solar-Responsive Ventilator (SRV) system—optimizes natural ventilation and minimizes energy consumption. Additionally, integrated AI-optimized elevators and a building app enhance user experience by enabling fully contactless navigation throughout the tower.
To complement its modern design, The Henderson features multiple green spaces, including a spectacular Sky Garden on the 22nd floor. This open-air terrace not only offers panoramic views of Victoria Harbour but also provides a serene retreat for occupants. Outdoor balconies and landscaped terraces on several floors extend this connection with nature, reinforcing the building’s commitment to wellness and sustainability.
The site at 2 Murray Road once housed a utilitarian multi-storey car park dating back to the 1970s. Over the decades, this inconspicuous structure served as a modest reminder of Hong Kong’s past. However, in a landmark move that underscored the city’s rapid evolution, Henderson Land Development acquired the site in 2017 for a record-breaking HK$23.3 billion—making it one of the most expensive commercial land purchases in history.
Seizing the opportunity to redefine Central, Henderson Land partnered with Zaha Hadid Architects to reimagine the site. This collaboration marked a significant departure from traditional Hong Kong skyscrapers, introducing a design language characterized by fluid curves and organic forms. As Zaha Hadid’s legacy continued to inspire forward-thinking architecture, The Henderson emerged as a record of her visionary approach—transforming a forgotten car park into a symbol of progress and cultural rebirth.
The Henderson plays a pivotal role in Hong Kong’s cultural landscape by housing the Asia-Pacific headquarters for Christie’s, the world-renowned art auction house. Spanning 50,000 square feet across four floors, this state-of-the-art space is designed to host year-round exhibitions, live auctions, and exclusive events. Christie’s move underscores Hong Kong’s emergence as a major player in the global art market, blending commerce with culture in an unprecedented way.
Beyond its commercial functions, The Henderson actively invites public engagement. Its ground-level plaza, integrated with the adjacent Chater Garden, hosts rotating art installations and provides a welcoming environment for both office workers and passersby. Notable artworks, such as a striking contemporary sculpture by Jeff Koons in the lobby, exemplify how the building merges public art with high-end design. This focus on community ensures that the tower is not merely a workspace but also a vibrant cultural venue that enriches the daily lives of Hong Kong residents.
Hong Kong’s skyline is renowned for its distinctive silhouettes, and The Henderson has quickly become an integral part of this visual narrative. Its sweeping, organic curves soften the rigid geometry of older skyscrapers like the Bank of China Tower and HSBC Building, offering a refreshing counterpoint that modernizes Central’s urban landscape. At night, the building’s illuminated façade adds a dynamic element to the cityscape, reinforcing its status as a new architectural icon.
Strategically situated, The Henderson improves pedestrian flow by linking key transportation nodes. The building’s integration with Hong Kong’s elevated footbridge system and proximity to multiple MTR stations ensure that it not only serves its occupants but also enhances the broader urban experience. By transforming a previously underutilized site into a hub of connectivity and culture, The Henderson exemplifies how innovative architecture can drive urban renewal and foster community engagement.
Despite challenges in the commercial real estate market, The Henderson has attracted prestigious tenants such as Carlyle Group and Audemars Piguet, alongside Christie’s. This high-profile leasing success highlights a broader trend: even in a soft market, visionary projects with a strong emphasis on sustainability and connectivity can set new benchmarks for quality and innovation. As The Henderson continues to shape the urban fabric of Central, it serves as a beacon of progress and resilience—heralding a future where architecture and culture harmoniously coexist.
The Henderson is more than a building—it is a living symbol of Hong Kong’s ability to transform the past into a vibrant future. By drawing inspiration from the iconic Bauhinia orchid and embracing cutting-edge engineering, it stands as a celebration of visionary design and sustainable innovation. As this orchid-inspired skyscraper rises above Central, it not only redefines the skyline but also bridges art, commerce, and community, offering a blueprint for urban transformation in the 21st century.
