OLIV: A Twisting and Turning Commercial Building in Hong Kong

An Architectural Marvel Inspired by the Olive Tree

OLIV, a commercial building located in the bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay in Hong Kong, stands tall and proud. Designed by the renowned architectural firm THEO TEXTURE, this architectural marvel is a testament to innovation and creativity.

The design concept of OLIV draws inspiration from the olive tree, which is reflected in the building's name and its unique form. The floor plate of the building changes slightly on each floor as it ascends, creating a twisting and turning profile that is both captivating and visually striking.

One of the standout features of OLIV is its triple-skin curtain wall. This curtain wall is composed of an interior orthogonal layer of subframe and mullions, a dark grey glass curtain wall layer, and an organic exterior layer of white cladding. The white cladding contains "olive tree knots" that turn into radiating "stars," serving as the signature and logo of OLIV. This triple-layered skin not only adds to the building's aesthetic appeal but also provides insulation and energy efficiency.

Despite its small urban site of just over 280m2, OLIV stands tall at over 100m high, making it a prominent landmark in the area. The building's floor-to-floor height of 4980mm allows for multiple floors to be occupied by retail and F&B tenants, adding vibrancy to the neighborhood.

Creating OLIV was not without its challenges. The site's size and the challenging urban environment posed significant difficulties from the beginning. The demolition of the original structure, the bore-pile foundation, and the irregular form of the building's superstructure required meticulous planning and execution. The curtain wall design and production were particularly demanding, as each piece of the organic-shaped aluminium cladding had to be prefabricated offsite and assembled to fit perfectly onto the concrete structure. Additionally, the entire reinforced concrete structure had to be slimmed down by around 30% after undergoing a wind tunnel test to increase the efficiency of the floors.

Completed after three years of hard work, OLIV has become a symbol of architectural excellence and innovation. Its unique design, inspired by the olive tree, sets it apart from other commercial buildings in the area. The twisting and turning profile, the triple-skin curtain wall, and the attention to detail make OLIV a true masterpiece.

OLIV's exceptional design has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Silver A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2015. This award is a testament to the outstanding expertise and innovation showcased by OLIV, as well as its remarkable level of excellence and artistic skill.

OLIV stands as a testament to the power of design to transform spaces and captivate the imagination. It is a shining example of how architecture, art, and innovation can come together to create a truly remarkable structure.