Sheung Wan Ibis Hotel

Designing a Vibrant Landmark in Sheung Wan

The Sheung Wan Ibis Hotel, designed by Chung Wai and Tony Lam, draws inspiration from the historical streetscape of Hong Kong. The rectangular tenement houses of the 1920s Sheung Wan area served as the basis for the design, creating a uniform yet dynamic streetscape. The architects incorporated the vibrant colors found in the city's advertising signage, including blue, red, yellow, orange, and green, to form the skeleton of the architectural design.

What sets the Sheung Wan Ibis Hotel apart is its unique exterior. The building stands at a corner site facing two streets, each with its own distinct character. The elevation facing the busy street features different shapes of colored glazing, reflecting the energetic atmosphere of the surrounding signage. On the quiet side, the facade is clad in golden-colored Chinese ink inscription, symbolizing a traditional Chinese signage character. Atop the mosaic podium sits a tree, a nod to the local character of Hong Kong.

The hotel's design also takes into account the stunning harbor view. The orientation of the building maximizes the viewing experience, with the glazing area on the eastern side elevated to capture the breathtaking harbor view. The window design further enhances this feature, ensuring that guests can fully appreciate the beauty of Hong Kong's skyline.

The Sheung Wan Ibis Hotel stands as a new landmark and icon in the area, blending modernity with the heritage of Hong Kong. Its outstanding design aligns with the hotel's corporate up-branding and positions it as one of Ibis' Asian flagships. With its scale and attention to detail, this hotel is a testament to the architects' vision and creativity.

The Sheung Wan Ibis Hotel was completed in February 2012 after five years of design and construction. Its unique design elements and vibrant exterior have made it a standout destination in the up-and-coming tourist area of Sheung Wan. This design has also been recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in 2015, highlighting its practicality, innovation, and contribution to the architectural industry.