The Rays: A Revitalization Project Transforming an Industrial Building into a Modern Office Space

Creating an Illusion of Height and Space in a Challenging Site

A revitalization project of this scale requires careful consideration of the existing structure and limitations. The location of the reception area, for example, is thoughtfully designed to surround the existing square column, creating a cohesive and tailor-made unit. This attention to detail ensures a seamless integration of the new design elements with the old.

One of the main challenges faced by the design team was the low ceiling height. To address this, they employed various design features to create an illusion of height. The reception counter tops were lowered, and dark wooden stripes and mirrors were strategically used to lengthen the look of the walls. Additionally, the width of the white-colored glass wall was varied to hide service doors, while also resonating with the theme of lines and functions. The use of glass and mirrors not only reflects light but also makes the space feel higher, bigger, and lighter.

The design also incorporates light troughs that are evenly distributed throughout the ceiling, extending to the surrounding space. This clever use of lighting not only conceals the numerous beams but also adds a sense of sustainability and continuity to the overall design.

The materials chosen for this project reflect a combination of functionality and aesthetics. Plastic laminate, white and black-colored back glasses, mirrors, hairline stainless steel, Corian, and marble are used to create a clean and smooth flow throughout the space.

The main lobby, including the reception counter, lift lobby, and waiting area, spans approximately 500 square meters. With its unique design elements and attention to detail, The Rays stands as a testament to the creativity and expertise of Vstudio Limited.

The project, which started in June 2015 and was completed in September 2015, is located in Hong Kong. The design team, led by Vanessa Ng from Vstudio, successfully transformed a challenging site into a modern and functional office space.

The Rays has been recognized for its outstanding design and creativity. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2017. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.