An Ode To An Icon

Older buildings are increasingly being phased out by contemporary counterparts, but The Murray’s adaptability gives rise to a modern, luxurious retreat for its newfound guests.

- Khoo Yong Hao

Stern and steely, Hong Kong’s iconic Murray Building at the famous Cotton Tree Drive stood formidably as a government office building from 1969 to 2011. With its glory days long past, the vacancy of the 25-storey tall building called for a much-needed refurbishment, and refreshed it was. The plan was simple, keep the building in commission by turning it into a luxury hotel, but the process was not without its own trials and tribulations.

Despite its ripe old age, the building’s architecture was already ahead of its time. Ron Phillips, the architect behind the original building, designed the fins on each side of the building to block direct sunlight.

Prominent design elements had to be preserved as part of the government’s “Conserving Central” initiative, so additional features had to adhere to the architectural language of the existing structure. This ensured the majestic building maintained its ambience that is so deeply rooted in Hong Kong’s history while embracing a modern makeover in tandem with current trends.