Foster + Partners reimagines a 1960s Hong Kong landmark

The Murray Hotel in Hong Kong by Foster + Partners

1960s Hong Kong landmark has been transformed by Foster + Partners into The Murray hotel

(Image credit: press)

Few locations in Hong Kong better capture the spirit of modernism than the Murray Building. Built by British architect Ron Phillips, the 27-storey tower opened in 1969 as a government office. Soaring, unadorned arches at ground level and a gleaming white façade lent it a handsome, almost austere, appearance, while recessed windows and the concrete fins that separated them kept out the sweltering heat, and made the building a pioneer in sustainability.

As such, it remained a widely admired landmark long after a concrete jungle sprouted in its vicinity. And once the government moved on to newer digs in 2011, it became a ripe opportunity for redevelopment. Enter local hospitality group Wharf Hotels, which acquired the building and enlisted Foster + Partners to transform it into first-rate accommodation.

Named the Murray, the new hotel has opened to much fanfare, its 336 rooms and suites some of the most spacious in the city. The famous recessed windows have been enlarged, opening up views of Hong Kong Park and its adjacent zoological gardens, as well as neighbouring skyscrapers such as the HSBC Building, also by Foster + Partners. Inside, richly textured furnishings in understated tones, and bathrooms in black and white Calacatta marble, are a vision of relaxed refinement. The pared-back aesthetic continues through the well-appointed gym, indoor pool and five spa suites.

Eager for guests to ‘rediscover the romance of going to a hotel’, Foster + Partners devoted special attention to the arrival experience, creating a forecourt around a majestic old cotton tree (carefully sustained through the hotel’s construction), and a generously proportioned, sunlit lobby featuring a chandelier-like charcoal work by Korean artist Seon-ghi Bahk. A grand staircase leads guests to the garden level, home to a lush terrace and two restaurants – the smart European Tai Pan, and the more laidback Garden Lounge, which offers both dim sum and French patisserie.

The next few months will see more dining options open. Occupying its own glass pavilion will be a branch of Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Guo Fu Lou, with interiors by André Fu and an expansive terrace. And the rooftop restaurant and bar, serving cocktails and international tapas, will be the perfect spot to rub shoulders with Hong Kong’s movers and shakers, while drinking in the spectacular skyline.

The soaring arches of The Murray hotel in Hong Kong by Foster + Partners — Soaring, unadorned arches at ground level and a gleaming white façade lent it a handsome, almost austere, appearance

The facade of The Murray Hotel in Hong Kong — Recessed windows and the concrete fins that separated them kept out the sweltering heat, and made the building a pioneer in sustainability

The Murray Hotel was a modernist landmark in Hong Kong — As such, it remained a widely admired landmark long after a concrete jungle sprouted in its vicinity

Inside the lobby of The Murray Hotel in Hong Kong by Foster + Partners — Local hospitality group Wharf Hotels acquired the building and enlisted Foster + Partners to transform it into first-rate accommodation

A lounge in The Murray with a chandelier like work by Korean artist Seon-ghi Bahk — A generously proportioned, sunlit lobby featuring a chandelier-like charcoal work by Korean artist Seon-ghi Bahk

Restaurant in The Murray Hotel in Hong Kong — A grand staircase leads guests to the garden level, home to a lush terrace and two restaurants – the smart European Tai Pan, and the more laidback Garden Lounge, which offers both dim sum and French patisserie

A guestroom in the Murray Hotel in Hong Kong — The 336 rooms and suites some of the most spacious in the city. The famous recessed windows have been enlarged, opening up views of Hong Kong Park and its adjacent zoological gardens, as well as neighbouring skyscrapers such as the HSBC Building, also by Foster + Partners

White Calacatta bathroom in The Murray Hotel, Hong Kong — Richly textured furnishings in understated tones, and bathrooms in black and white Calacatta marble, are a vision of relaxed refinement

Restaurant at The Murray Hotel in Hong Kong — The next few months will see more dining options open, with the hotel set to be the perfect spot to rub shoulders with Hong Kong’s movers and shakers

ADDRESS

22 Cotton Tree Drive
Central

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TF Chan is a former editor of Wallpaper* (2020-23), where he was responsible for the monthly print magazine, planning, commissioning, editing and writing long-lead content across all pillars. He also played a leading role in multi-channel editorial franchises, such as Wallpaper’s annual Design Awards, Guest Editor takeovers and Next Generation series. He aims to create world-class, visually-driven content while championing diversity, international representation and social impact. TF joined Wallpaper* as an intern in January 2013, and served as its commissioning editor from 2017-20, winning a 30 under 30 New Talent Award from the Professional Publishers’ Association. Born and raised in Hong Kong, he holds an undergraduate degree in history from Princeton University.