Following on from the success of their Qantas Singapore Lounge, Sumu Design were once again invited to design the new Qantas Hong Kong Lounge. In collaboration with Canon Studio, Sumu Design created an inspiring space which surpassed the limitations of the initial design brief. The project also saw the Sumu team work with PDM International Hong Kong who provided the essential local support for the project. Qantas’ brief was to reflect a new boutique style concept representing Hong Kong through its design, and taking cues from the design developed for the Qantas Singapore Lounge.
“ The project was the accumulation of knowledgable, intelligent collaborations between Sumu’s Design Team, Caon Studio and high-end technologies firm Hewshott International. ”
Hong Kong is the perpetual Asian city: a fluid, swiftly evolving metropolis surrounded by stunning wilderness. It is a vibrant, vertical city split by an expanse of water and surrounded by clam and nature. Hong Kong also represents both a vital business gateway and a home away from home for a large international business community. This was the concept and vision that influenced both the planning and architecture of the lounge, in which the Qantas Hong Kong lounge became a metaphor of Hong Kong. Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula are represented by the bar and dining areas which capture the vibrancy, movement and interaction of people. These elements are surrounded by the calm and relaxed atmosphere of the lounge areas. The lounge areas in turn represent the natural landscape and beaches that surround the built-up zones of the city. The verticality of Hong Kong is embodied within the building’s large steel structures. The structures are used to break up the 120m-long, 2,000 sq. m site, creating intimate, private and secluded spaces for customers. These structures reference the steel signage structures fixed to the sides of buildings within the city area. Meanwhile the canopies pay homage to the city’s side streets where small eating houses and stalls provide privacy and escape from the bustling city while still remaining connected to the action. Hong Kong is a narrow lounge stretching 120min length. It is located within the open cabin of Hong Kong Airport with views of the apron and surrounding terminals. It is bathed in natural light, creating an open outdoor feel. The project was the accumulation of knowledgable, intelligent collaborations between Sumu’s Design Team, Caon Studio and high-end technologies firm Hewshott International. When discussing the Qantas Hong Kong Lounge their Group CEO Peter Hunt emphasised the level of detail involved in the company’s critical contribution. “Hewshott International was an integral part of the team dealing with the acoustics and audio visual design. The location and shape of the lounge, and few horizontal surfaces, meant the traditional home of ceiling speakers was absent, nonetheless, control and clarity was essential. The revolutionary use of flat panel, low profile speakers
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provided a consistent quality of sound, but also minimised spillage into the general concourse, whilst retaining the clarity and volume that makes this space work exceptionally well. Hewshott has developed a strong pedigree in premium airport lounges with a number of commissions across the world.” he said. Hewshott International’s technology ensures passengers are provided with the best in entertainment and information services. This integral element of functionality and purpose informs the entire project with substantial success. The design is an inspiring use of space and creativity but the primary focus of the project maintained the understanding of passengers’ need for comfort and service in such an environment. This is also reflected in the very high customer approval rating the lounge has received since opening. The design intelligently encapsulates the story, history and character of the city. The rawness of the streets and old architecture is represented by the raw concrete finishes on the floor, bar and tables. This is juxtaposed against the use of premium finishes such as leather, silver grey stone, timber veneer, timber textured floor tiles throughout the lounge – representing the new modern day Hong Kong. The finishes used within the lounge represent the traditional, colonial and modern aspects of the city whilst the materials and architecture of the lounge create a sensory and visual snap shot of people’s experiences during their travels through Hong Kong. The aforementioned use of hard materials such as concrete, stone, tiles and steel serve a dual purpose of adhering to fire regulations within the airport. Every material/finish, piece of furniture, equipment and accessory was required to have fire load calculations done on the material make-up of each item and the combination of each item, either individually or as a group setting. The fire loading not only influenced the finishes used within the design it also impacted on the layout and planning of the lounge. A project of this scale is never without complication and the design team were faced with some challenging health and safety requirements throughout the process. The fire regulations within Hong Kong airport meant the team were confined to using materials with low combustible properties. Inspiringly however, Sumu Design’s team were able to turn this limitation and to their advantage, in order to meet the brief of “representing Hong Kong through its design.” The design therefore is a project of all round excellence having expertly interpreted the design brief to create a stunning space of distinguished artistic and architectural brilliance. Hong Kong has much to offer residents and tourists and it is befitting that the Qantas Hong Kong Lounge represents this fine city with such quality.