Project in Detail

Cubus

Inspired by an ‘ice cube’, the recently completed Cubus building in the heart of Hong Kong’s vibrant Causeway Bay area offers a unique 25 storey retail experience and is a clear example of Woods Bagot’s adopted approach of research led design. Woods Bagot’s unique research programme on vertical retail “Treasure Towers” by Stephen Jones was one of the catalysts for this unique building. “Treasure Towers” was published in Woods Bagot’s PUBLIC #4: 21st Century Guide to Life (http://www.woodsbagot.com/en/content/public4.html).

Due to a lack of large plots in the city, a typical ‘Podium and Tower’ building form was not an appropriate typology or solution for Cubus. Instead the 5,600 m2 design adopted ‘open’ floor plates at each level providing a platform to experience the city at different heights and a strong identity that differentiates Cubus from surrounding structures. Terraces overlook the city giving unique and almost ‘boutique’ views through the neighbouring towers to vistas and scenes that are unattainable unless standing within the Cubus building. These open views extend from the transparent elevator shaft on an external face of the building and the outdoor spaces break up the verticality of the building to provide unique flexible retail areas.

The strong façade and integrated lighting theme reinforces the building’s identity while drawing on the entertainment and F&B program that it showcases its customers. The appearance of ice cubes was realised through simple geometry, triangular shapes and frit patterns and applied throughout the building including the entrance feature wall and the entrance lobby giving the building a fractured façade that commands street views and creates a stunning lighting concept.

Street presence, unique access experience, vertical transportation strategy and creation of a building with a unique and memorable appearance were keys to this design. The special building façade was designed to draw attention from busy retail areas nearby and attract customers with a visual concept and experience that synthesises entertainment and retail.

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