Today’s workplaces include biophilic facets to bring the outside in, but most are still relatively staid in design, with neutral palettes and traditional styling. Yet when Bean Buro was tapped to envision a new space for a global financial institution, the mangrove, a resilient coastal tree, was the surprising source of inspiration. “We consciously moved away from the typical corporate office template because our goal was to create an environment that truly nurtures well-being and spontaneous collaboration,” says Kenny Kinugasa-Tsui, co-founder of Bean Buro.

Located in the Quarry Bay district of Hong Kong, the three-story office, known as Mangrove Garden, spans 54,000-square feet. Each floor has a central hub accentuated with an array of tropical flora and structural elements that evoke the look of this signature tree. These forms not only serve as visual focal points, but they also anchor the seating arrangements, which encourage interaction with colleagues.

Bespoke lighting is set against a timber-clad ceiling as it guides movement throughout the office, while curved furnishings echo that flow. Carpet tiles add softness in high-traffic areas. Durable oak laminates paired with textured fabrics offer just enough contrast.

An emphasis on sustainability conserves resources and enhances how employees feel in each room. The layout maximizes daylight that filters into each room, while bio-based wall finishes reduce negative impact. Furniture is repurposed or made of recycled materials without sacrificing the comfort needed for long work days.

The company’s reimagined brand red tint is among a full spectrum of hues, from sunny yellow to the boldest blue, which double as a backdrop for one-of-a-kind artwork. Site-specific installations by local talents like Angel Hui enliven the setting with pops of color. Bright trinkets and neon statement pieces capture the spirit of the local culture, standouts in the Instagram-worthy communal spaces.

This workplace is more than an aesthetic showcase of greenery. It is much like the natural grouping it is based on, and beneficial to all. “The mangrove ecosystem is a powerful metaphor – it’s resilient, interconnected, and thrives at the intersection of different environments,” notes Kinugasa-Tsui.
















To learn more about Mangrove Garden by Bean Buro, visit beanburo.com.
Photography by HDP Photography.




