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Bean Buro Designs a Corporate Oasis in Hong Kong

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.

Modern conference room with a long white table, blue chairs, ceiling with large round lights, and glass wall overlooking a bright area with plants.

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.

A woman sits alone at a modern table in a bright, glass-walled room, reading a book with greenery visible outside.

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.

Two women work at a long table near large windows in a modern office space, while others meet in a glass-walled conference room in the background.

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.

A modern office space with a green curved shelving unit displaying minimalist vases and bowls, adjacent to a seating area with blue chairs and indoor plants.

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.

Modern office interior with a curved blue counter, a woman using a kitchen area, and another person seated on a circular bench near a plant.

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.

A person stands at a refrigerator in a modern kitchen with blue cabinets, built-in microwaves, and curved yellow counters.

Two people sit across from each other at a long table in a modern, bright office space with large windows and exposed ceiling pipes.

Modern office space with a pink table, wooden stools, a potted plant, large windows, and decorative room dividers.

A woman sitting on a bench.

Two women work at a tall round red table in a modern office with large windows and city views, a plant centerpiece, and a geometric ceiling fixture above.

Modern office interior with beige and brown lockers, a curved light fixture on the ceiling, and glass-walled meeting room in the background.

Modern open office with large windows, indoor plants, a curved white sofa, and people working at tables and sitting on the sofa.

Modern office with empty desks, computer monitors on adjustable arms, black chairs, and a white wall featuring abstract blue curved lines; green plants in the foreground.

A person in gray clothing, partially obscured by a glass wall, stands near a red frame while holding a smartphone in their right hand.

Two people stand together in an office space, taking a selfie in front of a curved counter and an illuminated wall with white neon designs.

A modern wooden shelving unit with minimalist decor pieces is softly lit, with large green plants in the foreground.

Modern office lounge with pink cushioned seating, round white tables, beige chairs, large windows, and green plants in the foreground.

Modern office space with neutral-tone seating, large windows, and exposed ceilings; a person in white walks toward a meeting room in the background.

A minimalist meeting room with a white table, blue chairs, and a glass vase holding dried grasses, set against a textured beige wall with geometric patterns.

Two modern work nooks with wood paneling, geometric wall art, round light fixtures, and single beige chairs separated by a vertical divider.

Modern office space with indoor plants, blue desks, and a small private booth featuring geometric wall patterns and a single chair.

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

Photography by HDP Photography.

Anna Zappia is a New York City-based writer and editor with a passion for textiles, and she can often be found at a fashion exhibit or shopping for more books. Anna writes the Friday Five column, as well as commercial content.

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