Since its launch, The Henley in Kai Tak has attracted plenty of visitors and attention. Norman Chan, who has previously worked with famed architects such as Frank Gehry and Robert Stern, is responsible for the unique interior design of the project. “The Henley’s interior design is themed around an avant-garde, modern and low-key luxury style. It represents a noble taste, a high-quality and high-style living and club environment,” says Chan.
As the concept of luxury living continues to evolve, Norman defines the phrase with several key points. “The unit of every space should be aesthetic and functional. Every inch of space available should be made to good use. It is really quite rare to use the famous Italian brand Lema Fashion Box for the closets and doors,” explains Chan.
As for the club’s interior, a selection of high-tech and innovative elements were incorporated into the space, including a robotic coffee machine from Switzerland as well as a prominent lighting effect on the spiral staircase that changes according to people’s movements.

Although Chan was already working as an architect in 1995, he decided it was the right time to launch BTR Workshop. “I was working as an architect at the time, but I was bored with the content of my work. I felt that this was not the reality I wanted to live in, so I decided to establish BTR Workshop to regain my passion for architectural design.”
“I think light, space and materiality are people’s eternal pursuit of space design,” says Chan. Sustainability and sustainable living are a huge part of and play an important role in The Henley’s design. To bridge the gap between man and nature, Chan incorporated a number of environmentally-friendly features and details. “The most important element here is establishing a green and healthier living space, for example we have indoor farming facilities and technology to reduce energy consumption and there are green gardens outside the housing estate surrounding the clubhouse facilities. To emphasise how important our connection with nature is, we’ve used a neutral colour scheme and various interior design shapes and lines to reference elements of the garden. We’ve also installed a large-scale glass exterior wall design, so the distance between man and nature is shortened.”