Mangrove Garden / Bean Buro

Architects: Bean Buro
Area: 54,000 ft²
Year: 2023
Photography: HDP Photography
Lead Architects: Kenny Kinugasa-Tsui, Lorène Faure
Architects Team: Lorène Faure, Kenny Kinugasa-Tsui, Joy Lucas, Florence Chardonnal, Jamie Yue, Beatrice Andres, Jonathan Mok, Justine Wu
Contractor: Wing Art Limited
Project Management: Canary Mind Limited
Artist: Angel Hui
City: Hong Kong

Mangrove Garden is a contemporary workplace designed by Bean Buro for a leading global financial institution in Hong Kong. Spanning 54,000 square feet across three levels, the project reconsiders conventional corporate environments through a human-centered and nature-inspired approach. The design introduces a series of central communal hubs on each floor, conceived as abstracted mangrove gardens that combine tropical planting, sculptural elements, and integrated seating to support collaboration and informal interaction. Color plays a central role in shaping the spatial identity, with the client’s signature red reinterpreted and layered with a diverse palette to create a lively and engaging atmosphere. Sustainability is embedded through the reuse of existing furniture and the incorporation of bio-based wall finishes, aligning environmental responsibility with occupant well-being. Site-specific artworks by local artist Angel Hui further enrich the interior, grounding the global corporate presence within a distinctly local cultural context. Together, these strategies yield a workplace that strikes a balance between brand identity, hospitality, and contemporary expectations of office life.

Rather than framing the workplace as a static container for productivity, Mangrove Garden positions the office as an evolving social landscape. Bean Buro approached the project with the ambition to recalibrate corporate culture through spatial experience, using nature not as decoration but as an organizing principle. The mangrove metaphor extends beyond visual reference, informing how people gather, circulate, and establish informal networks within the workplace.

Each floor is anchored by a central hub that functions as both a spatial and social core. Sculptural structures reminiscent of mangrove trunks rise through these areas, integrating greenery and forming the basis for custom seating configurations. These elements encourage spontaneous interaction while providing visual continuity across the three levels. Surrounding work areas are arranged to maintain a clear sense of flow, guided by bespoke lighting integrated within timber-clad ceilings that subtly direct movement and reinforce spatial cohesion.

Color and materiality play a critical role in challenging the austerity typically associated with financial institutions. The client’s iconic red is deliberately reframed, layered with complementary hues across furnishings, finishes, and architectural details. This strategy establishes a vibrant yet controlled atmosphere that supports creativity without compromising professionalism. Material choices further contribute to a sense of warmth and hospitality, aligning with the project’s emphasis on employee well-being.

The inclusion of site-specific artworks by Angel Hui introduces an additional layer of engagement. Playful installations and neon statements punctuate communal areas, offering moments of surprise and cultural resonance. These interventions transform shared spaces into social destinations, reinforcing a sense of belonging while reflecting Hong Kong’s creative energy.

Sustainability considerations are woven throughout the project, from repurposed furniture to environmentally responsible finishes. These decisions reflect a broader understanding of sustainability as both ecological and social, supporting healthier work environments while reducing material waste.

Mangrove Garden ultimately represents a nuanced response to contemporary workplace demands. By integrating nature-inspired spatial planning, expressive color, local art, and sustainable practices, Bean Buro delivers a corporate interior that balances brand legacy with a progressive vision for the future of work.