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As a new elegant and stylish boutique hotel with reserved charm, AKI Hong Kong – MGallery stands at 239 Jaffe Road in the heart of Wanchai. Conveniently located close to business and commercial hotspots including Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and Causeway Bay, the hotel provides a rejuvenating stay with a calming yet contemporary atmosphere.
‘AKI’ in Japanese means ‘clear and bright crystal’, echoing with the hotel’s glistening glass structure that shines in the city hub and reflects the cosmopolitan sophistication of Wanchai. The hotel is opened in July 2022 and it is set to deliver a remarkable hospitality experience.
The hotel adapts a simple Japanese-style approach to design the boutique hotel. The hidden gem strikes a perfect balance between efficiency and restoration. The hotel accommodates an all-day-dining, lounge, Japanese Zen Garden, whisky bar and gym whereas it houses guest rooms on 5/F to 24/F.
In contrast to the hustle and bustle of the urban city, the public areas become an oasis of calm and serenity. “Inspired by ‘Omotenashi’, the unique Japanese approach to hospitality, the design creates a modern interpretation of the traditional ‘Ryokan’, which refers to a traditional Japanese residential style inn to create a home away from home.” said Albert Tong, Aedas Executive Director.
Using minimalist aesthetics of simplicity and refinement, the reception and lounge are designed as the entryway (Genkan) and parlour (Omotezashiki) to create a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere. The all-day-dining on the second floor is designed based on the traditional dining area of a Japanese residence. It comes with an open kitchen that allows the chefs to show their culinary skills and socialise with customers, providing a luxury and interactive dining experience.
Alan Hamilton, Aedas Director commented, “The Japanese-style concept flows through the design of the communal spaces. The artwork and feature walls use the idea of Kintsugi – the art of repairing broken pottery, embracing the flaws and imperfections and creating a stronger and more beautiful piece of art.”
With types of corner room, tatami room and connecting room, the hotel houses 173 Japanese-style rooms to deliver an outstanding hospitality experience. A roof-top whisky bar and a gym room are located on 25th top floor, allowing visitors to enjoy reveling yet wellness-oriented facilities to cater different needs with a scenic backdrop of skyscrapers, mountains and harbour.
The beautifully crafted exterior envelope has a modern and understated character that exudes timeless elegance. The sophisticated, yet simple material palette only consists of 3 key materials – flamed finish grey granite, satin silver aluminium and glass. With a soft and reflective quality, the aluminium is used to form folded portals over the main windows on each floor, creating a sense of rhythm and texture as a response to its tower location in the heart of Wanchai.
Albert added, “Featured an upscale architectural language and interiors, AKI Hong Kong – MGallery becomes a tranquil treasure waiting to be discovered in Wanchai. The hotel creates a leisure and vibrant guest journey.”
Status: Built
Location: Hong Kong, HK
Firm Role: Design and Project Architect
Additional Credits: Interior Designer: Aedas Interiors (for entrance lobby, main lobby and all-day-dining), ILYA Corporation (for hotel rooms) and A Work of Substance (for whisky bar)
Design Directors: Albert Tong, Executive Director, Architecture; Alan Hamilton, Director, Interiors
Photography credit to Kris Provoost
