Hong Kong’s skyline is a masterpiece of modern architecture, each building a chapter in the city’s evolving story. Rising proudly on Murray Road in Central, The Henderson stands as a striking new landmark. Designed by the legendary Zaha Hadid, its flowing curves and contemporary elegance bring a fresh perspective to the city’s landscape, blending bold innovation with timeless beauty.
In this issue of VOGUE Hong Kong, themed “Homecoming,” we journey to the top-floor haven of this iconic structure, where Cathy Chui Lee graces our cover once more. Rarely seen but always inspiring, Lee invites us into her world, sharing the story behind The Henderson’s creation—a tale of vision, creativity, and the meticulous details that breathe life into a design destined to shape the future.
As the cover star of Vogue Hong Kong’s Homecoming issue, how do you define “home”? What emotions or memories does the word evoke for you?
For me, “home” isn’t just four walls; it’s a warm, comforting place. For instance, as long as I’m with my family or loved ones, I feel at home. It’s also about being in a space where I can truly be myself, feel completely at ease, and even dream. That, too, gives me the feeling of “home.”
Sometimes, it’s a scent—like the smell of baby shampoo from my kids, the aroma of my mom making dumplings, or the unique fragrance of my favourite candles. Or it could be an object in the house, like a cushion on the sofa or a souvenir from a trip—these things bring back fond memories.
Even when I’m at home in complete silence, I don’t feel lonely. Instead, I feel peaceful and comfortable. It’s like my favourite playlist playing on a loop. So for me, “home” isn’t a specific place but rather a space where I can connect deeply with the people, things, and moments I cherish.
How do you feel about Hong Kong? What is something about this city that you can’t find anywhere else?
If you ask me how I feel about Hong Kong, I’d say it’s a place that feels full of love, warmth, and safety—it’s truly “home.” I’ve lived in different countries for extended periods—growing up in Australia, studying in the UK for four years—but no matter where I was, I always missed Hong Kong. It’s the place that gives me the strongest sense of “home.”
Through my involvement in various charitable initiatives, I’ve deeply felt how kind and generous Hong Kong people are. Whenever there’s a disaster anywhere in the world, Hong Kongers are always among the first to donate money and supplies, offering help without hesitation. Even little details, like how people here fight over who gets to pay the bill at meals, are heartwarming. This is so different from when I was abroad, where it’s common for everyone to pay their share. These small things reflect how Hong Kongers genuinely care for those around them.
Hong Kong people are also incredibly adaptable. Whether it’s a fine-dining restaurant or a local eatery, chefs here go above and beyond to cater to their customers’ tastes. For me, Hong Kong is definitely the safest and most resilient city in the world—despite all the ups and downs over the years, we’ve always managed to pull through.
What are your favourite places in Hong Kong, and why?
My favourite places in Hong Kong? First, the night view—Hong Kong has the most beautiful skyline in the world. Second, it’s the ease of accessing nature here. I always feel incredibly fortunate to live in Hong Kong because it’s so effortless to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. From Central, you can walk to the waterfront in just 10 minutes, drive to the Peak in 20 minutes for a hike, get to Repulse Bay Beach in 30 minutes, or even visit Mai Po Nature Reserve in 45 minutes. This kind of convenience is rare and precious in other international cities.
But because it’s so accessible, we often take it for granted. I recall a friend from mainland China telling me that he was in his 50s and had never seen the ocean before. It was his first time seeing the sea here in Hong Kong, and that really surprised me. Reflecting on my time living in Australia, even driving to the beach took over an hour. I realised that enjoying nature isn’t something everyone can do so easily. Being able to connect with nature so effortlessly here is something I truly treasure.
What makes The Henderson unique in Hong Kong’s architectural or commercial landscape? Can you share your experience of contributing to its design and construction?
Hong Kong is one of the world’s most densely built cities, and I believe every building here represents a dialogue between art and its era. Walking through Central, within just a few hundred meters, you’ll encounter some of Asia’s most iconic buildings. It’s like an open-air architectural museum, with each step showcasing a different period of design. There’s I. M. Pei’s Bank of China Tower, shaped like a blade, reflecting the ambition of 1980s Hong Kong. Then there’s Norman Foster’s HSBC Headquarters, an example of cutting-edge structuralism, followed by César Pelli’s International Finance Centre (IFC), showcasing the majestic allure of skyscrapers. The newest addition, The Henderson, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, introduces a stunning curvilinear design. It’s like adding a new puzzle piece to Central’s architectural landscape, enriching the city’s design diversity.
Hong Kong’s openness and inclusiveness attract top architects from around the world. I feel incredibly fortunate to have contributed to The Henderson’s design and construction. It was like curating an international design exhibition, bringing together creative minds from different cultures and backgrounds to create a new landmark for Hong Kong.
The Henderson’s flowing, curved design is a stark departure from the sharp angles and masculine forms that typify Central’s skyscrapers. When we began working with Zaha Hadid Architects on this project, we all agreed that in an area dense with towering buildings, we shouldn’t create yet another structure competing for attention. Instead, we wanted something harmonious, blending seamlessly into the surrounding environment. The design showcases elegance and femininity, bringing a softer, more graceful touch to Central’s skyline for the first time. A university professor once mentioned to me that while architecture as a discipline has an equal gender ratio among students, the case studies shared in classes are often dominated by male architects. Similarly, on the global stage, renowned architects are predominantly men. By selecting Zaha Hadid Architects for The Henderson, we wanted to highlight that women’s perspectives can leave an equally unique and lasting mark on urban landscapes.
The Henderson’s curvilinear design draws inspiration from the geometric curves in nature, creating a space that seamlessly coexists with its environment. It’s a prime example of “organic architecture” and one of Hong Kong’s most sustainable green buildings.
Of course, any innovative design faces challenges. The biggest hurdle for The Henderson was its double-curved glass panels of varying curvature and layers, which had no precedent in Hong Kong. On top of that, construction took place during the pandemic, amidst geopolitical issues, making it challenging to source materials and techniques. But Hong Kongers are known for turning the impossible into reality. Thanks to our team’s persistence, we eventually partnered with a German company to produce the double-curved glass, bringing this new landmark to life.
Your photoshoot took place on the top floor of The Henderson. Can you tell us about its design and the restaurant here?
The Henderson’s top floor houses Cloud 39, Hong Kong’s highest glass rooftop banquet hall, which became a hot topic when it soft-opened last year. Designed by esteemed Canadian interior design institution Studio Paolo Ferrari, the concept for Cloud 39 revolves around the motif of clouds. The proximity to the sky creates the illusion that guests can reach out and touch the clouds, or even feel like they’re floating among them. This idea came from a trip my husband, Martin, and I took, where we dined in an all-glass rooftop restaurant under a breathtaking night sky. It was so magical, like being surrounded by stars. We wanted to bring that experience to Hong Kong—a place where people work tirelessly every day but rarely look up to admire the city skyline. Cloud 39 fulfils that dream, creating a banquet hall not just for tenants but for everyone to share and enjoy Hong Kong’s nightscape. It’s not just an office space; it’s a walkable work of art.
The name Cloud 39 is also meaningful. It’s inspired by “Cloud Nine,” which signifies extreme happiness, and since the banquet hall is on the 39th floor, we named it Cloud 39. Since its opening, Cloud 39 has become a sought-after venue for significant events, with its distinctive design and meticulous details drawing many visitors eager to capture the experience. We searched the world for precious natural materials, including gemstones such as pink oynx and green marble. The concepts are all derived from nature and echo the architectural concept of The Henderson.
During the preparations for Cloud 39, we hoped more friends could dine or hold activities at The Henderson. On the fifth floor, we’ve introduced Akira Back, the first Hong Kong venture named after the acclaimed Korean-American chef, offering innovative Japanese-Korean cuisine infused with an American flair. Meanwhile, on the 38th floor, there’s Summit 38, featuring spaces like the Japanese restaurant Hana no Kumo, the bar Peridot, and a smaller banquet hall.
If we were to use fashion as a metaphor, Cloud 39 and Summit 38 can be likened to exquisitely crafted haute couture. Take the bar Peridot, for example, its elegant and understated green design resembles a Peridot gemstone. The walls are adorned with approximately 20,000 hand-set light bulbs, much like a sophisticated couture that embodies fine craftsmanship and design aesthetics.
The design inspiration for Summit 38 shares a common theme with The Henderson, focusing on the beauty of feminine curves. All the walls feature flowing lines, devoid of any straight edges or angles, symbolising female power. This “power” does not represent hardness or aggression but rather exudes softness and gentleness. At the same time, it signifies women’s resilience, grace, and the ability to influence without domination. A woman’s gentleness is not a weakness; it is a profound strength that nurtures and heals the world.
You’re passionate about the arts and sustainability. How did you bring these values into The Henderson’s design?
In recent years, Hong Kong’s art scene has flourished, with major events like Art Basel giving everyone access to world-class artists. But many of these exhibitions are temporary or ticketed, which means not everyone can participate. We wanted to present Hong Kong with a permanent, barrier-free gift of art. That’s why we created The Henderson, where everyone can freely enjoy art, anytime.
Art is a fascinating thing. At various stages of life, the same piece of art can evoke different meanings and perspectives. For instance, my perception of an artwork while studying in the UK differs from how I feel about it now as a mother and wife. While the art itself remains unchanged, our experiences and emotions lead to different interpretations. When we initially conceived the idea for The Henderson Art Garden, we struggled with the decision of whether to display temporary art installations that would be regularly updated or to choose permanent pieces. Ultimately, we opted for the latter, as we wanted citizens to feel differently each time they visit the garden, in tune with their moods.
The Henderson Art Garden was also designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, continuing The Henderson’s curvatures and sustainable philosophy. The centrepiece of the garden is Breathing Tree, a sculpture by American environmental artist Ned Kahn. It visualises the invisible forces of wind and humidity through the movement of its metallic branches and a cloud vortex at its centre. This piece serves as a reminder of nature’s power and encourages awareness of environmental and sustainability issues. I’m sure everyone’s noticed the recent extreme weather conditions in Hong Kong. We hope that Breathing Tree raises awareness about environmental matters and sustainability.
In a corner of the garden, another highlight is a 200-year-old Chorisia tree from South America, an extremely rare species in Hong Kong and a true masterpiece of nature. It resembles a gourd, with a sturdy base, reminding me that even in these turbulent times, when facing issues like global instability and climate change, we should embody the spirit of the Chorisia tree. Every choice and action should stem from deeply rooted inner beliefs, much like a tree’s thick roots maintaining balance. By reconnecting with ourselves and finding peace, we can remain unaffected by external circumstances, stabilising ourselves and bringing calm and positive energy to those around us. German digital artist Philipp Frank has also created a light art installation titled Hypnotic Dream on the tree, mirroring nature’s ever-changing rhythm.
Each time I stand before the tree, I feel profoundly aware of human insignificance. This tree has witnessed Hong Kong’s transformation from a small fishing village 200 years ago into an international metropolis. It seems to convey a message to us: in the face of nature, we are merely visitors and should strive to coexist harmoniously with it.
Top, skirt and socks, all Miu Miu. Shoes, Roger Vivier. Curva Lounge Chair, Rove Concepts Hong Kong.
We also created a large-scale ball-shaped flower sculpture for my father-in-law, titled Allium, symbolising the resilience of life to reflect his unwavering spirit.
Every detail in The Henderson Art Garden, from the plants to the sculptures, is thoughtfully curated. We specifically invited renowned British topiary artist Darren Lerigo to design the meandering horticultural installations, while collaborating with ecologists to carefully select diverse plants that promote biodiversity. We place great importance on sustainability. During the preparation for The Henderson, we established sustainability goals that were incorporated into the project’s conceptualisation and architectural design, aiming to contribute positively to social and environmental sustainability.
Inside The Henderson, the most eye-catching art piece is Jeff Koons’ Balloon Swan (Red), located on the 3/F of The Henderson. When we first received the design blueprint for The Henderson, the idea of acquiring a Jeff Koons piece emerged. Its mirror-polished surface and double-curved design perfectly echo The Henderson’s fluid aesthetic. Jeff Koons’ works are typically only exhibited in national art museums, so we worked hard to procure the only existing Balloon Swan (Red) in the world, hoping to bring the first fully accessible Jeff Koons sculpture to Hong Kong and Asia, allowing every visitor to appreciate a world-class piece of art.
Jacket, shirt, shorts, necklace and boots, all Dior.
Can you share any upcoming projects?
Every project we undertake aims to push boundaries, offering something unprecedented and surprising. Currently, we’re planning a new landmark at New Central Harbourfront Site 3 Project, set to be completed in two years.
The project is inspired by the concept of a “bridge,” connecting “Sea—Land—Sky.” It will link the Central district while fostering connections between people, nature, and culture. Featuring an unprecedented, large-scale green and open space, it will offer a community hub for engaging with nature. The development will also include the first Broadway-calibre theatre in Central, providing Hong Kong with a world-class cultural stage. New Central Harbourfront Site 3 Project will be another gift to Hong Kong.
Photographer: Kim Yeong Jun
Creative & Fashion Direction: Sean K
Executive Producer: Lee Kyung Kim @BL Creative House
Producer: Katherine Ho
Makeup Artist: Gary Chung
Hair Stylist: Sev Tsang @ Hair Culture
Photography Assistants: Jo Ye Jin, Jang Han Bit, Hsiao & Thunder Xa
Fashion Assistants: Priscilla Ng, Audrey Kwan & Lok Chan
Hair Assistant: Candace Vo @ Hair Culture
Coordinators: Park Mi Jeong & Lee Jin Kyung
Production Assistant: MK
Locations: Akira Back Hong Kong, Peridot & Hana no Kumo at Summit 38 & Cloud 39 at The Henderson of Henderson Land
Editor
VOGUE HONG KONG
