Once a business hotel in the 90s, Eaton is a reinvented hotel in Kowloon, Hong Kong, designed to organically build community and to inspire creative collaboration and activism. AvroKO takes inspiration from the evocative nostalgia of 1950s and 60s Hong Kong, such as decades-old neon signs, shopfronts, and textures.
The team distilled elements from the surrounding neighborhood vernacular of Jordan, Kowloon. Incorporated throughout the hotel is vermillion red metalwork, high-contrast terrazzo with large grain aggregate, neon lighting, and richly-colored tile in subtle and changeable patterns. Red, powder-coated steel details harken back to the local municipal architecture. The custom lighting uses humble materials like linen and steel with detailing inspired by the local bamboo scaffolding so often seen around town. Despite the nods toward tradition, the streamlined, sleek, and modern furnishing keeps the overall ambiance looking firmly toward the future.
Upon arrival, the guest is immediately greeted with a sense of connectivity between space and program. The massive atrium draws guests in and allows them to catch a glimpse of the diverse ecosystem at play. The 15-foot tall chandelier crafted from layers of linen and perforated steel casts dreamy patterns on the columns. A sprawling food hall occupies two floors, while the casual Astor restaurant anchors the lower level. The space is lined with exuberant and bold ceramic tiles that are inspired by diners, known locally as Cha Chaan Teng. The booth for Eaton’s own radio station resides next to a cozy bar. The outdoor terrace is home to the cocktail bar, Terrible Baby, clad in wood and decorative metalwork. Co-working spaces are adjacent to a theater and a band room is available for performances, practice, and recording. Last but not least, the basement is home to an added surprise: a Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, Yat Tung Heen, offering some of the best flavors of the region.