Gersthofen (Germany). Introducing the newest architectural masterpiece in the heart of Hong Kong: The Henderson. The 200-metre-high tower sets new standards for the realisation of complex 3D geometries. seele was responsible for the organic façade of the podium and the top of the tower. The large number of complex and varied façade elements, in particular, highlights seele’s unique expertise in constructing high-tech façades.
The Henderson is a prime example of architectural innovation. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, this glass monolith that emerges from the ground, impressing onlookers with its organic, flowing shapes and distinctive surfaces. Every component manufactured by seele is unique. “With its custom-made building envelope and cutting-edge technology, The Henderson sets new standards in the realisation of complex 3D geometries – a true masterpiece of modern façade construction”, explains Michael Seele, Managing Director of seele hongkong Ltd. The Henderson is representative not only of an extraordinary building envelope, but also of the perfection with which seele turns complex architectural designs into reality.
The convex, biaxial and mirror-polished elements of the podium façade are captivating
The highlight of the podium is the 1,210 sqm mullion and transom façade, which extends from floors 3 to 6. It consists of double-curved glass panels with a coating that is both functional and aesthetic. Each glass panel is uniquely shaped and has been precisely mounted using specially manufactured, double-bent aluminium profiles and a toggle bolt system. The entrance area is dominated by an 11-metre-high fully glazed façade. The convexly curved glass panels reflect the building’s organic design. Massive columns clad in biaxially shaped metal sheets provide striking accents. The sculptural aesthetic is complemented by mirror-polished 3D-formed sheet metal, which lends the building a unique elegance.
A highly robust structural glass façade 200 m above the ground
seele was also responsible for the exclusive structure crowning the tower, whose construction had to comply with strict building regulations and withstand enormous wind forces at a height of 200 m. The banquet hall on the 37th and 38th floors boasts an impressive structural glass façade consisting of 36 cylindrically curved panels, each up to 7.6 m high. To withstand the high wind loads in Hong Kong, the glazing was designed with 6-layer laminates. The glass roof consists of double-curved insulating glass panels. Notable here are the load-bearing glass fins, which ensure a high level of transparency on the topmost floor, thereby offering a spectacular panoramic view of the skyline. seele designed the curved glass panels specifically for the typhoon region, taking maximum energy efficiency requirements into account. Using state-of-the-art technologies, the engineering team at seele succeeded in combining architectural elegance and functionality with structural load-bearing capacity.
Comprehensive testing at the seele test centre
To meet the stringent requirements of Hong Kong’s building regulations, seele carried out comprehensive performance tests at its headquarters in Gersthofen. These included full-scale performance mock-ups (PMUs) to verify the structural integrity and functionality of the façade systems. These rigorous testing procedures adhered to the highest safety and performance standards – and were crucial for ensuring the building’s resilience in a region prone to typhoons.
The most important tests were:
- Air and water tightness: testing resistance to air and water infiltration
- Wind load tests: simulation of extreme typhoon conditions involving wind pressure loads of up to +4.41 kN/m² and -6.93 kN/m²
- Structural load tests: evaluation of the load-bearing capacity of the glass elements at 150% of the calculated loads
- Hurricane simulation: tests for resistance to flying debris during storm events
Installation under extreme conditions
Installing the façade elements at a height of 200 m above the ground was a masterly achievement. The seele team worked under challenging climatic conditions: Temperatures of up to 35 °C, 95% humidity and strong winds made the construction work more difficult. Work on the construction site had to be interrupted several times due to extreme weather conditions, including three fierce typhoons and heavy rainfall. However, the team was rewarded with breathtaking views of Hong Kong’s skyline.
