The Eaton Hotel Hong Kong has announced a rebranding to Eaton Smart, Hong Kong effective 11 October 2010. As part of this exciting rebranding the hotel has spent over HK$10 million on refurbishing its lobby which includes a new reception, retail shop, internet portal and indoor and outdoor bar areas. Comfort, Convenience and Connectivity are key elements of the Eaton experience and the new lobby reflects this. The lobby provides easy accessibility to the reception area, restaurants, bars other guest service facilities. The Eaton design philosophy is to create an environment that is Simple, Smart and Soothing using an abundance of light along with the use of natural tones and materials with uncomplicated clean lines.
Wherever possible, organic elements have been introduced as part of the look and feel of the lobby, supporting Eaton’s commitment to sustainability. The introduction of a 6 metre high by 8 metre wide internal vertical green wall is an example with this new feature being Hong Kong’s largest indoor vertical wall within a hotel. The green wall features 3600 Sansevieria trifasciata – Mother in law’s tongue or Snake plants. These large leaf plants were specifically chosen to assist with improving indoor air quality through photosynthesis which reduces the velocity of mechanical air handling and the subsequent energy required to drive the air handling units.
The lobby also features another sustainable material which is Bamboo walling and flooring. Bamboo can easily and quickly be re-grown in a reasonably short time and is typically harvested every four to five years without actually destroying the plant. In addition, because of its resilience, bamboo doesn’t have to be refinished as often as hardwood. This cuts down on the chemicals necessary to maintain the floor.
Guests and visitors can enjoy viewing the new green wall while they relax in the newly refurbished T Garden which is Eaton’s new outdoor bar and dining area. Both areas are located on level L of the hotel.
Continued on page 2…
