The International Trade Tower, also known as Mapletree Bay Point, is a commercial high-rise located in the Kwun Tong district of Hong Kong. Set within one of the city’s fastest-growing business areas, the building stands at 95 metres and offers around 61,000 square metres of office space. Its architecture is defined by clarity and restraint – a compact volume with rounded corners and a continuous rhythm of horizontal louvres.
Architecture for a Dense and Demanding Urban Life
In Hong Kong’s dense, fast-moving urban landscape, space takes on new meaning. It’s no longer just a matter of square metres. It’s a moment to slow down, to breathe, to look up. The International Trade Tower was conceived with this in mind. While it integrates seamlessly into the surrounding skyline of Kwun Tong, it also introduces subtle openness: a vertical building that doesn’t overwhelm, but instead offers a measured presence in the city.
The tower’s fully glazed façade brings daylight deep into the floorplates, enhancing the quality of internal spaces. External aluminium louvres are carefully positioned to reduce glare and limit solar heat gain by up to 30 per cent – a thoughtful response to Hong Kong’s subtropical climate, where sun exposure routinely exceeds 200 hours each month.
Green Moments in a Steel and Glass Environment
Despite its location in a dense commercial district, the building provides moments of nature and calm. At street level, sculpted lawn mounds form green “islands” that respond to pedestrian flow. These landscaped zones are complemented by shaded seating areas, offering places to pause – not just for workers, but for the wider public.
Above the city, a rooftop garden offers a quieter space to disconnect. Elevated from the noise of the streets, it creates a small oasis within the vertical intensity of Hong Kong. These planted areas do more than soften the architecture – they help reduce the urban heat island effect and support environmental resilience.
Interiors That Feel Human
Inside, the atmosphere is warm and considered. Natural materials like timber, stone, and exposed concrete bring texture and character to the office environment. The design avoids embellishment, instead embracing visible structure and systems as part of the spatial identity. This honest material language supports a sense of calm, clarity, and long-term usability: key qualities in a workspace designed for focus and flexibility.
Efficient Use, Global Standards
The building is planned for office use, with flexible floorplates and compact vertical circulation. It is fully aligned with international standards for commercial property and is connected to Hong Kong’s wider transport network. The layout supports a variety of work models, making it suitable for both large and mid-sized tenants in a global business environment.
