These two projects encompassed complete remodels of the offices, lobby, toy showroom and conference rooms for the Hong Kong headquarters of Lanard Toys in two sequential locations. Originally located on the sixth floor of an office tower in Tsim Sha Tsui, in 2014 the company moved to a new location seven kilometers east. Olson Kundig designed both. The design goals for the projects included increasing the amount of natural light throughout the offices and emphasizing the company’s products and their display. In the original location, previously covered and mirrored windows were replaced and transformed through the addition of a translucent glass layer inserted inside the exterior glazing. The result was a softly glowing interior light that brightened the office spaces and naturally illuminated toy displays. In the company’s new location on the top two floors of the Elite Center building in Kwun Tong, a dramatic red resin wall behind the reception desk greets visitors before they ascend up a steel staircase to the second floor containing showrooms and meeting areas. Here, double-sided display cases maximize viewing space for changing products from the company’s ever-evolving toy line.

In both locations, a naturally inspired material palette creates a quiet backdrop for the company’s bright and lively toys, including cedar ceilings, locally-sourced stone and neutral-toned fabrics. Teak and ash were selected for featured furnishings including entry benches and the CEO’s work table. Materials were also selected for their ability to withstand the high humidity and climate of Hong Kong. The showroom features a series of acid-etched glass walls and shelving that highlight the brightly-hued toys without overpowering them.

Olson Kundig designed a sculpture for the CEO’s office based on one of the company’s toy foam rockets. Photographer Marsha Burns was commissioned to create portraits of some of the company’s vintage toys to hang in the lobby.