Aberdeen Boat Club A Story of Renewal by ARTA Architects (Hong Kong)

How do you breathe new life into a beloved heritage site without losing the soul that makes it special? This was the central question guiding ARTA Architects as they approached the revitalization of the Aberdeen Boat Club—an iconic institution with over four decades of history, nestled along Hong Kong’s southern coastline.
The club has long been a cherished retreat for sea lovers, and the design team sought to honor this legacy while steering the space into a vibrant new era. With a clear vision, ARTA Architects anchored their transformation around three guiding concepts: nautical inspiration, historical preservation, and a striking sunset-inspired color palette.

Sailing into the Nautical World
Drawing from the club’s maritime roots, the new design immerses visitors in a world of seafaring elegance. Nautical motifs are reimagined in modern ways—portholes, flowing contours, and dynamic forms echo the rhythm of ocean waves and boat designs. At the heart of this transformation is “The Galley” restaurant, where every detail tells a story. From the sculptural bar counter to the gleaming brass accents and fluted glass displays, and the graceful arches of the ceiling and wall panels, guests are transported into a space that feels both refined and playfully aquatic. Outside, wooden slats twist like the hull of a ship, giving the façade a sense of movement and life.

Honoring the Past
Rather than erase the past, the design celebrates it. ARTA Architects took care to identify and preserve key historical features that define the character of the Aberdeen Boat Club. The main entrance retains its iconic skylight, now enhanced with soft, ambient lighting that highlights its anchor motif—a subtle nod to the building’s nautical past. Inside, the distinctive hexagonal staircase has been thoughtfully preserved and enveloped in warm wooden textures, its shape highlighted by gentle handrail lighting. The lounge area embraces the unusual geometry of the space, using a series of curved arches that guide members to different areas—from reception to a souvenir display and onward to the restaurant—each one adding to the narrative of connection and flow.

A Palette Inspired by the Sea and Sky
To tie the entire space together, the design embraces a rich color palette drawn from the hues of a sunset over the sea—shades of blue, green, orange, and yellow that capture the peaceful close of a day spent boating. These tones appear throughout the space, lending warmth and a sense of tranquillity. At “The Galley,” they bathe the room in a calming atmosphere, creating an ideal setting for members to gather and unwind. The same palette is subtly echoed in details throughout the clubhouse, from the repainted anchor sculpture at the entrance to the updated trims, window frames, and washroom tiles—which gently distinguish between male and female spaces using complementary sunset tones.

In breathing new life into the Aberdeen Boat Club, ARTA Architects have achieved more than just a renovation. They’ve crafted a harmonious blend of old and new—a place where history is not only remembered but reimagined. With a thoughtful balance of storytelling, design, and community spirit, the revitalized clubhouse is poised to welcome future generations while preserving the charm that has made it a treasured landmark for decades.

Aberdeen Boat Club – A Story of Renewal by ARTA Architects (Hong Kong)