Historic Murray House dazzles at night following an innovative lighting makeover by Philips

Philips Lighting has won an international design award for its innovative illumination of Murray House, Stanley, one of Hong Kong's historic colonial icons.

The Dutch-based company, with its regional headquarters in Hong Kong, received the International Illumination Design Award presented by world-leading technical authority on illumination, the Illuminating Engineering Society of Northern America.

Murray House is one of the oldest examples of Western architecture in Hong Kong. Originally built in Central in 1846 and used as army quarters for the British officers, it was dismantled in 1982 and relocated to the picturesque seaside village of Stanley. The stones and components were numbered during this process and marked in readiness for its re-construction by the Hong Kong Housing Authority.

Now a charming reminder of old Hong Kong, the "new" Murray House is also a major tourist attraction. In addition to shops and restaurants, the interior holds valuable relics of the building's rich past.

Thanks to the Philips project, Murray House now undergoes a dazzling transformation at night, adding a kaleidoscope of colour to the Stanley night landscape.

"A state-of-the-art, colour-changing fibre-optic lighting system is the main feature chosen to highlight the Victorian-style architecture," said Eric Chan, general manager of Philips Lighting Hong Kong.

"Floodlights are never overwhelming or too subtle. In addition, fibre optic lighting mounted around staircases, corridors and old pawnshop pillars creates a romantic feel for leisurely strolls. Visitors can also walk along the seafront lit with sidelights to enjoy a picturesque view."

The award acknowledges Philips' designers for the project's creativity, aesthetic appeal, energy-efficiency, performance and budget management.

"Murray House is one of the oldest and most precious heritage sites in Hong Kong, and Philips is proud to be a part of this historical reconstruction project," Mr Chan said.

"In the planning process we mapped out lighting applications from practical perspectives, and gave special attention to details that would showcase the beauty of the building, day and night."

Related link:
Philips www.lighting.philips.com