In a densely populated city like Hong Kong, building a sweet home is never an easy task. The adoption of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) is widely recognized as safe, efficient and eco-friendly, therefore has attracted increasing interest from private developers.
Chinachem Group started the Tonkin Street Redevelopment Project once awarded the contract by the Urban Renewal Authority, and they are set to become Hong Kong’s first private developers to apply concrete MiC on private residential project. In recent years, MiC has been commonly used in public works projects. When it comes to private sector, the project team does not only aim for efficiency and safety, but also seeks to bring liveability to residents and the community.
MiC enhances Efficiency and builds the first Private Flats with Balcony
The site is at the junction of Tonkin Street and Fuk Wing Street, covering 1,070 square meters. The site will be built into a 6-storey podium and 22-storey tower. On each residential floor, there will be nine units ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedrooms with curtain wall and air conditioner platform.
Each unit will also be installed with balcony by MiC, marking the first time in private residential sector. The anticipated fabrication cycle of MiC will be four days. As a result, it will only take 88 days to complete MiC fabrication on site, shortening the construction period by two months. Ir Thomas HO On-sing, Chairman of the Construction Industry Council and Ir Albert CHENG Ting-ning, Executive Director of the CIC, visited the MiC module mockup last week. They were both impressed by the level of efficiency and workmanship achieved by MiC.
MiC also ensures quality as components of modules are pre-fabricated in factory. According to the project team, two water tightness tests will be done in factory. Once the module has been completed, it will be transported to the site for workers to install spandrels on curtain walls. They will then carry out another water test to enhance protection.
Light Well and Non-structural Wall Raise Quality of Life
In project team’s eyes, MiC has no limitations. They applied the concept of light well while designing the modules. Natural lighting can therefore be brought into the living room through balcony and different windows. It also ensures cross ventilation for fresh air. To further enhance liveability, there is one removable non-structural wall in the living room, which provides flexibility for interior design.
Design for Safety from Here and After
The CIC has been promoting Building Information Modelling (BIM) for years. From design to production, the project team has been using BIM 360 to connect workflows and facilitate design and allocation of module components. As seen in the MiC mockup, the air conditioner platform is accessible from the balcony without affecting the view and air quality. What impressed Ir Thomas HO most is its safety concept.
Ronald Lu & Partners (RLP) is responsible for the project design. Matt NG, director and architect of RLP, added that maintenance safety was given high priority when the project kicked off, “Early at design stage, we foresaw the needs of repairing air-con in the future. Therefore, AC platform is built with a view to avoiding the chance of scaffolding. We also took future gondola operation into consideration at design stage.”
Green Outdoor Area Connecting the Community
The Tonkin Street Redevelopment Project is located at the heart of West Kowloon. MiC therefore plays a vital role in minimizing construction waste and nuisance to the community. The project team also makes effort to improve sustainability and livability. Space is reserved for planting four trees. After completion, pedestrians walking alongside the building can enjoy the greenery and pavement with five-meter width on Tonkin Street. There will also be a multi-functional outdoor area for busking and different kinds of art performances, providing leisure and recreational spaces for the community to relax.
The project received the Grand Award by 2021 Green Building Award 2021. Matt Ng said they also set a sight on proving the potential of MiC and leading the industry to think out of the box. Donald CHOI, CEO of Chinachem Group, added that the team hopes to present the energy and aesthetics of MiC. Ir Thomas HO thanked the project team for their efforts on striving livability. He also appreciated their innovative ideas. “Regardless of private or public projects, the use of technology will definitely benefit the industry and the community,” he said.
