The Construction Industry Council (CIC) has been promoting the use of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) in recent years. The Hong Kong Housing Society’s (HKHS) first concrete MiC Subsidised Sale Flats project at Phase IA, Dedicated Rehousing Estate of Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area (HSK IA project) will be completed soon. Recently, Ir Thomas Ho On-sing, Chairman of the CIC, visited the project to understand how the project adopts technology and the quality of the interior fit-out. Ir Thomas Ho praised the HKHS for fully showcasing the advantages of MiC, which is a great step forward in promoting MiC.
Technology Application Enables Comprehensive Design and Monitoring
CIC has been advocating for the digitalisation and application of technology in construction to enhance efficiency and quality. In the master planning stage of the HSK IA project, Aerial Photogrammetry was used to scan the surrounding environment. The project team combined the scanned images with Building Information Modeling (BIM) to project the development outcome of the area, evaluate the project's impact on the environment, and assess the area’s landscape and walkability after completion. The integrated use of digital tools allows the HKHS team to have a comprehensive evaluation and planning a harmonious living environment in the master plan stage.
The HSK IA project combines BIM and a digital monitoring platform to monitor the MiC manufacturing process. The system can provide 24-hour real-time monitoring of the installation of each module, the progress of the construction, transportation, and even usage of the MiC module at the site.
Standardised Production to Save Time and Cut Waste
The standardised production of MiC can enhance long term cost-effectiveness. The HSK IA project has a construction floor area of 15,400 m² over its 28 floors, including 25 floors of residential units. A total of 1,225 MiC modules are used in the project. There are 13 different types of MiC modules being used throughout the project and each module is being reused for nearly 100 times in the project which can significantly save production resources, reduce construction waste and carbon emissions. The use of MiC allows for a 10% to 15% reduction in construction time compared to traditional methods, making it possible to complete the project within 24 months, by 2024.
Maximised Use of MiC for Quality Interior
HSK IA project adopts a set of design standards such as all cables and water pipes are mounted in between walls. Cabinets, sanitary ware, finishing, and air-conditioners are provided with the apartment. These cabinetries, sanitary ware and finishing are pre-installed in the factory. The centralised indoor production of all MiC components ensures effective quality control, improves project management and supervision efficiency. Multiple pipes and conduits in kitchens and bathrooms are installed efficiently in the factory. It also allows for detailed inspections and ensures the quality, especially the waterproof level of the product.
Using MiC to Enhance Speed and Efficiency to Handle a Large Number Construction Tasks
The CIC encourages the industry to adopt various technologies to improve efficiency and quality. The HKHS’s adoption of MiC, BIM, and Multi-trade Integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MiMEP) in the HSK IA project sets a good example, and elevators are manufactured and installed in the factory to significantly reduce production time. HKHS will continue to adopt MiC in their future projects if viable, including the Kwu Tung North development project to improve efficiency and quality.
CIC continues to promote MiC, BIM, and MiMEP in the industry to enhance efficiency and quality through organising exhibitions and training programs. To propel industry development, the CIC offers master classes on innovative technology and safety design to equip professionals in the construction industry to seize opportunities in "Construction 2.0".
