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Revitalization Works of URA’s Premises at Project H19, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong (2023) No. 4-10 Wa In Fong West
URA's Project H19 aims to rejuvenate the H19 Shing Wong Street area using an integrated strategy of rehabilitation, preservation, revitalization, and place making. Initiated in 2018, aligning with the Chief Executive Policy Address, the project seeks to maintain the area's character while synergizing with neighbouring initiatives like PMQ and Tai Kwun. Nine buildings, notably 88-90 Staunton Street, designated as Grade 2 historical, covering 1,075m² GFA, will undergo non destructive revitalization. Awarded Gold in BEAM Plus Neighbourhood 2022, the project prioritizes sustainable design and heritage preservation. Dating back 60-70 years, the buildings hold architectural significance, particularly from the early 1950s, boasting features like window grilles and terrazzo finishes. Community engagement sessions from May to October 2020 ensured local input, with proposals and models displayed at a dedicated studio, emphasizing inclusivity and heritage acknowledgment in the project's design.
Printing Theme
Our team extensively researched the Shing Wong Street / 30 Houses District, discovering a rich history of printing workshops and news agencies. This heritage inspired our placemaking theme, echoing the area's printing techniques development. Erected in the 1950s, the buildings are grouped into three clusters: (1) 88-90 Staunton Street, former founders' residence of Wah Kiu Yat Po (1951), (2) 4-10 Wa In Fong West, former metallurgical and printing workshops (1952), (3) 64-66 Staunton Street, former printing workshops (1956-59). A 'Printing' theme will evolve across the buildings, from black and white to multi colors, mirroring printing advancements. Subtle placemaking elements like signage, murals, and street furniture will enhance the area without overwhelming the theme.
No. 4-10 Wa In Fong West
Our proposal for 4-10 Wa In Fong West aims to preserve the essence of these four buildings, conceived as one unified block with distinct design details. Unauthorized Building Works (UBWs) on the roofs and backyards will be demolished and restored to their original design after thorough onsite inspections and research. Communal roofs will be opened up, revealing their transparent character. Windows at 1F of 6-8 Wa In Fong West will be widened to their original design. No.4's canopy balustrade will be retained after structural examination. No.4 and No.10's ground floors will serve as co living lounges and dining rooms, while No.6-No.8 will function as a community common room. The design prioritizes openness and accessibility, inviting public access through the common room to the backyard. Rear elevations facing Wa In Fong East offer fewer constraints, allowing for restoration of existing structures and demolition of retaining walls to enhance accessibility and transparency. Contrast colour palettes may accentuate the buildings' stepped massing. We welcome input on facade options for this area.
Community Common Room
Community Common Rooms, akin to 'Kai Fong associations' in Hong Kong's past, play a crucial role in fostering neighbourhood cohesion. In today's mixed communities, they are vital for overcoming limited social interaction. Alongside revitalizing nine buildings, including those on Staunton Street, Shing Wong Street, and Wa In Fong West, we aim to gather the community around four key initiatives: 'Knowledge Common', 'Impact Common', 'Community Common' and 'Wellness Common'. No. 6-8 Wa In Fong West's ground floor (approx. 500 sqft.) will serve as a 'Community Common Room', open to both co living residents and neighbours, fostering connections and supporting our district's vision.
Client: Urban Renewal Authority
Completion Year: 2023
Role: Lead Consultant, Architect
Hong Kong BEAM Plus (Neighbourhood): Gold
URA's Project H19 aims to rejuvenate the H19 Shing Wong Street area using an integrated strategy of rehabilitation, preservation, revitalization, and place making. Initiated in 2018, aligning with the Chief Executive Policy Address, the project seeks to maintain the area's character while synergizing with neighbouring initiatives like PMQ and Tai Kwun. Nine buildings, notably 88-90 Staunton Street, designated as Grade 2 historical, covering 1,075m² GFA, will undergo non destructive revitalization. Awarded Gold in BEAM Plus Neighbourhood 2022, the project prioritizes sustainable design and heritage preservation. Dating back 60-70 years, the buildings hold architectural significance, particularly from the early 1950s, boasting features like window grilles and terrazzo finishes. Community engagement sessions from May to October 2020 ensured local input, with proposals and models displayed at a dedicated studio, emphasizing inclusivity and heritage acknowledgment in the project's design.
Printing Theme
Our team extensively researched the Shing Wong Street / 30 Houses District, discovering a rich history of printing workshops and news agencies. This heritage inspired our placemaking theme, echoing the area's printing techniques development. Erected in the 1950s, the buildings are grouped into three clusters: (1) 88-90 Staunton Street, former founders' residence of Wah Kiu Yat Po (1951), (2) 4-10 Wa In Fong West, former metallurgical and printing workshops (1952), (3) 64-66 Staunton Street, former printing workshops (1956-59). A 'Printing' theme will evolve across the buildings, from black and white to multi colors, mirroring printing advancements. Subtle placemaking elements like signage, murals, and street furniture will enhance the area without overwhelming the theme.
No. 4-10 Wa In Fong West
Our proposal for 4-10 Wa In Fong West aims to preserve the essence of these four buildings, conceived as one unified block with distinct design details. Unauthorized Building Works (UBWs) on the roofs and backyards will be demolished and restored to their original design after thorough onsite inspections and research. Communal roofs will be opened up, revealing their transparent character. Windows at 1F of 6-8 Wa In Fong West will be widened to their original design. No.4's canopy balustrade will be retained after structural examination. No.4 and No.10's ground floors will serve as co living lounges and dining rooms, while No.6-No.8 will function as a community common room. The design prioritizes openness and accessibility, inviting public access through the common room to the backyard. Rear elevations facing Wa In Fong East offer fewer constraints, allowing for restoration of existing structures and demolition of retaining walls to enhance accessibility and transparency. Contrast colour palettes may accentuate the buildings' stepped massing. We welcome input on facade options for this area.
Community Common Room
Community Common Rooms, akin to 'Kai Fong associations' in Hong Kong's past, play a crucial role in fostering neighbourhood cohesion. In today's mixed communities, they are vital for overcoming limited social interaction. Alongside revitalizing nine buildings, including those on Staunton Street, Shing Wong Street, and Wa In Fong West, we aim to gather the community around four key initiatives: 'Knowledge Common', 'Impact Common', 'Community Common' and 'Wellness Common'. No. 6-8 Wa In Fong West's ground floor (approx. 500 sqft.) will serve as a 'Community Common Room', open to both co living residents and neighbours, fostering connections and supporting our district's vision.
Client: Urban Renewal Authority
Completion Year: 2023
Role: Lead Consultant, Architect
Hong Kong BEAM Plus (Neighbourhood): Gold
Architecture
Interiors
Urban Design
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