Revitalization Works of URA’s Premises at Project H19, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong (2023) - No. 64-66 Staunton Street
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-colours, mirroring printing advancements. Subtle placemaking elements like signage, murals, and street furniture will enhance the area without overwhelming the theme.

64-66 Staunton Street
64-66 Staunton Street were built in the later years of the 1950s redevelopment of the neighbourhood. No.64 was built in 1956, and No.66 was built in 1959 respectively. They are utterly very different in compared with the 4th generation 'Tong-Lau' like 88-90 Staunton Street (1951) and 4-10 Wa In Fong West (1952). No.64 and No.66 were still being occupied a couple years ago in which their current conditions are quite well.
Since 64-66 Staunton Street are relatively distanced from the nostalgic buildings like 88-90 Staunton Street and 4-10 Wa In Fong West. Their facades design would be more 'modern'. We are trying to combine their frontage with similar design treatments. Apart from that, we are trying to adopt the 'Printing industry' theme into this design by using monotonic white, grey and black with a hint of CYMK colours.

Client: Urban Renewal Authority
Completion Year: 2023
Role: Lead Consultant, Architect
Hong Kong BEAM Plus (Neighbourhood): Gold