Student Residence at Wong Chuk Hang: High-Rise Modular Integrated Construction
The Student Residence at Wong Chuk Hang, University of Hong Kong (HKU), is one of the first examples of the implementation of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) in Hong Kong.
With a gross floor area of approximately 25,000 m2, the project comprises two 20-storey modular buildings, featuring two 17-storey modular towers supported on a non-residential three-storey podium. Utilising 952 MiC units with only five variations of module sizes, the Student Residence at Wong Chuk Hang prioritises efficiency, streamlined construction timelines and cost effectiveness.
The MiC units were prefabricated and prefinished at a modular factory located in mainland China and subsequently transported to Wong Chuk Hang for onsite installation. The podium, which consists of a large multi-purpose hall, recreation rooms, library and activities room, serves as a transfer system for the above modules and is designed and constructed using conventional reinforced concrete construction method. Reinforced concrete core walls are located at the centre of these buildings to serve as the lift core, fire staircases and MEP services as well as providing lateral stability.
Ramboll is the MiC Structural Consultant, providing structural engineering services to support the entire process of obtaining MiC in-principle acceptance from the Building Department (BD) in Hong Kong, and the design and the implementation of this sustainable and efficient modular system. Ramboll worked in close collaboration with the fabrication specialist iMax SG, the main contractor Paul Y Engineering, the MiC Architectural Consultant Alda Consultants and the architects AD+RG.
"The Student Residence at Wong Chuk Hang focuses on high efficiency to enhance productivity, speed up construction and reduce costs, while improving quality and ensuring worker safety. This was achieved through a comprehensive design process initiated in the early stages, emphasising rationalisation and design optimisation while preserving the architectural design intent. The success of the project is a testament to the collaborative efforts of all involved parties, including the developer, consultants, main contractor, and modular manufacturer.”
As part of the MiC design, Ramboll engineered and designed the vertical and horizontal connections of the modules, developed through the innovative Candle-Loc inter-module connection system (patented design licensed to iMax and Paul Y). Comprising only four components (tension pin, interlocking plate, top and bottom corner casts), the system is engineered for fast assembly, improved safety, standardised connections, and interoperability with various modular systems without any concrete grouting between modules. Further research has been conducted by Ramboll in collaboration with Monash University, Malaysia to investigate the application of the Candle-Loc inter-module connection under seismic action.
This project demonstrates Ramboll’s ability in successfully supporting developers, modular manufacturers, main contractors, and key stakeholders to implement innovative modular building systems. It also showcases a successful example of how high-rise modular construction can enable sustainable developments, promoting innovation and industrialisation in design and construction.
Awards
Outstanding MiC Project Award at the MiC Achievement Ceremony conducted in December 2022 in Hong Kong.
Image Gallery
HKU’s Student Residence at Wong Chuk Hang in Hong Kong.
Credit: AD+RG
Student Residence at Wong Chuk Hang under construction.
Credit: Alda Consultants
Student Residence at Wong Chuk Hang under construction.
Credit: Alda Consultants
Student Residence at Wong Chuk Hang under construction.
Credit: Alda Consultants
Student Residence at Wong Chuk Hang under construction.
Credit: Alda Consultants
Want to know more?
Alessandro Marzucchini
Senior Associate and MMC lead, Buildings
+65 6958 2293