Redevelopment and Expansion of King George V School
2 Tin Kwong Road, Homantin, Kowloon, KIL 10736, Hong Kong
Final Silver
Performing Arts Block (PA Block) and Science Block are new buildings in the campus of one of the oldest schools in Hong Kong – King George V (KGV) School. A Grade II historic building, Peel Block, stands proudly in the heart of the school campus, overlooking the gorgeous Sportsground, together of which represents KGV throughout the years.
The client's brief asked for two new state-of-the-art specialty academic buildings which can blend in well with the existing site context, in response to their long term spatial needs and demand for upgrading / expansion of campus facilities.
Design of the PA Block ingeniously turns the constraint of an existing 18m-high Banyan Tree at the backyard of the old canteen into the central theme of the new building so as to preserve the tree and to integrate the outdoor social and learning spaces in the campus place-making.
The new Science Block is located on the south of Peel Block, and creates a nice landscaped courtyard with other buildings. The disposition of the 13 science laboratories on the upper floors takes a modular approach, with magnificent views over the Sportsground of the school.
Site Aspects
More than 6 recreational facilities within KGV for public use which include: Shaded Sitting Out Area with Sitting Facilities, Public Swimming Pool, Public Indoor Sport Hall and Public Outdoor Sport Facilities.
100% of relevant sub-items of the Urban Design Guidelines in the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines are achieved.
Developing height profile - the view of Lion Rock from key vantage points and in the school is preserved.
Public Realm – Human scale design elements are provided in order to create an intermediate scale between human and building.
Streetscape – The streetscape of the buildings is compatible with the institutional character and naturalistic tone / texture for the use of colours and materials. Open areas with soft and hard landscape are designed at several levels within the site for student's enjoyment.
Heritage – The existing Peel Block is a listed building and is an important landmark of the campus.
View Corridor – The Science Centre building aligns with the Peel Block and has refrained from encroaching into the said view corridor. The Performing Arts Block is located behind the Peel Block and is much set back from the view corridor and is not affecting the view of Lion Rock from key vantage.
21.39% of peak electricity demand reduction comparison with the baseline. The major energy saving measures adopted, for examples:
Energy efficient building envelope with lower WWR & U-value and glazing with low SC and U-values;
High performance VRV and split-type air conditioning units;
Energy efficient lighting installation and lift system with lower power density/consumption.
Reduce the annual solar heat gain from 15% to 31% less in teaching spaces through the current optimum building orientation.
IAQ Certificate (Good Class)
Photo sensors and motion sensors were installed for automatic control of artificial lighting.
Various enhances design provisions for disable person have been provided.
Passive recreational facilities, e.g. roof garden, balconies and common areas such as covered playground, open deck area and amphitheatre are provided to building users.
King George V School is one of the oldest schools in Hong Kong. The brief asked for two new state-of-the-art buildings designed to blend in well with the existing site context, while responding to the school's spatial needs and the demand for an upgrade to and expansion of campus facilities.
Design of Performing Arts Block (PA Block) ingeniously turned a constraint of an existing 18m-high Banyan Tree at backyard of the old canteen into the central theme of the new building. The form of the new canteen, which now occupies the lower 2 storeys, "embraces" this Tree. An amphitheatre was carefully designed around the Tree, allowing the space to flow from the Performing Tree Deck up to the first floor of the outdoor canteen patio, blending the indoor/ outdoor environments into one commons. It also provides a seamless connection with the open grounds of the main campus.
Unlike other academic spaces, the circulation space of PA Block is purposely articulated to enhance communications and offer inspirations, acts as a key element to the building. Balconies outside the music and drama studios, functioning as breakout spaces as well as performing pods, are designed on each floor; each overlooks the tree and performing deck and creates spaces beside the Tree. These pods are fun spaces to "see" and "to-be-seen", encouraging communications among students with the performing tree deck below. Now, students can study, perform, share and learn in the nature, in particular at the performing pods adjacent to the Tree.
Primary colours – red, yellow and blue were introduced to the facades, adding vibrancy to the campus. The horizontal sun-shading devices were incorporated in the building's façade to minimise the impact of the southern sun on internal areas. Typical floors employ a simple rectilinear form with shallow depth to promote cross-ventilation, while the building's layout with its service core at the western end alleviates the effect of solar heat gain on functional rooms. The headroom of each typical floor was also maximised to provide natural daylight and ventilation for the interior spaces.
The Science Block located on the south of Peel Block, has created a nice landscaped courtyard with other buildings. A lecture theatre, which occupies only half the footprint of the building, is positioned on the ground floor. It spills over a covered foyer with an elevated 6m high floor-to-floor headroom, integral with the adjacent courtyard and seamless connection with the Peel Block.
The disposition of 13 science laboratories on the upper floors takes a modular approach, with magnificent views over the Sportsground. As in the PA Block, balconies are provided as breakout spaces on every floor here. In particular, two modules are carved out for the building (and the students) to breathe – with natural cross ventilation (and a place to hang out with classmates or teachers).
A cold and calm colour – lime green, is employed. It recalls both the sense of logic and natural greenery. Sun-shading fins are installed on the east facade in response to the environment.
Number of Storeys Performance Art Centre (PA): 6 Floors; and Science Centre (SC): 6 Floors
Project Developer / Owner English Schools Foundation
Architect Ronald Lu & Partners (Hong Kong) Limited
M&E Engineer Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited
C&S Engineer JMK Consulting Engineers Limited
Main Contractor Sun Fook Kong Construction Limited
Quantity Surveyor WT Partnership (HK) Limited
Environmental Consultant Ramboll Hong Kong Ltd
Acoustic Consultant Campbell Shillinglaw Lau Limited
Facility Manager English Schools Foundation
BEAM Consultant Ronald Lu & Partners (Hong Kong) Limited
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