Organised by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) Structural Division, the Structural Excellence Award celebrates outstanding achievements in structural engineering demonstrated through design and construction. As the very first multi-storey MiC pilot project using steel modules in Hong Kong,
InnoCell at Hong Kong Science and Technology Park has won the Grand Award under Hong Kong residential category for its exemplary role in the sustainable development of the construction industry.
In collaboration with Leigh & Orange, WSP was the structural engineer and MiC designer for this 17-storey smart-living dormitory with a total GFA of 15,300 m
2, consisting of 418 modules and providing four types of room.
In the early design stage, MiC was still a new concept in Hong Kong with no similar design for reference. Our team drew on the experience of WSP's MiC projects overseas and negotiated with the authority on a practical structural solution, and secured the first-ever Pre-acceptance Approval for a MiC project from the Buildings Department in 2018.
Embracing our Future Ready vision to a better built environment, our engineering designs for InnoCell demonstrate the feasibility and sustainability of adopting MiC in Hong Kong.
Facing the challenges of reducing structural connection points, our structural team subtly designed most of the connection points out of the modular unit for connection to shorten site installation time. To ensure the entire structure effectively resisting the strong local wind and structural loads, our technical experts simulated various scenarios by finite-element computer model, adopted advanced semi-rigid connection analysis and innovatively used cold-formed thin profiled wall panels.
Meanwhile, to effectively reduce the complexity of site installation, the project team standardised the module size with over 70% of typical structures modularised by prefabrication. As MiC is different from traditional building method which only requires lifting individual structural components such as beams and columns, we overcame the challenge of lifting and transporting entire MiC modules by reducing the weight of structural components.
Compared to traditional in-situ construction, MiC shortened the overall construction programme by 40%, reduced construction wastage on site as well as achieved better quality with cost-effectiveness and in a safe site environment. Under the impact of COVID-19, the project completed installation of 418 modules in just 71 days.
