Housing Authority's research and development work
Authors
Citation
Building journal Hong Kong China, Feb, 2007, pp. 24-45
Abstract
As a progressive public sector client providing affordable quality housing services for those in genuine need, the Housing Authority (HA) needs to improve its product and services, making the best use of public funds in the best interest of the public. Continuous improvement is the key to it, underpinned by its core values: caring, committed, customer-focused and creative.
This corporate culture of continuous improvement can only be sustained by continuous research and development (R&D) works, in collaboration with experts in the building industry, academics, business partners and all stakeholders who have participated in the work, supported or encouraged the HA throughout the years.
Over the years, R&D has been an integral part of people's daily life. Sometimes the HA has been putting R&D results to mass application so naturally, be they big systems or small details, without even realizing it as R&D work. Just to quote an example, look at the two-way floor drain with both vertical and horizontal gratings to improve flow rate. The HA has been using it for many years, taking it for granted as 'just another standard detail' for domestic flats.
(1) Opening speech by Mr Thomas CY Chan: permanent secretary for Housing Planning and Lands (Housing)
(2) 專訪:房屋署副署長(發展及建築)馮宜萱女士
(3) R&D works (including HARF projects)
(a) Development of environment responsive facade engineering to enhance liveability, sustainability and energy conservation in optimized design of public housing
(b) Automation of measurement monitoring/recording for standard penetration tests in site investigation
(c) Developing an energy conservation solution package for lifts and escalators of HA
(d) Minimizing shrinkage cracks in concrete structures for better serviceability and durability with recommendations for enhancing design, detailing and construction
(e) Refuse collection and handling systems
(f) Developing the use of micro-climate studies for the design of new estates
(g) Developing the Common W-trap system in drainage design
(h) Developing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) study of building materials and components for public housing
(4) Pilot projects
(a) Eastern Harbour Crossing phases 3 and 4 - Common W-trap system, responsive facade
(i) Environmental initiatives
(ii) Green aspect
(b) Redevelopment of Kwai Chung Flatted Factory - Enhanced precast and prefabrication
(i) The precast structural wall
(ii) The volumetric precast construction (VPC)
(iii) Benefits of the EPPS
(iv) Way forward
Description
Type
Article
Date
2007
Language
en,zh