The Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP) supports the innovation and technology industry in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, while becoming a resource-efficient, low-carbon, climate-resilient district in its own right.
Buildings 8 and 9, part of the development’s first batch of buildings, are wet-lab enabled buildings that will contribute to scientific breakthroughs and new innovations. They are designed to be an integral part of the wider sustainable neighbourhood with specifications allowing them to receive BEAM Plus Platinum, LEED Gold and WELL certifications.
To enhance the wellbeing of building users, biophilic design elements were employed throughout, with over 20% of the site area covered by diverse tree species, reducing the urban heat island effect and providing shading for thermal comfort in pedestrian zones. An additional 20% of the site is designated as a bioswale area, capturing rainwater to enhance climate adaptation.
The basement design separates pedestrian and vehicular circulation, creating a vehicle-free landscape with less air pollution. The basement also houses the district cooling system plant and automatic refuse collection system plant, which respectively provide energy-efficient cooling and smart waste collection for other buildings within the park.
The “Green-Point” communal area promotes material recycling, while a mobile application enables personal carbon tracking and incentivises sustainable behavioural change. In addition to operational waste, construction waste was also reduced through Design for Manufacture and Assembly and Multi-trade Integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing processes.
Natural resources are efficient utilised, creating further reductions in carbon emissions: onsite PV panels are placed on rooftops and water reduction measures for potable water are in place. Habitable spaces are well-lit with energy-saving lighting, while high-performance building envelopes and HVAC systems reduce cooling loads by over 40%. Passive design strategies such as a low window-to-wall ratio, high-performance glazing and external shading devices further contribute to energy efficiency.
The “green living room” design concept allows users to connect with the outdoors and greenery during meetings, and when gaming, networking, exercising, and relaxing. It is also equipped with bicycle racks and IAQ sensors to optimise air quality, while a ‘healthy staircase’ facilitates seamless movement between floors. Intelligent automation and environmental dashboards augment user-friendliness and promote sustainable living.
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