Smart Housing
Relocatable Housing by Modular Integrated Construction (MiC)
The rising demand of Transitional Social Housing has become the “third sector housing” in Hong Kong, strategically situated in the gap between the dominant public rental housing and private/ownership-based residences (nearly half-half). Due to repetitive and relocatable requirements, modular integrated construction (MiC) is used predominately to deliver housing in a speedy and systematic manner. To further enhance the sustainability of this new housing type, this study was undertaken to promote occupants’ wellbeing, as well as further optimise community services and the innovation of construction technology.
As the provision of transitional social housing is delivered mainly through non-government organisations (NGOs) and statutory bodies (e.g., Urban Renewal Authority, Hong Kong Housing Society), a high degree of standardisation in design (unit types and layout) with an appropriate level of customisation (private and communal features) is urgently needed to suit different organisational missions and service targets. Through intensive community engagement and technical consultation with the building industry, a design prototype based on MiC technology was proposed in an attempt to meet these multi-sectoral expectations. Peer review of the prototype was also conducted using a homogenous small-size focus group approach to evaluate the prospect of universal application and the possibility of industrial scale-up production.
Expandable MiC Superstructure
The proposed prototype is a freestanding 4-storey or taller building, subject to ground bearing capacity and integration with lateral resisting structural elements such as the staircase and lifts core. The volumetric MiC modules adopt structural steel portal frame, with modularised staircase, corridor, facade, roofing and precast RC foundation blocks, galvanised for outstanding corrosion protection. Fully demountable module connection and relocatable precast concrete foundation enable the MiC structure to be flexibly disassembled or reassembled. The proposed building system would optimise buildability, material sustainability and full reusability. With reference to comparable projects overseas, the expected service life of the modules is estimated to be not less than 50 years and could be deployed for at least 6 times.
Module Standardisation
In order to achieve cost-effectiveness, all modules are fabricated in the concept of fitting purpose-built submodules on two sides of standardised mainframe modules. The cost-effectiveness can be further increased by eliminating the need of mirrored units in order to reduce the variation of submodules.
Module Combination Matrix
While the standardised main frame constitutes the core of the module, various submodule options are provided to allow different internal provisions for corresponding tenants. Subject to individual NGOs requirement, the unit layout configuration could be customised with flexible combinations of modules.
Co-living Unit (2P)
Highlights
• shared unit for 2 people
• Bedrooms can be separated for private living space
• Share bathroom, living room & open kitchen
Family Unit Type 1 (3-4P)
Highlights
• Versatile unit for young couples with 1-2 kids
• Fold-up furniture: Couch/Double bed and TV Shelf/Single bed – create more clear space to be both a bedroom and a living room
Family Unit Type 2 (3-4P)
Highlights
• Also designed for young couple with 1-2 kids.
• Slightly larger to allow partitioning of rooms for increase privacy
• Fold-up furniture: Couch/Double bed and TV Shelf/Single bed – create more clear space to be both a bedroom and a living room
Accessible Unit (2-3P)
Highlights
• Designed for an assisted living of older couples with one caregiver.
• Fully wheelchair accessible (bed space, kitchen, shower, cabinets) + elderly-friendly/Universal Design features
• Fold-up Furniture: Couch/Double bed and TV Shelf/Single bed – create more clear space to be both a bedroom and a living room
Wellness Unit
Highlights
• The Wellness Unit is designed to provide communal space for leisure that fosters interactions within the neighborhood.
• Flexible seating arrangement to encourage a variety of uses/spaces for different groups – up to 7-8 people also accessible to all residents, including wheelchair-bound users.
• Furniture: Bookshelves, newspaper racks, board games, water pitchers/snacks, plants
Communal Kitchen
Highlights
• As all living modules only provide small pantry with portable electric cooktops, it is required under BO that a communal kitchen shall be provided due to non-provision of the kitchen within the unit. Similarly, a smaller Laundromat module will also be provided.
• Features multiple electric worktops to allow spontaneous use, with shared appliances incl—fridge, microwave, oven, etc.
• Flexible table arrangement (1-8 pax) encourage social interactions among residents.