The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:

     The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA)'s public rental housing (PRH) project Wah Ha Estate has won a Silver Award, the highest honour in the Residential category, at the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) Cross-Strait Architectural Design Symposium and Awards (CADSA) 2017, among 25 entries.

     "The winning of this award recognises the HA's holistic planning and design approach in delivering PRH projects and creation of an urban oasis within an existing industrial setting," an HA spokesman said today (August 13).

     Converted from the former Chai Wan Factory Estate, a Grade 2 historic building, Wah Ha Estate was completed in 2016, providing 187 PRH flats with a variety of flat types in a six-storey H-shaped block.

     The CADSA jury held the view that the project successfully addressed the important issue of conversion of an old industrial building in the heart of a high-density city. The new additions were subtly designed and constructed so not to damage the listed building façade, bringing new life to the historic building in an appropriate subdued manner. The jury described the project as a sustainable design that mixes a number of flats with shops, a children's play area, green roofs, an open landscaped courtyard and more, facilitating social connection.

     CADSA is organised by the HKIA with an aim of promoting excellence in architectural design in the cross-strait regions of the Mainland, Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong.

Ends/Sunday, August 13, 2017
Issued at HKT 10:00

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