ULI building code workshops
Background
Building Code Workshops Series was initiated as an outcome of the collaboration between The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and Urban Land Institute (ULI) to share findings of the architectural studio and engage with the industry practitioners focusing on how regulations could be adjusted to create a more resilient and innovative high-rise typology.
IXO has been proactively involved in curating these discussions along with ULI and HKU.
For IXO, this represents a great platform to bring industry professional together to discuss challenges and opportunities to drive sustainability is Hong Kong. This is one of the ways, we drive a change in the industry in our capacity.
The series focuses on four perspectives of sustainability and Hong Kong building codes : 1. Environment; 2. Social; 3. Health and 4. Technology.
The details of the series can be found here.
Workshop #1: Environment and the Code
29 June 2023
We explored how regulations could be adjusted to create a more resilient and innovative high-rise typology which would ultimately result in buildings that are healthier, more vibrant and less carbon intensive, referencing best practices from the region. Key recommended changes in regulations are:
Adopt a performance-based approach over a prescriptive approach
The approach should be such that it incentivizes environmentally better performing buildings, such as:
GFA relaxation to be implemented by creating buffer zones around the perimeter. These zones could provide cooling, ventilation, porosity, and shading screens.
Optimal façade design to achieve well performing buildings (thermal performance) to be incentivized by relaxing the zone width allowed for facades.
Promote a high recycling rate of demolition works
The current code could promote a high recycling rate of demolition works, but there is a lack of incentive for developers to achieve this.
Buildings Department can be part of the process to audit and approve the full inventory of the products and materials that can be reused or recycled from a potential retrofit/demolition project.
Buildings Department should give permission upon the presence of this pre-demolition waste audit report and offer incentives to those projects that have committed to a high level of recycling rate and followed by completion review to ensure the plan is being executed.
The lack of recycled material processing plants in Hong Kong is due to the lack of testing facilities for facades, seals, and industrial processes in the back end. However, there is an opportunity to have the processing facilities near the Hong Kong and Mainland China border to be utilized for recycling.
Encourage the use of green building materials in construction
Hong Kong government bodies involved in construction planning and execution to encourage the use of green building materials for envelopes and structures.
To encourage more developers to find the optimum choice between timber, concrete, steel and innovative structures.
Building codes need to have a route to allow for innovation in new materials such as timber, bamboo or engineering materials.
Workshop #2: Embracing the Social Implications of the Building Code
21 November 2023
Key takeaways will be coming soon.
