HKSTP Receives Commemorative Plaques from the CIC, Marking InnoCell as Hong Kong’s First High-rise Building Completed Using Innovative Modular Integrated Construction Technology

(Hong Kong, 12 January 2021) – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) announced today that the construction of its InnoCell project, a soon-to-launch smart living and cocreation space for the innovation and technology community at Hong Kong Science Park, was completed in October 2020 setting for operation in the 1st quarter of 2021. The Construction Industry Council (CIC) presents commemorative plaques to HKSTP to mark the completion of InnoCell as Hong Kong’s first high-rise building built with innovative Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) technology.

Ir LAM Sai-hung, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr. CHAN Ka-kui, Chairman of the CIC, Mr. Simon WONG, Chief Project Development Officer of HKSTP, and Ir Kenneth MO, Chairperson of Joint Working Group on MiC of the CIC, together officiated the plaque unveiling ceremony which highlights a key milestone for Hong Kong’s construction industry.

The CIC specially gifted plaques of InnoCell to HKSTP, engineering design consultant Leigh & Orange (L&O), main contractor Hip Hing Engineering Co., Ltd, and component supplier China International Marine Containers (Group) Ltd, to commemorate the project team in reaching this milestone, as well as show appreciation for sharing their extensive and innovative construction experience. Their contributions have resulted in this successful pilot demonstration of MiC and paves the way for future projects.

Mr. Simon WONG, Chief Project Development Officer of HKSTP, said “The successful completion of InnoCell is a major achievement and a testament to the Hong Kong construction sector’s vision and ambition to break new ground, and is also one of HKSTP’s commitments to creating the ideal environment for nurturing innovation. InnoCell will be an industry-leading showcase for modern smart living and co-creation for the innovation and technology community in Hong Kong, where like-minded talent can work, live, play and learn, all within one location.”

Mr. CHAN Ka-kui, Chairman of the CIC, said “The CIC has spared no effort in promoting the MiC which is of great importance to the development of Hong Kong's construction industry. Compared to traditional building methods, MiC has clear advantages in terms of safety, environmental protection, quality, and speed. We are excited to see major projects adopting this technology, and we believe this pilot development can inspire more projects to be constructed using this technology in the future. We have also introduced relevant guidelines on statutory requirements for the industry's reference to improve the productivity, safety and environmental standards.”

MiC adopts the concept of “factory assembly followed by on-site installation”, together with the implementation of full three-dimensional Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Design for Manufacturing & Assembly (DfMA). This involves free-standing integrated modules completed with structure, building services, fit-out, fixture and furniture, that are manufactured and assembled in a factory before being transferred to the construction site for final installation. On-site construction procedures and time can be significantly reduced. The 17-storey InnoCell project is Hong Kong’s first high-rise building adopting steel MiC. It is also a key infrastructure component for the Science Park, creating innovative working space and accommodation for both local and international entrepreneurs, scientists, and researchers.

This new co-sharing space, installed via 418 modules with high-performance materials, provides 392 rooms and 509 bed spaces in total. The project has received an accolade from Rethinking the Future Awards 2020, an international recognition that acknowledges talent and great work in the field of architecture and design. Trial operation and admissions of InnoCell are expected in the first quarter of 2021, with full operation by June 2021.