Malvern College Hong Kong (MCHK)

BCI Asia Hong Kong Top 10 Architect 2021 P&T Group

Dedicated to bringing this pioneering education approach to Hong Kong, Malvern College Hong Kong (MCHK) was awarded a greenfield site adjacent to the Hong Kong Science Park through a highly competitive allocation exercise.

The campus houses both primary and secondary school and comprises of academic, sports and performing art spaces which incorporates the latest innovations and technologies in teaching, learning and environmental sustainability. The campus also boasts of its low-carbon footprint which incorporates passive environmental design principles that enhance natural ventilation, light penetration and shading. The landscaping elements on different levels have been carefully planned and designed to complement the adjacent green environment.

The site is located in close proximity to the Hong Kong Science Park, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Education University of Hong Kong in Tai Po. Located in an area bounded on the north, south and east by the Providence Bay residential development, it has an unrestricted view of the mountain ranges adjacent to Tolo Highway.

Pushing the boundary for a high density compact design

The major constraint for the project was the limited area the site provided. A comparable 48 classroom in Hong Kong has an approximate site area of 10,900 square metres while the site only provided 6,147 square metres. To address this dilemma, the designers opted to utilize a stacked-up mid-rise school design approach which is unique to Hong Kong’s context. Furthermore, it made Malvern Hong Kong’s design special in terms of its compactness while offering a high degree of integration.

Thematic interior design

Malvern College has pioneered Nuffield Science, an approach that promotes the study of science through experimentation and investigation. With this in mind, the school is arranged and configured in such a way that as the students enter the campus. Embarking on “a journey of knowledge and discovery” slogan as they traverse along the main circulation spine which leads them to numerous thematic designed learning spots promoting geology, ecology, astronomy, anthropology, technology and ecology.

It aims to raise interest and awareness of various fields of science through facilities design, logistic planning, and design features. For instance, the open-plan library with its centralized location, wall-less enclosure and transparent project rooms set-up is a design that adapts with the digital teaching and learning culture which has strong emphasis on cloud-based knowledge management, fast speed information sharing and cross disciplines collaborations.

Each interior space starts with a design theme related to a learning subject. The architect took an approach to communicate with the school’s educators for their inputs on key elements that relate to the subject and the anticipated teaching and learning activities that will be conducted. After understanding the nature and functions of the concerned space, interior design features that were right-for-the-purpose were then proposed to the client for further implementation.

Rethinking of library as centre of school

Unlike the traditional sealed off library typology, the campus employs an open-plan library configuration located in the heart of the school that serves as a common learning space which allows for unlimited possibilities of learning activities to take place. Physical boundaries are minimized thus creating a welcoming and collaborative environment that extends learning & teaching beyond the four walls of the classroom.

Green building certification

The campus is one of a few schools in Hong Kong that has been awarded an LEED Gold certification. More than 20 per cent of the total site area is covered with greenery area which promotes biodiversity and also reduces water consumption through the adoption of native species which consume less water than foreign species. The school is also located within half mile from bus stops in order to promote multi-occupancy vehicles which reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emission compared with private cars for same number of occupants. Paving materials such as light grey tiles on the ground floor are specified to reduce heat storage and minimize the heat island effect.

Also, there is more than 40 per cent water use reduction by adapting water efficient sanitary fittings, such as dual flush water closets, low flow showerheads and urinals as well as water efficient faucets. Sufficient energy meters are installed for the electrical and mechanical equipment thus reducing more than 10 per cent annual energy consumption.

PROJECT DATA
Project Name
Malvern College Hong Kong (MCHK)
Location
Hong Kong
Completion Date
August 2018
Site Area
6,147 square metres
Gross Floor Area
30,259 square metres
Client
Malvern College Hong Kong Limited
Architectural Consultant
P&T Group
Structural Consultant
P&T Group
Building Services Consultant
P&T Group
Quantity Surveyor
Rider Levett Bucknall
Landscape Consultant
Urbis Limited
Environmental Consultant
WSP
Main Contractor
Build King
Images
P&T Group