Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has announced the completion of InnoCell, a new smart living and co-creation space for the innovation and technology community at Hong Kong Science Park, which is scheduled for operation in the first quarter of 2021.

Hong Kong’s Construction Industry Council (CIC) recently presented commemorative plaques to HKSTP to mark the completion of the project as Hong Kong’s first high-rise building constructed with the modular integrated construction (MiC) technology – widely known as PPVC (prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction) in Singapore.

The plaques were given 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.

“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,” said Simon Wong, chief project development officer of HKSTP.

“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.”

According to the joint statement from the CIC and HKSTP, the 17-storey InnoCell development 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 project, incorporating 418 modules with high-performance materials, provides 392 rooms and 509 bed spaces in total.

“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,” said Chan Ka-kui, chairman of the CIC.

“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.”

The InnoCell 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 to start in the first quarter of 2021, with full operation by June 2021.

Images: CIC/HKSTP