Applying INTEGER concepts to Hong Kong

Although the solutions used by INTEGER in the UK are not directly applicable to Hong Kong, the principles on which they are based are. INTEGER set out to demonstrate ways in which the design and construction of housing in Hong Kong could be improved through the increased use of intelligent and sustainable principles. This innovation was to take place in four key areas.

Construction Innovation

•Use of pre-fabricated, modular flats within a building frame. This could have the effect of saving around 25% of the construction time for a typical 40-storey tower. Up to three floors could be built per week using this method

•Use of modular units would also help in creating a block which can be dismatled and recycled, rather than simply demolished

•Through use of prefabrication, on-site waste is minimised

Environmental Technologies

•Shading and ventilation louvres reduce dependence on air conditioning and improve air quality

•Use of photovoltaic and solar panels providing renewable electricity and hot water

•Use of natural light and low-energy light fittings reducing over dependence on artificial lighting

•Targeting a 40% water saving per year throught he use of pre-set temperature taps, grey water recycling, dual flush toilets and a waterless urinal system

•Use of green houshold appliances such as condensing clothes dryers, energy efficient fridges and washing machines help reduce environmental impact

•Sky garden timber decking is from sustainable, managed forests

•Internal and external tiling from recycled materials

•Waste separation systems allow for hygienic disposal and easy recycling

Intelligent Technologies

•Integrated building networks to provide voice, data and television accesss through the entire building

•Control systems regulate the use of electric lights in accordance with the amount of natural light available

•Air conditioning units are managed in accordance with the number of people in a given area

•A cooled air displacement system of louvres and stack ventilation regulates temperature effectively

•Centralised dehumidification system minimises growth of fungus in ducting, leading to improved air conditioning

•An asset tracking system ensures that valuable equipment stays within specified areas

Community Involvement

Listening and responding to the questions and concerns of homeowners is an essential part of realising INTEGER's desire to promote mainstream innovation in housing, while minimising the impact on the environment. Through a range of projects, INTEGER uses the Pavilion to engage industry professionals, students and the general public from Hong Kong and the region in getting actively involved in identifying barriers and proposing solutions to housing issues.

The Pavilion is open six days per week and visitors are encouraged to respond to questions on their housing needs via the audio tour guide facility. Every school has been invited to bring their students to the Pavilion and feed back their suggestions for the future of housing. And a range of seminars, workshops, professional visits and networking events brings together people from across the design, construction, IT and environmental spectrum to exchange ideas and promote action. The local media has also been active in promoting the debate on intelligent homes and sustainable buildings.

Further Information

For more information please visit the website of the INTEGER Hong Kong project by clicking here.