In a Hong Kong first, WSP has secured Pre-acceptance approval for Modular Integrated Construction from the Buildings Department of the Hong Kong government on behalf of the Unitised Building Shanghai Company Limited, one of the major MiC system providers. Subsequently, WSP was also successful in obtaining government approval for a MiC System developed by Guangdong CIMC Building Construction Co. Ltd.

MiC refers to a construction whereby free-standing integrated modules (completed with finishes, fixtures and fittings) are manufactured in a prefabrication factory and then transported to site for installation in a building. This form of construction technology is new to Hong Kong, hence, government statutory approvals were needed if MiC was to be more widely adopted. 

“With no precedent cases to support the rigorous government approvals process, WSP started with fundamental engineering principles not only to demonstrate that the MiC system could comply with existing building and safety codes of Hong Kong, but also sourcing and liaising with different construction material suppliers and testing laboratories to submit compliant material proposal to be recognized by Building Department, Hong Kong Government”, recalled Thomas Tong, Project Manager and Lead Engineer on this project. “We established a dedicated project team to ensure the MiC system was able to meet all the codes ranging from structural performance loading, to fire resistance, means of escape, natural lighting and ventilation amongst others. The bottom line is that we had to prove or re-engineer the MiC systems to comply with international standards and local statutory design codes”. 

“This is an outstanding achievement made possible by the quality and dedication of our people”, says George Chan, Managing Director, Structural, China Region. “I am particular proud that we were able to offer opportunities for our young emerging professionals as well as university students on their sandwich placement to work alongside our expert engineers on this groundbreaking assignment.”

In a similar project WSP appointed Structural Engineering Consultant for Hong Kong’s First Modular integrated Construction (MiC) Pioneer Project. MiC has come a long way from being container shaped boxes and is now gaining worldwide popularity with applications in residential, hostel, hotel, industrial, prison and even healthcare / nursing home projects. 

Sometimes referred to as LEGO construction, MiC involves the off-site manufacture, in a factory controlled setting, of modules which are complete with internal finishes, fixtures and fittings to be assembled at the project site, thus allowing for significant savings in construction time and costs.  

The InnoCell project is located on a 2,825 sq.m site at the Science and Technology Park and is part of the Hong Kong Government’s drive to promote off-site construction for higher productivity, increased standardization, safety and efficiency. The project will feature an 18-story residential complex providing approximately 500 bedrooms and amenities such as a gym and multi-function rooms with a total GFA of about 15,300 sq.m. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2020.