“Modules Made in HK” - New MiC Factory Brings Prospects of Enhancement

In the next decade, the annual total construction output in Hong Kong is expected to grow to HK$300 billion per year. Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) therefore plays a key role in improving efficiency. Ir Thomas HO, Chairman of the Construction Industry Council (CIC), together with Ar. Simon WONG, Chairperson of DEVB – CIC Joint Working Group, visited the new MiC prefabricated components factory in Tuen Mun earlier and hoped that this forward-looking project would lead the industry to develop "Made in Hong Kong" modules, further enhancing the effectiveness of MiC.

Flexible Application of MiC Modules

CNQC International Holdings Ltd. (CNQC) has been established in Singapore for 24 years and equipped with many years of experience in MiC application [similar to PPVC (Precast Prefinished Volumetric Construction) in Singapore]. CNQC has established its own PPVC design, manufacturing, transportation and hoisting system. Mr. CHEUNG Yuk-keung, Executive Director and General Manager of CNQC, highly-recognises the sustainability and efficiency of MiC and foresees the huge demand for this advanced construction method in Hong Kong, Macau and the Greater Bay Area, thus partners with Shiu Wing Steel Limited to set up a prefabricated components factory. The factory showcases a mock-up of the Executive Condominium in Singapore, with public housing materials used in the dining and living rooms and private project materials used in the bedroom. The project team said that according to their experience in developing similar projects in Singapore, three different module types are generally used for units of about 500 to 600 square feet.

The team uses advanced 3D casting technology to achieve a higher level of wall finish and reduce the need for plastering, which in turns saves manpower and avoids thickening the wall due to plastering. As seen in the mock-up unit at the Hong Kong factory, the bathroom is equipped with a water heater, connection pipes, etc., which proves the efficiency of MiMEP in reducing site installation time. With the help of MiC, glass and sliding doors in the balcony can also be pre-assembled in the factory, which greatly enhance liveability and flexibility.

Patent Earned for Wind and Earthquake Protection

Without weather and other unexpected constraints in factory, the process of module production and prefabrication is more controllable. This also gives a better platform for CNQC to measure the thickness of the waterproofing layer accurately during the production of bathroom modules. After measurement, they will apply two layers of waterproofing layer. Only after the two rounds of quality control has been passed will the bathroom floor be tiled. With the help of 3D moulding technology, the slope of bathroom floor can also be easily adjusted according to different conditions. In order to further integrate MiC into the Hong Kong construction industry, the team collaborates with Arup to develop a patented system that can protect the MiC building against strong winds and an earthquake of magnitude 7 as required for buildings in Hong Kong.

Research and Development of Smart Site System

Innovative technology is a major trend in the construction industry. The application of smart site systems has become vital to reduce time and cost wastage. In the construction of the PPVC project in Singapore, CNQC monitors factory and site processes through a smart system. Each MiC module has its own "birth certificate" to record the types of concrete, steel bar and production time. In Hong Kong, the team goes one step further than what is being used in Singapore. All MiC modules are under the monitoring of two monitoring systems that can identify types of materials, inspection workers, installation schedule, etc. from the QR code.

Flexible Design and New Trend of MiC Development

MiC is gaining popularity in the industry. After observing the project, Ir Thomas HO, Chairman of the CIC, said that the team's flexible thinking in applying different modules is worthy of reference. He also praised the team for their foresight and said, "Hong Kong will have a huge volume of construction output in the future, and there is a great demand for MiC and MiMEP. I hope we can continue to exchange ideas and perfect the MiC method.”