MiC First Adopted in Dedicated Rehousing Estate Project A Breakthrough Achieved by HKHS and Yau Lee

Construction Industry Council has been advocating the adoption of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) in recent years and is pleased to see more MiC buildings have been completed since 2021. In just a few years, CIC is delighted to witness another breakthrough – Not only the active adoption of MiC by Housing Bureau to expedite housing development, the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS), in its role as “housing laboratory”, also takes the lead in adopting MiC in various projects, propelling the industry forward in housing projects.

HKHS is undertaking seven MiC projects involving over 8,200 MiC units, including precast concrete and steel modules, prefabricated bathroom and kitchen. In recent, Ir Thomas Ho On-sing, Chairman of the CIC and Ir Albert Cheng Ting-ning, Executive Director visited HKHS’s Hung Shui Kiu Phase IA (HSK IA) Dedicated Rehousing Project MiC Modules Mockup, the first-ever subsidised sale development constructed with MiC technology.
 

Balconies Integrated in MiC Modules Help Improve Water Tightness

HSK IA occupies 21,815 m² of construction floor area, of which 25 storeys adopting MiC technology, providing 300 one to three-bedroom units of about 367 to 621 square feet each. In addition to one basement floors and two platform floors, each storey is formed by 49 modules with a total of 1,225 modules in the entire MiC project. Different from other MiC projects completed, this project pioneered in the installation of balcony as the assembly and waterproof test of the balconies were completed in the factory. Bolts were also pre-installed in the modules to prevent the risk of water leakage. The project team overcame hurdles in designing and manufacturing the modules and achieved the goal of providing enjoyable apartments for its residents. Ir Thomas HO was much impressed by the design as it sets a good example to private projects.
 

A Good Example for Private Residential Projects

With its standardised feature, the mode of manufacturing MiC modules not only enhance cost effectiveness but also productivity and quality in the long run. The entire HSK IA project used only 13 types of modules and sets a successful precedent for the other phases of the project as well as the industry. At the early stage of the project, the team thoroughly considered the design and planning to ensure the installation methods are in line with the practice of private projects. As shown in the mockup, cables and water pipes are mounted inside the wall safely, cabinetries, sanitary appliances and finishing process are also prefabricated in the factory before delivery, which helped better quality control and reduced construction waste and carbon footprint.

MobiScanning Ensures Safety

Safety is always the first priority of CIC. Yau Lee Construction Company Limited brought in a number of innovative technologies to the HSK IA project to ensure safety. For instance, the project team applied Ultra Wide Band technology while lifting modules and sensors will set off the alarm if there are workers within 6 meters to remind them to leave the danger zone. The team also employs 5G MobiScanning robots to carry out laser scanning work. Engineers can control the robots remotely in office, and the robot will stop automatically if they encounter obstacles which reduces on-site risks, at the same time, assures quality.
 

Construction 2.0 x Industry 4.0 Joins the Power of BIM

CIC has been promoting the integration of Industry 4.0 and Construction 2.0, which aims to achieve digitalisation, innovation and sustainability in the construction industry. The Dedicated Rehousing Estate in Hung Shui Kiu consists of five phases. It is great to see all phases adopt Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Internet of Things (IoT). Environment data will be used in the BIM model to evaluate the impact on environment, thereby help monitor the external appearance of each building and enhance construction safety. For digitalisation, HSK IA project was designed by 3D clash analysis. 4D elements was also deployed to predict buildability. When the team proceeds to off-site fabrication and logistic, BIM serves as an integrated management platform, providing real-time updates on construction status. All data protected by blockchain security can be viewed on a dashboard for tracking project progress.
 

Improve Construction Efficiency Through Technology

The HKHS is planning and developing 25 projects, of which 14 projects are under construction, with 12,000 units set to be completed on or before 2028. With the adoption of advanced technology that helps to shorten the construction period by 4 months, HKHS expected the HSK IA project to be completed within 24 months and delivered in 2024.

CIC is devoted to encouraging the adoption of new technology or design like MiC, BIM and Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), as well as trainings and exhibitions, to help improve construction efficiency and quality. For example, we recently launched the first Master Class on Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) Project Implementation (Project Managers) for experienced industry practitioners to maintain their competitive edge in the era of construction 2.0. As Government’s goal to boost the supply of public housing with ten of thousands units to be delivered every year. . With the advanced technology and joint efforts of the industry, we could definitely achieve the objective of raising "speed, efficiency and volume" in housing development.