Idyll of Saikung: A Modern Take on Traditional Village Life

Architectural Services Department HKSARG Creates an Award-Winning Visitor Centre

The design of the centre was inspired by traditional villages and their climatic responsive features, such as deep overhangs, sunscreens, verandas, and operable doors on facades. These elements have been reinterpreted in the multipurpose room of the centre through the use of glass walls and sliding doors, enabling a seamless fusion of indoor and outdoor spaces.

What sets the Idyll of Saikung apart is its organic relationship with the landscape. The architectural composition centres on the existing lawn, creating a small-town atmosphere with a variety of verandas and courtyards that reinterpret the idea of an old traditional village in a new manner. The centre is designed as a rural settlement, with individual buildings that blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment.

Materials and technologies were carefully chosen to correspond with the rural setting and reduce impact on nature. Sawn cut timber formwork was used for reinforced concrete walls, creating a natural timber texture and eliminating the need for further plastering. The centre also incorporates sustainable measures such as rainwater recycling and solar panel systems. A bio-treatment system was provided to treat all wastewater generated in a biological way, as the site is not reached by the city's sewer main.

The project serves to receive visitors before they proceed to the waterfront of the Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park via the trail on the north of the site. The central lawn is a gathering place for large groups of visitors or students, while the multi-purpose room and surrounding sheltered outdoor spaces are used for displays and small group learning. The lawns in the centre, shaded by trees, serve as ideal places for picnic and leisure at all times.

The Idyll of Saikung is a testament to the Architectural Services Department HKSARG's commitment to nature-responsive design and sustainable building practices. The project commenced in 2018 and was completed in 2020, earning a Silver A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2021 for its outstanding expertise and innovation.