Meeting Impossible Challenge

Quarantine Camps Designed by Architectural Services Department HKSAR

Follow the outbreak of COVID-19, the Hong Kong construction industry demonstrated its unity, strength, and concerted effort to help the community fight the disease. Collaborative support was given by various government departments, including the Architectural Services Department (ArchSD), to share a common goal: Together we fight COVID-19. Dedicated frontline workers also played a vital part in the fight, and it was an honor to fight the pandemic for the well-being of Hong Kong.

The timely construction of Quarantine Camps was made possible by using Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), a game-changing disruptively-innovative approach in building construction. MiC involves off-site construction, where volumetric modules of buildings with finishes, building services, and fittings are pre-fabricated in factories and then transported to the construction sites for installation. This method allowed for 24/7 operation for module production in the factory and installation on-site, significantly shortening the construction period.

The Quarantine Camps are located at four sites in Hong Kong: Upper Lei Yue Mun Park, Lower Lei Yue Mun Park, Sai Kung Outdoor Recreation Centre, and Pat Heung Junior Police Call Permanent Activity Centre. The camps consist of modular units measuring 2.5m(W) x 6m(L) x 3m(H) or 3m(W) x 6m(L) x 3m(H), depending on the site.

The design of the Quarantine Camps was based on infectious disease control criteria, with a special drainage system design. The MiC units were also designed with life-cycle sustainability in mind, allowing for future transformation into other uses. Currently, the camps are accommodating people who are close contacts of confirmed cases and those returning to Hong Kong from overseas countries or places requiring quarantine.

The construction period for the four completed Quarantine Camps ranged from 26 to 77 days, depending on the site. Despite the tight schedule, quality was never compromised. The use of MiC in the camps showcased the fast and quality project delivery, demonstrating the feasibility of a new mode of project delivery using innovative production technologies.

The Quarantine Camps designed by the Architectural Services Department HKSAR have received recognition for their excellence. They were awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2021, which honors well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. These camps have not only provided a solution to an urgent need but have also contributed to a better world by helping to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.