Student Translator Hau Wing Yin Pinky (TRAN/4)

Whenever you take the campus shuttle bus and pass by the United College, you can see various ongoing construction projects in the surrounding area , as Choi Kai Yau Residence and a new car park are coming to serve our students and members. Working closely with the Campus Development Office (CDO), the College is committed to improving the campus environment by adopting an environmentally friendly approach for all building projects. The new parking facility outside the Cheung Chuk Shan Amenities Building was officially opened in April of this year. As for Choi Kai Yau Residence, which is next to United Road, it is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025 and will be opened for students to move in during the summer of 2025.

From left: Mr Thomas K Y Yuen, Senior Architect of the Campus Development Office, CUHK; Mr Li Sing Cheung, Director of the Campus Development Office, CUHK; Professor Nelson C Y Yeung, Warden-designate of Choi Kai Yau Residence from The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care; and Dr Tony M H Chan, College Secretary, United College

Tiny but Mighty: A Place with All We Need

Mr Li Sing Cheung, Director of CDO, CUHK, said that since the original site for the new residence hall was an outdoor parking lot, there has been a shortage of parking spaces. To solve this issue, the College worked with the CDO to convert part of the open space next to the Cheung Chuk Shan Amenities Building into a new parking lot. Six medium-speed electric vehicle charger spaces will also be set up to expand the campus’ charging network and help reduce the carbon footprint. The new parking lot will additionally have 4 motorcycle parking spaces. Due to the limited space , Mr Thomas K Y Yuen, Senior Architect of CDO, said to make full use of the land within the limited space and to have more parking space, the lot will have two entrances even though the parking process may be slightly more complicated as a result.

Photo credit: Campus Development Office

Photo credit: Campus Development Office

The renovation is not limited to the ground but also covers the roof of the generator room at the back of the building with 60 solar panels installed. These panels can collect about 20 kilowatts of electricity, providing environmentally friendly power for the entire campus. The CDO is also planning to add murals to the generator room, using art to promote sustainable development and remind people to protect our environment.

Illustration credit: Ida & Billy Architects Ltd.

Crafting Eco-friendly Designs with Heart and Soul

Choi Kai Yau Residence has been awarded a provisional Platinum rating under BEAM Plus and shortlisted for the Green Building Award 2021 by the Hong Kong Green Building Council, with its deliciated design. Located next to the Tsang Shiu Tim Building, the residence maintains a consistent height without obstructing the College’s western views. The overall College buildings are arranged in the shape of ‘8’— one side has the Tsang Shiu Tim Building, the library, and its grassland; and the other has the Cheung Chuk Shan Amenities Building, the residences and grassland of Adam Schall Residence. This layout preserves the history and collective memory of the College, while respecting the existing half-courtyard design and campus skyline. Important public spaces like the northwest corridor with green views and open skies have also been preserved. The ‘8’ shaped layout of Choi Kai Yau Residence, though adjacent to the Tsang Shiu Tim Building, creates a complementary structure that maximises the openness and views from each room and the overall building.

Illustration credit: Ida & Billy Architects Ltd.

The residence hall is committed to preserving the environment and minimising energy usage . With solar tubes installed on the rooftop, water will be heated using solar energy, stored in water tanks,  and supplied to students through instantaneous water heaters for bathing. In addition, the lighting system is equipped with automatic sensors to minimise unnecessary electricity consumption. In addition, since the rooms are arranged in a single row, the residence hall will be centered by a light well and garden. This design not only allows natural ventilation but also helps to illuminate the corridors and even the rooms, reducing the need for artificial lighting . Sunshades have also been installed outside the windows to minimise direct sunlight and heat absorption. For the south- and west-facing rooms, insulating glass has been equipped to reduce heat absorption as well as vehicle noise from the nearby roads, providing both thermal and acoustic insulation.

Empowering Student-centric Spaces

To enter the residence hall, you first have to walk through “Little Million Avenue” , at the end of which are the various common spaces, including Janice Choi Concert Hall, the gymnasium, the reading room, and the common area. Therefore, non-residents can only see the facilities, but not the rooms, preserving the privacy of the residents. Besides the living area, the residence hall features a space that can accommodate 300 people for college gatherings, drama and music performances, or other activities. An LED screen will be installed to electronically display the details of these activities,  eliminating the need for a physical backdrop and promoting sustainability. Visitors should enter through the side door to minimise disturbance to residents. Professor Nelson C Y Yeung, the Warden-designate of Choi Kai Yau Residence, said that while the dormitory’s facilities are open to all students, the usage rights and opening hours are subject to discussion with all parties and the Residents’ Association, with priority given to the residents. Dr Tony M H Chan, the College Secretary of United College, added fitness room users must hold a certificate issued by the Physical Education Department of CUHK to exercise inside the gym, regardless of their affiliation with United College.

Illustration credit: Ida & Billy Architects Ltd.

The residence hall is divided into two blocks: north and south. The north building is a mixed-gender dormitory, with female rooms on the first floor; while the south building is a female dormitory. Each lack features its own garden. In terms of facilities, the male’s dormitory in the north building can be used as an amphitheatre, with an all-white exterior wall serving as an ideal backdrop for a projector. Students can sit on the steps and enjoy movies with friends. The female’s dormitory in the south building provides a green, relaxing space. With walls covered in plants, it offers a refreshing escape from technology, allowing students to appreciate nature and reduce eyestrain. In addition, two elevators have been installed to shorten waiting times. One of the elevators provides direct access to the rooftop, where students can do laundry and enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

There is also a hidden gem in the residence hall. By passing through the hall building and the parking lot, you reach the end where stairs on a slope lead to an open space overlooking the Leung Kau Kui Building, providing a great spot to enjoy the sunset. Mr Li Sing Cheung shared that the new layout differs from the past where the elevator was located next to the  hall building, the new layout will feature a more spacious pantry and additional public space. The elevator will take you to the garden on the ground floor, where you can relax in an environment that feels like a small community.

Embracing Diversity: A Space of Endless Possibilities

When asked about the direction of development, Professor Nelson Yeung shared he was a member of the Hang Seng Hall Resident Association, and he fondly remembers how hard they worked before their election, especially in preparing the annual plan. During the process, not only did he make many good friends, but he also learned the importance of being well-prepared and organised, particularly when facing unexpected situations.

Speaking of the atmosphere of the residence hall, Prof. Yeung hopes to leave the reins to future residents to create an inclusive space based on mutual respect and understanding. He hopes that the expanded open area will provide diverse options for students to explore their talents and creativitiy through activities in the areas of culture, recreation, and music. A certain number of places will be reserved for non-local students; however, the arrangement will not follow a fixed percentage and will depend on the circumstances of each year.

Mr Li Sing Cheung pointed out that “the deliciated design and smooth construction of the residence hall are attributed to the full cooperation of the College and the project team. This renovation project is managed by the Campus Development Office, with Professor Zhu Jingxiang, Chairperson of the United College Campus Planning Committee, serving as the College’s construction consultant. LWK+PARTNERS has been appointed in partnership with Ida&Billy Architects Limited to handle the architectural design, while Chun Wo Building Construction Limited is responsible for the construction. The building is expected to be ready in the second quarter of 2025 for students to move in.”