HKICON Conservation Awards 2024
The Hong Kong Institute of Architectural Conservationists (HKICON) announces the winning projects of the HKICON Conservation Awards 2024, bestowed by two jury panels – one for the Restoration and Adaptive Reuse Categories, and the other for the Interpretation Category – as follows:
AWARDS
Restoration Category:
Restoration of Dexunlin Ancestral Hall
Repair and Maintenance of Lo Pan Temple
Adaptive Reuse Category:
Revitalisation of Luen Wo Market into Luen Wo Market - House of Urban and Rural Living
SPECIAL MENTIONS
Adaptive Reuse Category:
Staunton Street / Shing Wong Street Revitalisation Project
restoration category:
Restoration and Upgrade of Tung Lin Kok Yuen (Phase 1)
Interpretation Category:
Heritage Building Information Modelling for Cultural Heritage Conservation at Tai Fu Tai Mansion
Award | Restoration Category
Restoration of Dexunlin Ancestral Hall | Jiangmen, Guangdong
| Selia Tan
| Irene Lam
| Selia Tan, Wuyi University
| Guangdong Fuan Construction Engineering Co.
| Cangdong Heritage Education Centre
| Chen Weiyang
| Chen Weiyang
| Chen Weiyang
| Chen Weiyang
| Selia Tan, Wuyi University
Initiated by a social enterprise based in Cangdong Village, Kaiping, and collaborated with the owner’s descendants, this project rescues the Dexunlin Ancestral Hall from years of dilapidation, and revives the glory in its heyday. The meticulous restoration of the building fabric, particularly those eclectic architectural features which amalgamated both the local Guangdong style and the diaspora cultures are vanishing due to lacking maintenance and security, is exceptional. The principles of authenticity, reversibility, and distinguishability are strictly adhered to, and the inheritance of local craftsmanship is fostered throughout the restoration process. The result is a successful re-creation of a cultural and social hub that connects the owner’s family from other parts of the world, the local community and the government back to its heritage. This project is a triumphant model for bottom-up conservation efforts in positively influencing the policy-makers and educating the local community to preserve vernacular heritage assets in the Guangdong area.
awardee
client
conservation consultant
project manager
architect
structural engineer
building services engineer
main contractor
conservation contractor
interpretation consultant
Photo credit: Selia Tan
Award | Restoration Category
Repair and Maintenance of Lo Pan Temple | Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
awardee
client
conservation consultant
project manager
main contractor
conservation contractor
specialist craftsmen
| Specialty Service Ltd.
| Hong Kong Lo Pan Kwong Yuet Tong
| C-Lab (HK) Ltd.
| C-Lab (HK) Ltd.
| Milestone Builder Eningeering Ltd.
| Specialty Service Ltd.
| He Zhanquan, Deng Qiufan, Mo Sil Fai, Mak Wing, Ng Sui Luen
This project showcases meticulous restoration that underscores the authenticity of the historic fabric and highlights the spirit of place, notably seen in the repair of the ceramic figurines on the roof, clay figurines and mural paintings on the walls, and other carpentry works in the hall. The project team rose over the challenge of a tiny site with transportation difficulties. The innovative introduction of a new lighting system of the hall is remarkable – it enhances the visibility and helps to highlight the cultural significance of the interiors without compromising the solemnity of the temple. The project team has made an admirably daring decision to remove the previously obscuring wire mesh protection of the offering table in the hall and the clay figurines on both sides of the entrance to reveal their authenticity. The engagement of tradition bearers in craftsmanship inheritance, and engagement of the community in participating in the restoration works also make this project an exemplar of sustainable conservation practices.
Photo credit: Antiquities and Monuments Office / 袁錦穩 / 嚴鎮波
Award | Adaptive Reuse Category
Revitalisation of Luen Wo Market into Luen Wo Market - House of Urban and Rural Living | Fanling, Hong Kong
awardee
client
conservation consultant
project manager
architects
structural engineer
building services engineer
landscape architect
quantity surveyor
main contractor
conservation contractor
| Paulina Lau
| Commissioner for Heritage’s Office, HKSAR Government
| Lutheran Luen Wo Market – House of Urban and Rural Living Ltd.
| Revival Heritage Consultants Ltd.
| Lutheran Luen Wo Market – House of Urban and Rural Living Ltd.
| MATTER Ltd & ATELIER CHAULOKKAN Ltd.
| APT Engineering Consultant Ltd.
| Aurecon Hong Kong Ltd.
| Urbis Ltd.
| Beria Consultants Ltd.
| Sunnic Engineering Ltd.
| Ding Hsung Construction Co.
The adaptive reuse of Luen Wo Market as a “House of Urban and Rural Living” gives a new lease of life to this modernist building; yet, its new retail and community functions pay respect to the original, and could be regarded as a new interpretation of the original market use to suit the contemporary demand. The new functions fit well in the original building layout, which is largely retained due to the structural constraints. The project is appreciated for the thoughtful arrangement of new ancillary facilities and building services without adverse visual impacts that undermine the authentic character of the building. The restoration efforts are also notable, particularly in the meticulous process of reconstructing the entrance canopy and building signage while preserving the original signage for interpretation. This is an excellent example of adaptive reuse that re-connects the dilapidated site to the local community.
Photo credit: MATTER Ltd.
Special Mention | Adaptive Reuse Category
Staunton Street / Shing Wong Street Revitalisation Project | Central, Hong Kong
awardee
client
conservation consultant
architects
structural engineer
building services engineer
quantity surveyor
main contractor
conservation contractor
| Lawrence Mak & Fanny Ang
| Urban Renewal Authority
| ANG Studio Ltd.
| ArchiPie Design Ltd.
| APT Engineering Consultant Ltd.
| Far East Consulting Engineers Ltd.
| Rider Levett Bucknall Ltd.
| Wan Chung Construction Ltd.
| Wan Chung Construction Ltd.
This project is appreciated for adaptively reusing post-war residential buildings in Hong Kong, of which the new use is most compatible with the original, and new interventions are thoughtfully minimal. The attentive conservation approach integrated with interpretative strategy manifests the spirit of place. It is highly commendable for the consolidated community-making efforts of all participating parties, neighbours, and stakeholders in respecting the urban fabric of the “30 Houses” area and revitalising the neighbourhood.
Photo credit: Urban Renewal Authority / ArchPie Design Ltd.
Special Mention | Restoration Category
Restoration and Upgrade of Tung Lin Kok Yuen (Phase 1) | Happy Valley, Hong Kong
awardee
client
conservation consultant
architects
structural engineer
building services engineer
quantity surveyor
main contractor
conservation contractor
roof tile specialist supplier
| Fanny Ang
| Tung Lin Kok Yuen
| ANG Studio Ltd.
| ANG Studio Ltd.
| JMK Consulting Engineers Ltd.
| Pentac Engineering Ltd.
| Rider Levett Bucknall Ltd.
| Milestone Builder Engineering Ltd.
| Milestone Builder Engineering Ltd.
| Ming Fung Materials Co. Ltd.
The noteworthy restoration of the exterior of the Grand Buddha Hall of Tung Lin Kok Yuen manifests the cultural heritage value of this declared monument. The project team’s immense efforts achieving a high quality of conservation works within a limited budget are highly commendable. This is particularly evident in their close collaboration with the manufacturer and contractor that finally reaches an innovative solution to reproducing the distinctively yellow roof tiles and porcelain figurines. The application of the proven traditional technique of inserting hemp oakum in the window surround for enhancing the waterproofing performance is also highly appreciated. This is a well-planned, skillfully executed restoration project, which sets a high standard of conservation practices for the subsequent phases to follow.
Photo credit: ANG Studio Ltd.
SPECIAL MENTION | Interpretation Category
Luen Wo Market Exhibition | Fanling, Hong Kong
awardee
client
interpretation consultant
architect
panel content designer
main contractor
| Sarah Mui
| Lutheran Luen Wo Market – House of Urban and Rural Living Ltd.
| One Bite Design Studio Ltd.
| MATTER Ltd.
| Human Archive
| Rocz Design
The jury panel was pleased to be greeted by the comprehensive on-site presentation by members of the NPO and design consultant team of the exhibition elements of the Luen Wo Market project. The presentation and subsequent dialogue with the project team provided the jury panel a better appreciation of the overall exhibition direction and specific messages behind some exhibition elements that were, perhaps, less readily available for the casual visitors. The project team also explained to the jury panel the rationale behind the creation of a separate, clearly defined, exhibition area using a palette of colours in contrast to the existing building, leaving the jury panel to imagine the possibility of a more integrated interpretation approach with more explicit descriptions on some of the heritage elements. In bestowing a Special Mention, the jury panel appreciates the project team’s understanding of the significance of the heritage place and engagement of local communities in the conservation process. The project’s contribution to the local community and the fostering of local knowledge and living heritage are also evident.
Photo credit: One Bite Design Studio Ltd.
SPECIAL MENTION | Interpretation Category
Heritage Building Information Modelling for Cultural Heritage Conservation at Tai Fu Tai Mansion | San Tin, Hong Kong
awardee
client
conservation consultant
interpretation consultant
project manager
| Liny Lau
| Architectural Services Department, HKSAR Government
| Revival Heritage Consultants Ltd.
| Revival Heritage Consultants Ltd.
| WSP Hong Kong Ltd.
The jury panel was impressed not only by the project team’s rigour in the integration of BIM technology in the heritage conservation project process but also by the well-prepared presentation that included their candid assessment of the challenges faced, for example, those resulting in the off-site presentation arrangement. Also, the team’s enthusiasm to continue to deploy and develop the technology in heritage conservation projects is commended. Further, while the educational value of the project was noted by the jury panel, the project team appreciates the jury panel’s strong recommendation for proactive engagement with a broader audience to maximize not only the impact, but also to further explore the exciting possibilities for heritage interpretation offered by the integration of BIM technology. In bestowing a Special Mention, the jury panel applauds the project for demonstrating the excellence and best practice in heritage interpretation, particularly by making use of contemporary technology to aid the fostering of local knowledge and living heritage, as well as influencing conservation practice and policy.
Photo credit: Architectural Services Department