Block X opens a new chapter in campus development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to building a sustainable and healthy environment to meet the requirements of its cutting-edge teaching and research activities. It has made sustainability and environmental protection one of its main objectives for campus development, and the most recently completed redevelopment project of Block X is a perfect demonstration. Site construction works commenced in October 2014 and completed in August 2017. It comprises a low-rise energy efficient building with workshops and offices for the Aviation Services Research Centre (ASRC), a 25-metre all-weather indoor swimming pool, a 5-a-side indoor football pitch, an indoor gymnasium and communal student facilities. With a landscaped recreational space, this new facility serves as a circulation hub connecting the future pedestrian footbridge linking Block Z and the main campus.

Managed and steered by the Campus Development Office (CDO), the project was a challenging one indeed. Its overall design reflects a balance for various building design considerations as well as the needs of users and visitors. It maintains a simplicity code in its structure and successfully integrates with its neighboring establishments including the Jockey Club Innovation Tower (JCIT) and other buildings. Block X also provides ample space and much flexibility to house the world-class research and engineering facilities specially dedicated to the Aviation Services Research Centre (ASRC) which was co-founded by PolyU and The Boeing Company (Boeing). ASRC’s new research facility in this building occupies 1,500 sqm and will be installed with HK$35-million new equipment. With this new facility, ASRC will continue to lead the way in aerospace innovation and education. It will be empowered to affirm Hong Kong’s position as the leading world-class service provider in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) for the aviation industry for the region.

Well-thought architectural and landscape design strategies and intentions for green and open spaces combine to produce a sustainable design for Block X. Careful consideration has been given to its building height. A low-rise design is adopted in the hope to bring about a soothing and comforting experience to users and visitors, which is much different from other high-rise campus buildings. It encompasses plenty of open spaces, which is considered highly important in today’s green building model, as it provides an aesthetic sense and promotes better interaction between users and the environment. Its landscape design also achieves a vibrant and sustained space with lots of plants and greenery. A green roof is present and landscaped green areas can be found next to the stairways. A green wall supported by the non-soil organic base green wall system is provided. The rich presence of greenery in Block X creates a relaxing and ambient atmosphere and offers a sensory interest to relieve pressure.

The project appropriately applies technologies and inventions that came from the University. Firstly, the University’s invention of a screen-printable self-cleaning coating is applied on the glass canopies and skylight. This nano composite paste, invented and developed by experts from PolyU’s Department of Building Services Engineering, is safe to the environment as it is water-based and contains no heavy metals. It demonstrates superior cleaning function and breaks down organic dirt while simultaneously it is transparent enough to allow 98% of the light to pass through. It also lasts relatively longer under normal usage and can withstand higher heat than glass. Secondly, Eco-Block, a patented technology developed by experts from PolyU’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, is used as the paving blocks for vehicular access and footpath on the ground level. They are bricks made out of glass aggregates and construction wastes and are now a popular material for paving sidewalks. Not only they relieve the stress on overloaded landfills, but also absorb roadside air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides. These two technologies and their implementation in Block X deliver promising possibilities to advance sustainability efforts in campus design and development.

Block X is unique in its architectural design when it is compared with other campus buildings. It heavily promotes the use of staircases and ramp for navigation. These stairs and ramp allow for a steady and relatively easy climb as well as a high degree of accessibility and ease of movement. They constitute additional health benefits to users and visitors as they encourage walking and climbing. They also bring about a more hospitable and enjoyable environment as users can experience how the greenery integrates with the exterior.

Like other buildings on campus, various energy efficiency strategies and facilities have been implemented and executed in this new block. LED integrated handrails are installed as a better replacement of ordinary landscape lighting. LED exit signs and directional signs, T5 fluorescent tubes and nano-reflector for fluorescent lighting are used across Block X for saving electricity and energy conservation. Photosensors are installed for lighting control in the public indoor areas near windows and the office area. These sensors contribute to the better utilization of sunlight and the intelligent control of indoor lighting when it is not needed. Solar park lights are introduced which blend well with the surroundings, and they are the reliable solution for illumination of outdoor areas in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. ‘Service-on-demand’ escalators are installed to facilitate users in need, and their operation is determined by the presence or absence of passengers. Low-E coated double glazing has also been adopted at the full height glass wall of the Podium Floor. The coating can reduce the energy use of air-conditioning in the internal space.

Block X is one among other establishments which sets a pioneering example by implementing smart metering, and it is taking the lead as it is the first out of those recent capital development projects to adopt such arrangement. Smart meters are electronic devices that help in the effective tracking and recording of the use of electricity. Under such provision, the University is able to access accurate and analyzed data about electricity usage for different areas of Block X. Subsequently, this information will enable the University to determine better plans or to engage users in reducing electricity consumption.

Apart from energy conservation, water conservation is also one among PolyU’s sustainability priorities, and the University implements various types of water saving strategies and devices into the design of Block X as well. Dual flushing cisterns, automatic sensors for water taps and urinals are used with the aim to reach high-level targets for water conservation. The solar-sensing automatic sprinkler and the drip irrigation system are in place to take care of the approximately 1,490 sqm of vegetation spreading over the entire Block X to achieve a precise and an efficient use of water.

If you are looking for a campus building that adopts a practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient from design, construction, operation to maintenance, this new building can probably be an ideal example. It is a green, sustainable and high-performance building that promotes a healthy environment for all involved. In the very heart of the campus, it makes commuting across various destinations easier, faster, and more convenient. Targeting to bring more and significant environmental benefits and social benefits for the entire University community, PolyU will continue to explore new technologies and practices in creating green buildings along its campus development roadmap.