Architectural features of Hoi Ha Visitor Centre

Hoi Ha Visitor Centre in Sai Kung West Country Park is a building with many characteristic designs. The design concept of the centre originates from the layout of traditional villages and emphasises integration with nature, aiming to provide a leisurely and comfortable activity space for visitors.

The Hoi Ha Visitor Centre is located within the country park and is surrounded by woods and beautiful scenery. The ArchSD’s Senior Project Manager, Mr Hui Lung-nin, Hilman, says that there is a country trail next to the centre leading to the nearby Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, which has a rich array of marine life, and it only takes about 10 minutes’ walk. Besides, the centre comprises a multi-purpose room where exhibitions related to the marine park and other activities can be held. In front of it is a large lawn for visitors to picnic or idle away the time. Currently, the centre has already opened for public visits.

Design concept originates from traditional villages’ layout

Regarding the architectural features, the ArchSD’s Senior Architect, Mr Lau Tin-hang, Peter, says the design concept of the team originates from the layout of traditional villages that are built with “site-specific” considerations. Different facilities are set according to terrains and site situations, as distinct from the previous practice where all facilities are placed in a block-shaped building. For example, the multi-purpose room, the caretakers’ office and the reception area are located on two sides of the site embracing the central lawn, while a covered corridor and a small courtyard are built behind the office. Different varieties of veranda and courtyard spaces are closely knitted together to reinterpret the atmosphere of an old traditional village with alleys traversing in between.

Integrating nature and architecture

According to Mr Peter Lau, when designing the visitor centre, architects have contemplated how to fit it into the beautiful natural surroundings for visitors to feel the environment of nature. For example, the layout of the visitor centre aims to circumvent the trees and preserve as many of them on-site as possible for visitors to have a picnic or a break in the shades. Moreover, the design strives to achieve transparency and brightness in order to bring natural views indoors. For example, the multi-purpose room is designed as a glass pavilion, inside which people can view the lawn outside. Also, after the glass door is slid open, the indoor and outdoor areas are connected to give visitors a sense of being surrounded by nature when viewing exhibitions or engaging in other activities indoors.

Using materials that emanate a rustic and natural feeling

The use of materials also strives to be in keeping with nature as far as possible. Fair-faced concrete created by formworks with wood patterns is applied to the façades of the visitor centre to give it a rustic and natural feeling. The architects have mostly used wooden slats as screens, which can help lower indoor temperatures and enhance ventilation. The wooden flooring and ceiling also bring natural coolness to visitors. In addition, a number of sustainable development facilities have been introduced in the centre, including solar panels and solar bollard lights to contribute to serving the centre’s electricity needs; a rainwater collection and recycling system to reduce the wastage of water; a bio-treatment plant system to treat sewage produced locally; and drinking fountains for the use of the public.

The public and visitors can go on outings at their leisure and admire the natural beauty unique to Hong Kong. At the same time, people can feel how careful and thoughtful our architects have been in designing the outdoor recreational facilities for all.

(The video is in Cantonese)

(The video is provided by Development Bureau)