Hong Kong is globally renowned for its captivating skyline of soaring high-rises and spectacular architecture. But as societies around the world have become more aware of the issues of climate change, many residents of cities with rapid urban development now have higher expectations for the construction industry to raise their game by adopting green approaches to reduce construction waste.
The United Nations Environment Programme names the buildings and construction sector as being by far the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, accounting for more than one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Prefabrication as an alternative carbon-saving construction method to conventional ones is now recognised as a leaner, greener approach, with research demonstrating that replacing some cast-in-situ processes with Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) technology may significantly reduce the carbon footprint of buildings.
HKU has taken this a step further by integrating sustainable construction with outstanding, user-focussed design. The High West Development is one of HKU’s major recent redevelopment projects and represents the University’s second MiC project. Designed by Andrew Lee King Fun & Associates Architects Limited, the development showcases how MiC can be thoughtfully integrated with high-quality design, campus planning and heritage sensitivity.
High West Development has been awarded the Outstanding MiC Project (Design) under the MiC/MiMEP Achievement Award 2025 at the Award Presentation Ceremony held on March 30, organised by the Construction Industry Council (CIC). The award recognises the project’s outstanding application of MiC in a complex, mixed-use university development in Hong Kong and sets benchmarks of excellence for the construction sector.
High West Development consists of two 19-storey student hostel towers on a single-storey podium, providing 938 student places plus 12 flats for residence staff, two 19- and 20-storey staff quarter towers, providing 273 residential units (a pilot MiC project in private residential setting using an advanced hybrid system) and a multi-deck podium, providing 300+ parking spaces, landscape area and clubhouse facilities for HKU staff and students.
The project utilises innovative MiC module designs, characterised by high floor-to-floor heights and horizontal divisions, delivering a better living environment with more headroom and space while achieving cost savings. The facilities are scheduled to open in 2026.
“We’re honoured to receive this award,” said Ir Professor Mak Chai-kwong, Chair of the Project Group of the High West Development. “The High West Development reflects HKU’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and design excellence in campus planning and development.”
Mr Sunny Yeung, Director of Estates, added, “With its integrated design and use of MiC, the project demonstrates HKU’s continued excellence in applying cutting-edge MiC construction technologies, while delivering much-needed residential accommodation to support HKU’s growing academic and student community. ”
The MiC/MiMEP Achievement Award was established by the CIC to recognise outstanding projects, project teams, advocates and practitioners who have contributed to the promotion and adoption of MiC in Hong Kong.
This year’s awards were judged by a distinguished panel of industry leaders, including representatives from the Development Bureau, Buildings Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, and academia to evaluate innovative construction methods, and aims to encourage wider industry adoption of MiC and MiMEP and to set benchmarks of excellence for the construction sector.
The HKU Wong Chuk Hang Student Residence Site won the ‘Outstanding MiC Projects’ award in 2022, and the selection of the High West Development this year reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to combining sustainable construction with innovative, outstanding design, and to supporting the construction industry through smart and modular construction.
