Date 13.11.2023

Location Hong Kong

"Project Plum Grove: Revitalizing Mui Tsz Lam with Experimental Restorations," led by Prof. Thomas Chung and his team, has been honored with both the HKIA "President's Special Prize" and the "HKIA Special Award - Architectural Installation, Curation & Exhibition Design" this year.

The project has achieved remarkable success in revitalizing Mui Tsz Lam, a remote Hakka village in Sha Tau Kok with a history spanning 360 years, through experimental architectural demonstrations and participatory co-creation. By commencing the revival of Mui Tsz Lam with the restoration of two dilapidated houses, namely the Old House and Mural House, the project team embraced three design principles inspired by the unique characteristics of the place: "In-situ," "Light-touch," and "Co-create." Found materials were upcycled, and new rammed earth construction was combined with adjustable scaffolding featuring timber-bamboo panels. Over a span of two years, the project actively engaged returning villagers, students, and volunteers in conserving the village's heritage while simultaneously exploring sustainable rural living for its future prosperity.

The HKIA Annual Awards, a prestigious architectural accolade in the region established in 1965, recognizes exceptional achievements in architecture. The "President's Special Prize" is assessed by a panel consisting of the present and past HKIA presidents. It is bestowed upon works in Hong Kong that exhibit outstanding quality and creativity in architectural design despite limited budgets. The "HKIA Special Award - Architectural Installation, Curation & Exhibition Design" aims to acknowledge exemplary exhibition design, curation, and installations that promote architecture and design. This particular category places great importance on community involvement, public engagement, and the ingenious application of architectural skills.

“Project Plum Grove: Revitalising Mui Tsz Lam with Experimental Restorations”

• Architect, Lead Consultant: Thomas Chung & School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
• Sponsor: Countryside Conservation Office
• Property Owners: Tsang Yuk On, Tsang Kwok Keung, Tsang Ka Keung
• Project Manager: School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
• Structural Engineer: Marathon Engineering Co Ltd.
• Main Contractor: Yong Feng Xing Ha Engineering Co Ltd.
• Collaborator: Hong Kong Institute of Construction