Liaison meeting with the Fire Services Department, contractors and designers.

The Architectural Services Department worked closely with various bureaux, departments and contractors to provide over 4,100 new quarantine units in stages within a tight 10-month timeframe. Several strategies were employed to expedite this, including the refurbishment of existing quarters, erection of new habitable units at open-air areas in existing government venues and virgin land sites. The conversion for the first 88 units was completed within nine days, and the subsequent 118-unit newly-built quarantine camp was established in only 26 days, leveraging record-paced contract procurement, design and construction. The facility was built just in time to receive travellers returning from an Iranian tour.

The largest quarantine camp of 3,500 units was built in the Penny's Bay. The latest phase which included 2,000 units with supporting facilities for medical, security, rescue, logistics and telecommunications was delivered within three months. Comprehensive master planning was effected with due consideration of zoning, hygiene control, landscaping, traffic, daily operation and construction phasing. Each unit was equipped with individual bedroom and bathroom, with natural ventilation through openable windows supplemented with standalone air-conditioning units for better hygiene. Quarantine units were intentionally segregated into clean and dirty zones. Easy-to-clean materials and enhanced drainage design were adopted to lower the risk of possible spread of viruses and germs.

The adoption of innovative technologies, in particular modular integrated construction (MiC), also contributed significantly to the success of these projects. The quarantine units were standardised for off-site fabrication. By transferring the traditional on-site construction process to a controlled factory environment, the impacts of adverse weather and site conditions were significantly minimised. While MiC units were being fabricated in the factory, the site formation works, substructures, and underground drainage works could all be carried out concurrently on site. Fully-furnished volumetric MiC units, prefabricated stairs, corridors as well as mechanical, electrical and plumbing modules were delivered directly from factory to site. As the MiC units were pre-finished, they could be rapidly used after simple installation and connection of services. The adoption of the MiC method enhanced efficiency, shortened construction periods, and improved site safety and building quality. It also reduced construction waste, air pollution, noise nuisances and related site inconveniences.

Looking back, construction of this magnitude at such a speed was the first of its kind in Hong Kong. This success was attributed to the tremendous efforts and passion from the whole construction industry. Government departments gave strong support, with stakeholders all sharing the common goal: Together WE fight COVID-19. Dedicated frontline workers also played a vital part in the race against time to help save lives. They performed diligently and rigorously 24/7, irrespective of the weather, and did everything they could to strive for the earliest possible completion of works. The construction of quarantine camps has turned risks into opportunities, and we have witnessed the passion for innovation and the joining of hands across the entire construction industry. We certainly hope to see this spirit of innovation reaching new heights in the continuous betterment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Frontline workers performed diligently and rigorously irrespective of the harsh working environment, coldness and rain, for accomplishment of the construction work.