top of page
Formalised Thematic Diagram
XINTIAN CHEN
Architecture
Design
Photography
What the Code
High-Rise Sustainable Living
Individual Academic
Wan Chai, Hong Kong SAR
September - November 2022
As the world nowadays undergoes rapid changes, building codes have been slow to adapt. This project aims to investigate the residential high-rise composite typology and its limitations as dictated by the contemporary building codes. The focus is on exploring environmental aspects and addressing challenges that may arise in future architecture, particularly concerning water resource collection and reuse in Hong Kong.
The city has long struggled with water scarcity and waste despite being a tropical monsoon climate city with warm, humid, and pleasant weather. Hong Kong faces severe water shortages due to its high population density and lack of rivers and groundwater. Unfortunately, the Hong Kong government did not consider regional advantages, such as high rainfall, when formulating building codes and regulations. This has led to poor management and utilization of rainwater.
Filteration Studies
Physical Filteration
Bio Filteration
Chemical Filteration
Honeycomb Filter Cloth
Ceramic Ring
Activated Charcoal
Bamboo Charcoal
Wool Cotton
Ammonia Absorption Stone
Natural Purification
Chemical filtration studies have shown that activated carbon best removes contaminants and improves odor and appearance.
However, chemical treatment processes are decidedly not organic and can be costly and energy-intensive. Hence, the focus turns to biofiltration to investigate a modern treatment. Natural filtration methods work through a large number of bacteria living in the roots of aquatic plants, where nitrification and denitrification occur simultaneously. The root systems of aquatic plants can help stabilize sediments and slow down the flow of water.
Plant-based water purification starts with sedimentation; gravity causes the flocs to settle at the bottom of the container through gravel. Then, dense beds of macrophytes act as natural filters, trapping debris and particulate matter as water passes through.
CHALLENGE
THE CODE
Rainwater is collected by the aquatic plant balcony for initial non-potable treatment. After preliminary filtration, it is routed through concealed pipelines beneath the cladding, sorted by function. Three pipes merge within the load-bearing columns before distribution. Each type is then supplied to its designated use, maintaining the building’s resource-efficient system.
Cattails
Waterpest
Water hyacinth
Duckweeds
Water lettuce
Fairy moss
The balcony is divided into two 2m² balconies by a plant-based filter. This poses a challenge to the building code in Hong Kong, which sustainble design exempts areas from GFA calculations.
Water is delivered through three separate pipe systems, each serving a distinct function. It challenging the one-pipe system, contributes to sustainable and water-efficient design.
Balcony
JPN 02
Balcony area that not exceed 2m2 can be exempted from Gross Floor Area (GFA). Geen/innovative features may upon application and subject to conditions be exempted from GFA.
Pipe System
APP 164
New system diverted rainwater with its function and delivered to different scenario.
Potable Water
Rainwater
Greywater
Blackwater
15 - 20 Floor Plans
6 - 11 Floor Plans
bottom of page
