The challenge
To capture the rapid growth of the regional cruise market, the Hong Kong government wanted a new cruise liner terminal that would better meet current demand in Hong Kong and the region.
The solution
Building an Asia’s greenest cruise liner terminal – some of the things we are working on to create a new travel experience.
The impact
This will allow Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Building to meet the demand of next generation cruise liners.
Largest
roof-top garden in Hong Kong
1st
104,000 m2
The challenge
To capture the rapid growth of the regional cruise market, the Hong Kong government wanted a new 4-storey cruise terminal at the southern tip of the former Kai Tak airport runway. The facility including Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Police facilities, ancillary commercial area and a landscaped deck. The government estimated that building this new facility would turn Hong Kong into the pre-eminent regional hub for cruise ships and boost the city’s revenue by $2.2bn a year.
The solution
Because the procurement method was under a design and build arrangement, we teamed up with architects Foster & Partners to submit a schematic design in the tender stage. Arcadis was fortunate to be appointed by the Architectural Services Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as the consultant quantity surveyor for this project. Before engaging us, they had already prepared the tender documents and invitation of tenders. The services Arcadis provide therefore includes tender assessment, tender award, post contract administration, cost control and monitoring, and preparation and settlement of the final account.
A collaborative working atmosphere between all members of the project team, coupled with a proactive approach to cost control by Arcadis, has ensured that the project will be delivered within budget. By continuing this working arrangement throughout the construction phases, we enabled the exchange of opinions on the fly, which mitigated delays due to differing claims. Regular monitoring of the progress of the Works ensured that there was no slippage during bad weather.
The impact
Adorning the southern tip of the old airport runway, the spectacular three-level terminal building already accommodates a 360-metre vessel (with a displacement of 220,000 gross tons) in its first berth, which was opened in June 2013. Covering a 144,000m2 floor area, the terminal is not limited to cruise passengers; daily visitors can also enjoy the shops, restaurants, and the largest landscape deck and rooftop garden in Hong Kong. On the second level, the terminal is encased in rows of large triangular shape curtain wall through which sunlight diffuses onto the passenger waiting areas.
When cruises cease during typhoon season, this 70-metre waiting hall becomes a venue for events. The team was committed to designing the terminal in the most sustainable way possible. Green features included the adoption of a district cooling system for air-conditioning and recycling rainwater for irrigation of landscaped areas. As a result of these efforts, the Hong Kong Green Building Council awarded the project its highest “BEAM Plus Platinum” rating.
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