Background
The project involves the conversion of the former Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminal 2 building (HACTL 2) to house the new EMSD Headquarters and Depot.The site is located in Kowloon Bay at the junction of Kai Shing Street and Kai Cheung Road.

Planning
Parts of the existing building which are not suitable for conversion were demolished. An additional floor (7/F) and a new metal roof were added. Vehicle workshops are located at G/F to 5/F and office accommodation on 6/F & 7/F.A new Entrance Hall, Library and Exhibition Gallery are located on the G/F. A new Viewing Gallery, as part of an Education Path, is built on the new roof for the viewing of the photovoltaic panels.
Architectural Design
Sustainable architecture, which focuses on the sustainable use of energy and space, is the design theme of the building.The existing external walls of the main elevations are converted into [ environmental facades ] , with ventilated double-layered curtain walls for the office floors (6/F & 7/F) and metal sun shades for the workshop floors (G/F to 5/F). An aluminium arch frame and perforated panels over the new Entrance Hall unify the different elements of the 190m long main facade.The new Viewing Gallery on the roof is designed as a [ glass crystal ] on top of the new cantilevered metal roof. Together with the new skylights, sunpipes and roof gardens, natural light is brought into the heart of a deep-plan building.The new Entrance Hall and Library on G/F is glazed with full storey-height clear and low-iron translucent white glass respectively. Linear pattern of various materials is adopted as a theme in both the external and internal finishes of the building. Bright colours and supergraphics are used in the interior spaces to enliven the overall environment.Informal [social hubs] for staff are provided at various appropriate areas for staff interaction and relaxation.
Sustainable & Environmental Design
- Converting and modifying the existing HACTL2 building saves huge amount of energy and building materials in the construction of an otherwise new building. Many sustainable features have been incorporated in the building design: - Photovoltaic Panels generating electricity to supplement the power input for the air conditioning system. - Ice Maker & Tanks to store off-peak energy and even out the electricity demand during peak periods. - Ammonia Chillers with zero ozone depletion and therefore minimize global warming effect. - Ventilated Double Layered Curtain Walls, Deep Canopies and Sun Shades to control solar gain. - Motion & Daylight Sensors to control artificial lighting for energy management. - Grey Water Recycling for toilet flushing. - Waste Management for recyclable papers, kitchen waste and waste oil. - Roof Gardens provide thermal insulation, pleasing environment and social hubs for the staff.
Education Path
An Education Path is incorporated into the building which introduces the public to the aforesaid sustainable features through interactive exhibits, and to showcase the innovative and advanced technology integrated into the building, and their wider and future applications.