Case Highlight: Veterinary Laboratory at Tai Lung, Sheung Shui.

Sustainable Site Planning
The building design both integrate with, and make the best use of, the existing environment. Cutting of existing topography was minimized and panoramic view towards the Tai Lung Farm and the Hong Kong Golf Club was maximized. Positioning of building blocks also minimizes disturbance to mature trees.

Innovative Landscape Design
Incorporation of roof garden and landscaped terrace enables the building to blend in with its surrounding natural environment. Native species were used wherever possible.

Energy Efficiency
The building was planned for maximum energy efficiency during the design stage. Openings on the western elevation are minimized to reduce solar heat gain. An open corridor around a central courtyard linking all functional areas allows penetration of daylight and shades the functional areas from direct sunlight. Canopies and shading devices are employed over glazed areas. Landscaping on the roof improves the building’s insulation. The Overall Thermal Transmission Value (OTTV), which is directly related to the energy consumption within a building, is 20.9 W/m². It compares favourably with the statutory minimum of 30 W/m.

On the building services side, a Direct Digital Controlled air-conditioning system with plant optimization programme control was installed to maximize operational efficiency. A Variable Air Volume air-handling system is used to address the fluctuating room temperature. Energy saving fluorescent tubes with electronic ballasts, compact tubes, and separately controlled lighting circuits for perimeter and interior zones are used for the lighting system.

Air Pollution Control
A concealed exhaust system equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter was installed for the safety cabinets and the fume cupboards to reduce pollutant emission of the exhaust air by 99%.

Environmentally Preferable Building Materials
Majority of the external walls and internal ceilings are bare concrete without finishes to minimize the use of materials. The access road, constructed of concrete, is stained with “Lithochrome Chemstain” to eliminate the application of floor finishes. Foamglas made of recycled glass with low embodied energy is used as the insulation material on the roof. Linoleum, a chemical-free and biodegradable natural material is used for the laboratory’s floor finish.