Kai Tak cruise terminal, Hong Kong: a sustainable development

The new Kai Tak cruise terminal building in Hong Kong is sited on the picturesque reclaimed site of the city’s former airport runway. Completed in 2013, the three-storey structure is made of a series of long-span bridge-like post-tensioned main box beams, which in turn support precast post-tensioned secondary beams. As described in this paper, the extensive use of precast and bridge erection methods enabled fast-track construction, such that the whole project was designed and built in 36 months. The multiple-use building design also adopted a ‘3S’ concept of standardisation, simplification and single integrated elements. The landscaped roof deck contributes to the ecology of the area, and a 25% energy reduction was achieved by allowing natural daylight and natural ventilation into the interior, using a photovoltaic system to generate power and installing a solar hot-water system.