Location Hong Kong
Site Area 1204m2
Floor Area 700m2
Status Design Proposal
Design Architect O Studio Architects
This project is located at Shek Kwu chau, a small island which is one kilometer away from the southern end of Lantau Island. The 700 square meter building accommodates two primary programs – the 80-bed ward for the detoxification and rehabilitation of hardcore drug addicts and a dormitory for the medical and security staffs. These two components are required to have direct linkage yet sufficient security measures.
Situated at the highest point of the island, the site looks across a steep slope of 40 meter level difference and views towards the ocean at the southeast. It is surrounded by slopes and other hospital buildings at the north, east and west side. With subtle curvatures and twisted angles, the architectural form is a direct set-back reaction to the site boundary and surrounding slopes. The overall massing is carved in the middle and split into two parts – the detoxification ward as the east wing and the staff dormitory as the west wing. This split reserves allows a vista from the entrance towards the ocean, and the penetration of wind, air and light in and out of the building. Moreover, the negative space formed as the result of this split also makes the reservation of several large trees on site possible. Despite the highly surveillant and restricted nature of the ward, this design intends to avoid the prison-like atmosphere and provide a comfort and pleasant environment for the patients to cleanse, heal and retreat.