THE STRUCTURE OF URBAN RESIDENTIAL HOUSING SUBMARKETS OF HONG KONG

2010 ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivian W.Y. Tam ◽  
C.M. Tam ◽  
William C.Y. Ng

PurposeThe use of prefabrication has been considered as one of the most effective waste minimization methods in the construction context; however, the industry has found difficulties to implement it. Contractors lack experience in using prefabrication and they do not know how to implement prefabrication to their projects effectively. The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a study on the implementation of prefabrication in the context of different project types and procurement approaches.Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines possible project types and procurement methods to maximally gain benefits of using prefabricated building components. A questionnaire survey and structured interviews have been conducted.FindingsFrom the results, it should be noted that residential projects and design and build procurement methods are the most effective project types and procurement methods, respectively, in using prefabrication. In the interview discussion, one of the governmental employees highlighted that about 65 percent of projects are residential projects. The high supply of residential housing suits fast population growth in Hong Kong. The interviewee also explained that shortening construction period is one of the main goals in their projects. Furthermore, an interviewed main contractor highlighted that the involvement of contractors at the early design stage in a project can bring advantages in considering construction methods before project commencement on site and to improve project constructability. An interviewed subcontractor also explained that the involvement of construction organizations in the design stage can effectively improve the use of prefabrication in major activities including concreting, plastering and formworking, rather than wet‐trade construction activities. Therefore, the use of standardized designs and prefabricated building components are highly encouraged.Originality/valueThis brings early considerations and suggestions to project parties to improve prefabrication implementation. The effects of prefabrication implementation are also considered.


2001 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hing Lin Chan ◽  
Shu Kam Lee ◽  
Kai Yin Woo

Buildings ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Yim ◽  
S. Ng ◽  
M. Hossain ◽  
James Wong

Despite the fact that many novel initiatives have been put forward to reduce the carbon emissions of buildings, there is still a lack of comprehensive investigation in analyzing a buildings’ life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially in high-density cities. In addition, no studies have made attempt to evaluate GHG emissions by considering the whole life cycle of buildings in Hong Kong. Knowledge of localized emission at different stages is critical, as the emission varies greatly in different regions. Without a reliable emission level of buildings, it is difficult to determine which aspects can reduce the life cycle GHG emissions. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the life cycle GHG emissions of buildings by considering “cradle-to-grave” system boundary, with a case-specific high-rise residential housing block as a representative public housing development in Hong Kong. The results demonstrated that the life cycle GHG emission of the case residential building was 4980 kg CO2e/m2. The analysis showed that the majority (over 86%) of the emission resulted from the use phase of the building including renovation. The results and analysis presented in this study can help the relevant parties in designing low carbon and sustainable residential development in the future.


2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 290-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. McCluskey ◽  
Richard A. Borst

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