Winner: Nelson K. Chen, AIA, Nelson Chen Architects Ltd.
Award: Merit Award for Architecture

Hong Kong International School Expansion
Rooftop extensions at HKIS offered a unique opportunity to capture space where land was unavailable for new buildings. Notwithstanding the recent vintage of existing facilities (High School built in 1989; Middle School in 1994), a heritage conservation-like design approach was adopted so that the new additions would blend visually with the original campus outlook. At the High School, existing roof parapet walls and openings were enclosed by lightweight metal structures and low-E glazing for efficient on-site assembly and energy conservation, respectively. The roof additions were completed safely in a "live" environment of ongoing school activities to create purpose-built science labs, language classrooms and double-height music rehearsal rooms. Minimalist glazing enclosing the music centre appears like a "lantern" atop its massive auditorium base. At the Middle School, two floors of academic offices and classrooms were added, again using lightweight metal structures with extensive low-E glazing (protected by sunshades) overlooking expansive sea views. Renovated spaces below include the library, science labs and music/drama facilities. The sleek steel-and-glass extension promotes transparency with minimal visual impact to the scale of existing buildings. All in all, 47,800 sq.ft. of new academic facilities were seamlessly integrated to physically expand and visually enhance the existing Tai Tam campus.

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