Merits in Architecture – St. Stephen’s College, Benevolence House by Philip Liao & Partners
The project bridges the upper and lower campuses while capitalizing on the magnificent sea view; it weaves together the new with the old and enhances connectivity. The new building resolves the two campus grids. The School Hall hovers above the Academic Block. The upper Hall connects to the historic campus and grid while the lower Academic Block aligns with the refurbished Sports Field. The Bell Tower houses the vertical circulation via the staircase and lift; and acts as the pivot.
Outdoor and covered spaces with unique characters are formed:
- The Green Quad is enclosed by the new buildings and the existing Centenary Building.
- The Central Atrium is covered by a large skylight and housing a Floating Glass Cube.
- The Loggia with three juxtaposed glass lookouts.
- The Elevated Roof Deck with unobstructed sea view.
- The Outdoor Forum is formed by the hovering Hall block and the natural slope.
Interior community spaces include:
- The School Hall with 11m headroom, glazed ends, and dramatic views with a capacity of 1100.
- The Black Box Theatre with retractable seating and flexible space.
- The Glazed Gym with lateral frontage and views to the refurbished Sports Field.
- The Floating Glass Cube Trophy Room within the Central Atrium.
- The Covered Walkway System connects all levels to the existing building.
Sustainable features include:
- A self-sufficient Solar Voltaic system (173.42 kW, CO2 emission reduction = planting 6,816 trees.)
- Extensive Sun-shading Fins.
- Cross ventilation and natural lighting.
- Sustainable building materials and furniture.
- Bird Collision Prevention and Wild Boar protection.
- Large Trees.
Credits
Design Architects: Philip Liao & Partners – Philip Y. Liao, AIA, Tong Chun Wah, Kalina Chu, Kati Lam
Consultants: AHL Project Management (lnt’I) Co. Ltd. JMK Consulting Engineers Limited, Thomas Anderson & Partners Consulting Engineers Limited, K C Tang Consultants Ltd.
Contractor: Ching Lee Engineering Ltd.
Owner: St. Stephen’s College
