'COOL' NEIGHBORHOOD
COST-EFFECTIVE HEAT MITIGATION STRATEGIES

PROJECT INTRODUCTION

Liufushan is an urban village in Hong Kong, located near the city’s boundary, with a rich history spanning nearly 300 years. It has been home to generations of immigrants from mainland China, many of whom lack stable incomes today. Residents live in makeshift homes constructed from thin iron sheets, enduring sweltering summers without access to cooling solutions like air conditioners or electric fans. The extreme heat poses significant challenges to their well-being and quality of life.

This project explores the potential for regenerating Liufushan as a low-cost, climate-resilient community, providing residents with a more comfortable living environment while aligning with Hong Kong’s climate action goals.

​

Leveraging Policy Support for Regeneration

Hong Kong’s recent climate policy documents emphasize waste recycling and green construction as key priorities. These government-backed initiatives present a unique opportunity to revitalize the Liufushan community by securing funding for a regeneration strategy that contributes to the city’s broader climate change action plan.

​

Project Goals and Strategies

The regeneration plan for Liufushan aims to create a low-energy-cost, sustainable community by integrating passive cooling interventions, waste recycling systems, and green construction. The key strategies include:

1. Recycled Materials and Modular Construction:

   • Incorporate recycled building materials and modular components to significantly reduce construction costs.

   • Ensure sustainability and ease of future maintenance with adaptable, resource-efficient designs.

2. Passive Cooling Design:

   • Use the site’s climatic characteristics to guide the layout and orientation of buildings.

   • Incorporate natural ventilation, shading, and heat-reducing materials to lower indoor temperatures during summer.

3. Community Waste Recycling System:

   • Establish a comprehensive recycling network that directly connects household waste to community recycling centers.

   • Utilize recycled waste to generate energy, reducing reliance on external power sources and creating revenue streams to support community management and maintenance.