Happy Valley Underground Stormwater Storage Scheme at Happy Valley Recreation Ground

The Happy Valley Underground Stormwater Storage Scheme (HVUSSS) of the Drainage Services Department aims to enhance flooding protection and relieve such risks, following the major rainstorms in August 2000, April 2006 and June 2008, which caused severe flooding incidents at Happy Valley and adjacent areas including Sing Woo Road, Wong Nai Chung Road, Morrison Hill Road, Lap Tak Lane, the Happy Valley Racecourse and the Happy Valley Recreation Ground. Aside from the underground stormwater storage tank, the scheme also incorporated the largest water harvesting system in Hong Kong that collects groundwater, irrigation water and rainwater for toilet flushing and pitch irrigation purposes. The scope of our design focus includes above-ground ancillary facilities, such as a pump house, a fan room and changing rooms and toilet blocks. Located within the Happy Valley Recreation Ground and surrounded by sport pitches and greenery, these ancillary facilities have incorporated green elements to provide the public a “Green Living” environment, including the design of a sloped soft lawn area above the pump house for public amenity and watching football games, not to mention its ability as a good thermal insulator. Sustainability is embraced through the installation of solar panels at the rooftop of the fan room to generate renewal energy, and through the use of 100% FSC timber. The greenery also serves to camouflage the structures and minimize their visual and environmental impacts, in becoming harmonic with the surrounding public realm. With such features and various view corridors on site, the project is able to appeal to the community at large.

Client: Drainage Services Department The Winner of 2012 IWA Project Innovation Awards – East Asia Regional Awards in Planning Category Merit Award – New Building Category Buildings under Construction in Green Building Award 2014 BEAM Plus New Buildings (V1.1) – Platinum