Cheung Sha Wan Pier Canopy
Architect: New Office Works
Location: Hong Kong, China
Type: Canopy
Year: 2023
Photographs: Rory Gardiner
An undulating canopy, which in plan echoes the aggregation of boats docked along the harbourfront, offers shading and rain shelter.
Project Context
The following description is courtesy of the architects. The pier canopy is located along the Cheung Sha Wan promenade, a newly refurbished stretch of waterfront in the west side of the Kowloon Peninsula. The site is a mix of old and new, with the pier situated in between new residential and commercial development to
the northwest and the more industrial wholesale food market to the southeast. It is also part of a larger waterfront landscape upgrade. The pier and promenade are connected back to the city fabric through
three main routes – a generous open-air path connecting to the MTR station, a path through the adjacent Townplace West Kowloon’s central courtyard, and an intimate path next to the residential complex. The landscape treatment of the pier seamlessly integrates with the terraced seating and planting along the
promenade.
Design Concept
The design of the pier canopy stems from two key elements of the site – the boats and the water. Historically, this section of the waterfront was quite active in offloading cargo, with the docking of boats appearing like an extension of the pier itself. The design of the roof canopy makes reference to this informal pattern of aggregation, while also breaking up the mass of the roof.
Structurally, the roof is divided into five strips that shift in plan and section, giving spatial diversity to the space below. The variation in roof levels creates voids that allow for passive cooling and cross-ventilation. Throughout the day, sunlight penetrates the shelter creating an interplay of light and shadow. At night, interior light seeps through the gaps between the roofs, leaving a distinctive profile floating above the water.
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Material and Detail
The canopy utilizes a steel structure composed of cylindrical columns and curved beams. The tallest roof strip is located in the middle and the roof level steps down on either side. Instead of doubling up the columns along the roof edge, the lower roof is hung from the higher roof through a series of suspension rods. A standing seam roof is used to clad the roof on the top, the grooves enhancing the curved roof profile, while satin aluminum panels form the ceiling below, reflecting the rippling water on its surface.
Watch Video of the Pier Canopy Here
Project Details
- Project Title: Cheung Sha Wan Pier Canopy
- Client: Sun Hung Kai Properties
- Design Architect: New Office Works
- Location: Hong Kong, China
- Local Architect: P&T Architects
- Program: Pier Canopy
- Area: 610 sqm / 6,565 sq ft
- Photographer: Rory Gardiner
