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No longer an afterthought, vertical greening is now integrated as an essential part of property-development strategy. According to Edwin Chan, senior project director at New World Development (NWD), it’s a vital component in reducing a project’s carbon footprint and improving the overall wellbeing of not only the occupiers but also the broader community. “Property developers now use vertical greenery as part of their broader green-building strategy to contribute to our environment and community,” says Chan.

Combined with other green features, vertical and rooftop greening can help lower indoor temperature, purify indoor air, facilitate cooling flow-through breezes – particularly with green facades, where there’s a gap between the facade and the building wall – and reduce the need for the use of air-conditioning, which in turn can help reduce energy consumption and thus carbon emissions.

“It’s already evident that vertical greening has a cooling effect on buildings, especially in urban areas,” says Chan. “While the results may vary, depending on the microclimate of the location and the installation, the cooling effects are well proven.”

A case in points is The Forest, a shopping arcade beneath NWD’s Skypark residential redevelopment in Mongkok, which is being undertaken in cooperation with the Urban Renewal Authority (URA). In addition to smart building measures that optimise energy performance and recycle water, the shopping arcade is landscaped with plenty of greenery inside and out.

Planted with carefully chosen evergreens, The Forest provides an aesthetic focal point for the neighbourhood. As well as having an impressive green facade, the development boasts a landscaped rooftop terrace that gives the residents an unhindered view over the city. Unlike typical enclosed shopping malls, it has many openable, expansive windows that not only promote natural light within, but also help establish a visual connection to the neighbourhood outside.

“Not only that, but it’s a shopping arcade that breathes,” says Chan. Employing an innovative passive design, the building “breathes” with a natural ventilation system. A series of sensors open up the building for air and switch off air-conditioning when the outdoor temperature, relative humidity and pollution index fall within acceptable ranges. In between, the facade’s greenery helps purify the air flowing into and out of the shopping arcade. In fact, says Chan, The Forest is the first mall in Hong Kong that’s able to run without active air-conditioning.

The streets of Mongkok are lined with a mixture of old and new buildings, a densely built environment that limits air flow and causes heat-island effects. The building’s podium is therefore deliberately elevated, creating voids that allow air flow to penetrate into the streets nearby. And rather than overshadow the streets below, The Forest seeks to create a strong sense of place by integrating itself into the neighbourhood. The podium breaks down the mass of the facade into a human scale, dividing it into different blocks that provide more punctuation at street level. Chan says that the arcade’s street-front shops, while maintaining a high visibility, are sized in a respectful manner that harmonises with other street shops.

Elsewhere in Hong Kong, Chan highlights K11 Atelier King’s Road, NWD’s
prime office building in Island East that was completed in 2019, and was the first building in the world to achieve all Platinum levels of the WELL Pre-certification (Core & Shell), US LEED Pre-certification (Leadership of Energy & Environmental Design) (Core & Shell) and BEAM Plus Provision certification.

The innovative sustainability measures include energy-efficient ventilation and Asia’s largest solar photovoltaic and thermal hybrid renewable-energy system, which help save more 30 percent or more energy annually compared with other commercial building standards (ASHRAE Standards) on average.

As the most distinctive feature of the building, the podium resembles a “floating green box” and is set back from the street to provide pleasing, inviting shading for pedestrians. The building envelope adopts a cubic recession and projection design to further introduce greenery and visually enrich the views of other buildings from their lower floors.

The rooftop has been transformed into a microclimate-controlled sky garden, including urban-farming planter boxes that enable the building’s occupants to enjoy and contribute to the surroundings. A 170-metre-long biophilic jogging path also encourages physical activity.

Hong Kong’s renewed sustainability plan to achieve net-zero carbon in 2050 has mentioned green building as one of the focus areas – in fact, buildings contribute to more than 90 percent of our city’s electricity consumption, says Ellie Tang, head of sustainability of NWD and K11.

To play its part, NWD established a company-wide Sustainability Vision 2030 (SV2030) three years ago as a bold step to further its commitment to decarbonisation. SV2030 covers all the group’s businesses, including the K11 portfolio, with an ambitious carbon emissions intensity target of a 50 percent reduction by 2030 against the baseline year of 2015.

“Beyond our property development and management strategies, we also extend our sustainability initiatives to our stakeholders, such as tenants, whom we invite as decarbonisation partners to join Hong Kong’s first sustainable tenancy pledge,” Tang explains. “Through this initiative, we make tenants aware of their energy consumption through free smart metering and encourage them to reduce it.

The goal is to achieve 100 percent renewable energy in our rental properties across the Greater Bay Area by 2026 and the Greater China by 2031. “We hope these efforts will add up to support the government’s net-zero carbon ambition. In addition to state-of-the-art sustainable-building hardware, encouraging energy-saving behaviour through incentives and awareness initiatives is very important.”

NWD was also one of the first companies in the region to align its long-term SV2030 to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and map its target achievement progress to SDG targets and indicators. Among these goals, it strives to deliver on SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 4
(Quality Education) SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

“We demonstrate these goals through Hong Kong’s first urban biodiversity museum and sustainability-themed Nature Discovery Park, situated at K11 Musea,” says Tang. “We work alongside key partners, such as the Dr Jane Goodall Institute, to provide our customers with sustainability knowledge capital through green tours, education programmes and sustainable lifestyle experiences.”

Among the latter is the creation of urban farms, such as that in NWD’s new Pavilia Farm residential project, located in the Tai Wai district of Shatin. Developed in three phases, it incorporates an organic farming area as well as an aquaponic-plus-hydroponic system. To support the aquaponic system, the on-site hydroponics grow vegetables and treat wastewater, and it’s planned to produce fish pellets from food waste collected from residents and restaurant tenants.

“Urban farms provide an opportunity for all community members to grow food together and they’re also where children learn about how food is grown with their parents and grandparents,” says Chan. “They can make our communities more inclusive.”

The post Greening the Concrete Jungle: Hong Kong’s Eco Transformation appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Tranquil and yet sophisticated, easeful living takes on spectacular new dimensions at IL PICCO, Discovery Bay.

Having the space and privacy of your own detached residence is a luxury enjoyed by only the fortunate few in Hong Kong. However, at the magnificent new IL PICCO development, which is perched high above the self-contained community of Discovery Bay on Lantau Island, it’s a reality that, even more unusually, comes with beautiful views of coast and mountains, as well as unspoiled natural greenery and a reservoir nearby.[1]

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IL PICCO comprises 21 two-storey detached houses with saleable areas of 2,023 or 2,171 square feet[2], each with a private garden and roof – and some boasting their own swimming pool[3]. All feature an 8.2-metre-wide living and dining room on the ground floor[4]; the properties have either three or four ensuite bedrooms[4], with some coming with a family room[3].

Every house has an open pantry and a kitchen that’s equipped with appliances by renowned brands such as Sub-Zero and De Dietrich[5]. Bathrooms are equally luxurious, with fittings by Duravit, Hansgrohe and AXOR[5].

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Not only are the countryside and a placid reservoir close by, but the 27 holes of three world-class courses at Discovery Bay Golf Club[6] are also just minutes away from IL PICCO. Residents can travel around Discovery Bay in style aboard their dedicated golf cart[7] and enjoy the community’s relaxed yet vibrant international ambience, as well as amenities that range from international and local schools, and two well-equipped clubhouses for residents, to superb restaurants and shopping[8].

Despite its peaceful and tranquil location, Discovery Bay is connected to Central Hong Kong by ferries[8]. Hong Kong International Airport[8] and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge[8] are also both easily accessible, making Lantau a Double Gateway[9] to the Greater Bay Area, and the One-Hour Intercity Traffic Circle of the Pearl River Delta[9].

Secluded and yet sophisticated, calm and yet connected, luxury living IL PICCO-style strikes the perfect balance – and all with a degree of privacy and elegance that selective Hong Kong homes can match.

The post Easeful Living Takes on Spectacular New Dimensions in Discovery Bay appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Rising over Kadoorie Avenue, St. George's Mansions is the epitome of timeless elegance.

For the best part of a century a favoured location in what’s certainly one of the most desirable areas in Hong Kong, Kadoorie Avenue is treasured for its period villas that sit in tranquil seclusion behind high walls and are shaded by the lush foliage of mature trees. The avenue’s apex, Kadoorie Hill, offers an unobstructed viewpoint over the rooftops and greenery to Hong Kong’s mountainous skyline.

Not only has this neighbourhood served as the long-time address of some of this city’s most famous residents – including the Kadoories themselves, one of Hong Kong and the region’s most established business dynasties – but close at hand are also several of Hong Kong’s most notable educational institutions. And it’s right here, at the very epicentre of privileged and easeful living, that the CLP Group and Sino Land have chosen to construct their magnificent new residential development, St. George’s Mansions.

Named for a pair of apartment blocks that once occupied the same site, the project was entrusted to the famed New York architectural practice of Robert AM Stern Architects, whose team sought to reflect the site’s historic significance and exclusive, low-density character through a modern classic design and the use of the best materials, sourced from around the world. “We are creating a landmark,” said Stern, a former Dean of Yale University’s School of Architecture, “a very desirable address that will be passed on from generation to generation.” After lengthy consideration, the team came up with a design that comprises three connected towers, which together house 175 spacious residential units.

A sense of classic modernity that typifies many of Stern’s New York projects is achieved through the natural stone finishing of the building’s elegant facade, which combines Portuguese Gascogne beige limestone, and windows clad in bronze-coloured aluminium. Together, these materials emanate a warm refulgence that empathises perfectly with the understated graciousness of the surrounding trees and villas.

Behind the graceful exterior of St George’s Mansions lies an inventory of residential apartments that are unusual both in their spaciousness and the quality of their appointments. Most units have three or four bedrooms, but along with a smaller number with two, there will also be five generously sized simplex apartments.

[caption id="attachment_208309" align="alignnone" width="1667"] St. George's Mansions' sophisticated living and dining area[/caption]

Regardless of size, all units feature a spacious layout with formal living and dining rooms and high ceilings, with a classic contemporary aesthetic. Most units have three or four bedrooms, but along with a smaller number with two, there will also be five simplex apartments. Floor areas range from approximately 760 square feet for the two-bedroom units, and from 1,800 to 2,100 square feet for the three- and four-bedroom apartments, to an extremely generous 3,300-3,600 square feet for the simplex units.

It goes without saying that the interiors are created using the highest- quality craftsmanship, materials, fittings and equipment. Kitchens, for example, are fitted out by the esteemed German company Poggenpohl, with appliances by brands such as Miele, Gaggenau and Sub-Zero.

[caption id="attachment_208390" align="alignnone" width="2000"] The clubhouse's classically inspired swimming pool[/caption]

Naturally residents have access to the clubhouse, where facilities include The Great Hall in which residents can meet guests and socialise with neighbours; a pair of Great Rooms, where private events and dinners can be organised; The Garden function room with an “inside-outside-living” concept; a beautiful landscaped garden with outdoor lounge and courtyard designed by Philip Liao and Partners; a stunning swimming pool; a Children’s Playroom; and a Gymnasium and Yoga Room.

Not only does St. George’s Mansions offer the opportunity to own one of the most prized addresses in Hong Kong, but it will be a home that you and your family will be able to treasure, one that can be passed from generation to generation long into the future.

The post St. George’s Mansions is a Landmark in Luxury appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Coravin, the wine lover's dream device that lets you pour wine without uncorking, is back with brand new models.

As fans of the smart wine preservation system, we have observed Coravin for some time and seen the brand expand with new technology every year. Now, they have extended their product lineup with the launch of new systems -- Models Three and Six. What's more, all new and existing models have been equipped with SmartClamps™, which, prior to the launch, was only available on Model Eleven. The new easy-on and easy-off clamps are designed to go over the neck of the bottle and push down firmly on the handle in one fluid motion, making the system even easier to use.

Coravin's wine access technology is all down to the hollow needle that is inserted through the cork, before the system pressurises the bottle with Argon (an inert, colourless and odourless) gas, to pour the wine out. Once poured, and the Coravin is taken off the bottle, the cork reseals naturally -- allowing wine to stay fresh for months on end, and years if needed.

The new systems also comes with a Coravin Screw Cap which allows users to enjoy new world wine (with screw caps) the same way as old world wine (cork) bottles, preserving them for up to three months.

So, with four Coravin Models in total, Model Three, Five, Six and Eleven, which model is the right one for you? Well, let's find out shall we.

Coravin Model Three

Details: Model Three is an upgraded version of Coravin's Model One and features a clean and simple, user-friendly and functional design in matte texture.
Perfect for: the everyday wine drinker.
Price: HK$2,080

Coravin Model Five

Details: Model Five is not available for retail as it has been made specifically for trade. The design is simply elegant but durable.
Perfect for: those in the industry who favour classic design with metallic accents.
Price: email for trade price

Coravin Model Six

Details: Model Six is the upgraded version of the popular Model Two Elite edition, it also features vibrant colours with chrome accents.
Perfect for: luxury style and fashion lovers.
Price: HK$3,580

Coravin Model Eleven

Details: Model Eleven is the smartest device of the Coravin family. It is the first bluetooth connected and fully automatic system. It comes with LED display, glass pour optimisation, and connection to the Coravin Moments app, which tracks system statistics and advises on wine pairings with food, music and more.
Perfect for: technology and gadget enthusiasts who love a varied wine experience.
Price: HK$6,880

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