Feasibility study of applying modular integrated construction (MiC) to private property development in Hong Kong

Abstract

Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) has been enthusiastically advocated by the HKSAR Government as a direction to achieve Construction 2.0 to improve the stagnant construction productivity, alleviate the severe labor shortage problems, and save the poor occupational health and safety record. Considerable progress has been achieved. Currently, over 60 MiC projects have been launched and some are even in use. However, the private property development sector is lukewarm about this MiC advocate. There seem to be many concerns that prevent the sector from adopting this MiC technology. This dissertation is to find out the main hurdles obstructing private developers from applying MiC in their projects and to explore the possible ways ahead. This dissertation mainly adopts qualitative research methods including desktop research, interviews and case studies. Firstly, through desktop research, the characteristics, and the challenges brought by MiC can be found. Next, case studies will be conducted based on 2 local & overseas MiC projects which have significant value for study. The Clement Canopy in Singapore is studied, which is currently the tallest MiC (a.k.a. PPVC in Singapore) building in the world. Critical Success Factors (CSF) can be located from these successful and special MiC projects which may be a valuable reference for future local MiC projects. To gather more professional insights, three interviews have been carried out in January 2022 with representatives from the Government Department, local developers, and contractors. All the three interviewees are experienced and professional personnel in Hong Kong’s construction industry giving professional thoughts and insights towards the application of MiC in the industry. Rich findings have been discovered in this study and find out that actually MiC can be effectively applicable in the private MiC projects. Although most parties think that MiC cannot be widely applied in private projects in the short term, some possible measures can be carried out in the short term and long term simultaneously. The major obstruction towards the private developers are the design constraints brought by MiC itself. To favor the manufacturing, transportation and assembling process of the modules, designs of the modules are restricted (e.g., width < 2.5m) and design should be frozen at the early stages. Developers may find it hard to suit the rapid change in the market if using MiC. Secondly, the lack of experience, guidance and legislation are the other major deterrent. Currently, major stakeholders are having limited knowledge and experience in MiC. They may adopt a “wait−and−see” strategy towards this “new” method in HK. Using MiC becomes a risk in their perspective. Lack of incentives from the Government is another deterrent causing the current situation. Some actions can be done by both the government and the developers to boost the usage of MiC and deliver its values. It is envisioned that some pilot projects in the private sector will be finished in two to three years. These successful projects will provide more confidence to the MiC applications in Hong Kong and it is believed that MiC can bring huge benefits to alleviate the current housing shortage in Hong Kong if MiC can be utilized by private developers and the government concurrently.