Hong Kong Tenements Go Green

The project's green credentials include photovoltaic and passive solar design, green roof systems, and energy-saving appliances and lighting.

Nicholas Tamarin -- Interior Design, 1/26/2009

Hong Kong's tenements are getting a green makeover at Atria Green Residencies, a group of Chinese-designed tenement structures from the 1960s that have been retrofitted with renewable energy sources and green building concepts.

Located in Hong Kong's SoHo and Central neighborhoods, the tenements, or “tong laus,” now feature photovoltaic and passive solar design, green roof systems, Grade A EU low-energy-consumption appliances and energy-saving lighting. The rental apartments also feature Forest Stewardship Council-certified furniture.



"The city's rapidly depleting collection of Chinese tenement properties not only exude character, but are appreciated by the majority of Hong Kongers for their significant heritage value," says Amil Khan, director of KF Development, the private property developer that spearheads the project. "Not only is regeneration of an old building the ultimate practice in recycling, it also preserves the local character and historical significance of our city's unique districts."