Professor Thomas Chung Wang-leung, Associate Professor in The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s School of Architecture and his team have won two HKIA Annual Awards 2022/23, presented by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA), for Project Plum Grove: Revitalising Mui Tsz Lam with Experimental Restorations. The project won the President’s Special Prize and the HKIA Special Award – Architectural Installation, Curation & Exhibition Design. Two buildings on CUHK campus also received awards.


The Project Plum Grove

The Project Plum Grove has revitalised Mui Tsz Lam, a remote, 360-year-old Hakka village in Sha Tau Kok, through experimental architectural demonstrations with participatory co-creation. The project kickstarted Mui Tsz Lam’s revival by restoring two ruined houses, known as Old House and Mural House. It adopted three place-inspired design principles: in-situ, light-touch and co-creation. It upcycled found materials, while new rammed earth construction complemented adjustable scaffolding with timber-bamboo panels. Over two years, the project engaged returning villagers, students and volunteers to conserve heritage while also exploring rural living so that the village can flourish in the future.

     Two buildings on CUHK campus were also honoured. Mei Yun Tang in New Asia College won a HKIA Award – Residential Building, while the Chung Chi Student Development Complex was awarded merit in the HKIA Award – Institutional Building.


Mei Yun Tang in New Asia College


Chung Chi Student Development Complex