1926 Heritage Block : Original Architecture and Restoration

The Original Architecture and its Significance

The architecture of this pre-World War II structure is in the “Arts and Crafts” style, an English style popular in those days.  According to a report from the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO), there are not many left in Hong Kong.  It is also believed that none of the buildings that used to hold nurseries and kindergartens had survived.  This probably leaves Ying Wa the only school where a physical testimony of early education still stands.

Moreover, the kindergarten opens a small window onto Hong Kong’s inter-cultural colonial history.  While the block is patterned on an English building style, its organic finish carries a mixture of British and Chinese features. The original French windows in dark wooden frames might have suggested a western influence, but the actual construction using local building materials (such as the Chinese pan-and-roll tiles) and workmanship had created a structure with a bi-cultural slant making it imaginative and timeless.

There are many other charming features too:  the many large open windows allowing in natural light and airflow; the high ceiling aiding ventilation and giving a sense of space, coolness and comfort.  Above all, its irregular shape has made it even more fascinating, especially to the modern eye.

With such a priceless possession on its home turf, saving the kindergarten became a fervent goal during the redevelopment period not only for Ying Wa but conservationists in the wider public. Several letters and enquiries were received pleading earnestly for its ultimate survival and revival.

The building is an irregular shape formed out of 3 straight lines and a line with a curve, probably designed to suit the site topography. Strictly speaking it is not a 5-point polygon, but rather, an irregular pentagon with 3 ridges at the roof top. So “pentagonal” cannot rightly describe its shape.

Image acknowledgement: P&T Architects and Engineers Ltd.

The Restoration : How it was done

Way before demolition work began in 2012, an elaborate plan was formulated to restore and preserve the historical elements of the 1926 Block. The requirements were built into the Contract documents. During the demolition and building stages, the heritage block was heavily protected in-situ to avoid accidental damage. Enormous efforts were also made throughout the Redevelopment process to retain the authenticity of the style and structure of the block.

Protection of the 1926 Block during site demolition and construction

Top: Instructions given by the Architect

Image acknowledgement: P&T Architects and Engineers Ltd.

Below: Site photo by Main Contractor

The original external façade was restored as far as practicable. Major elements with minor defects were fixed and made good. These included the rough cast renderings on external walls with the red brick plinth, sub-cills and soldier arches around openings, the structural roof truss and the ball finial at the roof apex. Internally, the polished granolithic wall dados and covings were preserved and renewed.

The roofing finishes were reconstructed to compose of both the salvaged old tiles (20%, to cover roof façade facing the Heritage Garden) and new roof tiles (80%) by Double Layer Tiling Method (pan and roll tiles), supported by trusses. Cement sand ridges were reconstructed to follow the existing alignment. Waterproofing and insulation layers were newly added underneath the roof to keep the block watertight.

Other elements beyond repair were replaced by aesthetically similar substitutes. The timber doors and glass louvres were removed and replaced by water-tight door and window frames to match the original French windows which appeared in old photographs. The ornamental brackets supporting the eaves were reconstructed according to the early design. Loosen and moulded surfaces were cleaned, removed and repainted.

1926 Heritage Block at the Heritage Garden of the new campus

1926 Heritage Block, a veritable architectural gem which embraces the dramatic contrast between the old and the new.

Comparison Table: Before and After

Original Status as at 1926
(paper and photo records)

Status as at 2020
(After restoration)

External Walls

Rough cast renderings on top of grey cement finish

Loosen paint and rendering removed to reveal original surface.   All damages rectified and new paint and rendering applied in yellowish-white colour similar to Hop Yat Church nearby.  Existing timber purlins replaced by newly painted wooden purlins

Red Brick Plinth revealed all around on building elevation

Added-on paint and rendering removed to reveal all original red bricks at plinths of external walls

Windows

French Window in dark wooden frame appeared in old photos

Substituted glass louver windows  removed and replaced by new aluminum window frame in French window style with wooden texture finish

Red brick sub-cills and “soldier” arches (brick-on edge) for windows openings

Added-on paint and rendering removed to reveal all original red bricks at plinths of external walls

Door

French Window Door in dark wooden frame in contrasting colour to the wall appeared in old photos

Substituted wooden door removed and replaced by new aluminum door frame in French window style with wooden texture finish

Roof

Pan-and roll tiles supported on trusses

The new roof is composed of both the salvaged old tiles (20%) and new roof tiles (80%) by Double Layer Tiling Method (pan and roll tiles) supported by trusses.  All cement sand ridges have been reconstructed following original alignment.   Additional waterproofing layer and insulation are added underneath the roof

Ornamental ball finial at roof apex

The original ornamental ball salvaged, made good and reinstated after pitched roof is reconstructed

Ornamental concrete bracket appeared in old photos

All dilapidated concrete and iron brackets removed and reconstructed according to the original one

Internal walls

Painted plaster

Loosen paint and plastering on all internal walls removed and new paint & plastering applied in contrasting colour to the dark window and door frame

Polished granolithic dado

All damages and cracks on original polished granolithic dado repaired

Coving at floor level

Coved floor reconstructed 

Ceiling

Exposed truss and tiling finishing appeared in old photos

New bulkhead in white paint and downlights on four sides with original truss exposed and covered by fire paint.  Timber planks as roof finishing added to cover the new waterproofing layer and insulation between roof tiles and the exposed truss

Roof trusses

Loosen paint and rust on original truss removed with minor strengthening works with new paint in white

Floor

Screeded floor

Trimming of worn out floor screeding and replaced by new terrazzo floor tiles

Internal Manhole

The manhole is abandoned and diverted. No more manhole on the floor

Table Information supplied by P&T Architects and Engineers Ltd

May 2023

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