A
NEW
ORPHANAGE
AT
CAUSEWay bay
Amidst the general trend of commercial and material preoccupations, it is a source of satisfaction to observe that the poorest amongst the poor not forgotten. Hence the newly built four-storeyed orphanage designed to accommodate about 175 girls, erected in Causeway Bay by the Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres (French Convent), The two pictures published on this page illustrate the fine building planned by Mr. G. Volckaert, Architect with Messrs. Credit Foncier d'Extreme-Orient. Though
View of the building from the playground.
The entire building is 167 feet in length by 60 feet in width. A great proportion of the ground floor is in effect a covered playground, affording shelter to the little girls in all weathers. At the same ground floor level adequate bathing facilities have been installed and ample store-rooms provided.
BATH INSTALLATIONS
OPER
SPACE
Clo
LAUNDRY
STORE
COVERED PLAYGROUND
OPEN PLAYGROUND
ORPHANS
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10 T/FAC FEFF BEE #2
of modern pattern, the whole exhibits the formal line and graceful proportion which one associates with the type of classical training the architect has undoubtedly received.
The site of the orphanage has been chosen so as to hide the rear elevations of the many tenement houses built on the adjoining lots at Haven Street, while at the same time allowing the greatest possible open space between the orphanage itself and the existing or future school buildings which form part of the French Convent.
(Left) Plan of the ground floor. (Above) Detail of the building showing the covered playground.
The first floor comprises a large refectory with adjacent kitchen facilities, separate premises for study and for the training of handwork, and in addition an exhibition from where the orphans' handiwork is displayed,
On the second and third floors are located large well ventilated dormitories with simple and essential amenities. An oratory and sisters' private rooms complete the appointments on this floor.
All three floors have large verandahs to the rear of the building which protect the premises from the direct rays of the sun from the south-west and prevents overlooking from the neighbouring tenements.
The flat roof is surmounted by a central covered pergola commanding an extensive view of Causeway Bay. Communication within the building is by means of two large staircases, one at each end of the building.
The entrance gateway along Caroline Road, which also serves as the general entrance for the driveway leading to the present school building of the St. Paul's Institution, is also designed by the same architect.
General Contractors: Mei Hon & Co.
Sanitary Installation: Lee Yu Kee.
Electrical Installation:
Manor & Co.
Tiling Work: Castle Peak Ceramics Co. (1940) Ltd. Steel Windows: H.K. Metal Window Co.
Main entrance gateway.
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