Pre-stressed Concrete
121. The second lowest tender submitted for the general contract was for a pre-stressed concrete scheme prepared by Messrs. A. J. and J. D. Harris, of London, on behalf of Messrs. Cheung & Tang Ltd. and submitted by Messrs. Sang Lee & Co. The close tendering appears to indicate that this method of building has some promise for use in Hong Kong and may be competitive with conventional systems in time. The tender, which was for a completely pre-cast pre-tensioned scheme might have been even lower if the plans had been specially designed with this in view, and the scheme prepared not merely as an adaptation of a conventional plan. It was established that the cost of piling due to the lighter loading involved would have been about $150,000 less than that actually used. Further investigations into the application of pre- stressed concrete building methods is being continued.
QUANTITY SURVEYORS
122. Mention is made elsewhere in this report of various architects, contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers. It is appropriate here to say that Messrs. Langdon & Every (Far East) have been employed as Quantity Surveyors on all the Authority's schemes so far carried out. The expert advice of the Quantity Surveyors on costs and economics related to the building of low-rent accommodation is of great value and is likely to prove of even further use as the technique of cost prediction and cost control is developed.
KWUN TONG ESTATE
(Housing Authority-Architectural Section)
123. A site of about 6 acres in Housing Zone 3 of the new industrial township of Kwun Tong, on the N.E. side of Kowloon Bay, was provisionally reserved for development by the Authority, and preliminary proposals were considered in the early part of the year. These envisaged the construction of about 1,260 flats to accommodate some 7,700 people in 7 and 14-storey blocks, at a density of 1,200 persons to the acre. The Authority decided that inclusive rents on this site should not exceed $55 and $65 per month for 5 and 6-person flats respectively.
124. In negotiations with Government on the price of the land, $5 per sq. ft. was quoted in April, 1960.
29