November_1965 — Page 20

At Sai Wan Estate the multi-storey blocks have been stepped up a steep hillside to make the best use of the available land

A further two schemes awaiting the allocation of funds will bring these figures up to about 260,000 people and 44,000 dwelling units.

No estate is typical; all are design- ed to suit their particular site, but the So Uk Estate, constructed in the mid- dle period of the Authority's history. is perhaps a suitable example to des- cribe in some detail.

So Uk was the Authority's third project. It contains 5,333 flats of varying sizes, housing from four to 11 persons, each flat being provided with its own kitchen, bathroom, and private balcony. Monthly rentals range from HK$48 to HK$128, in- clusive of rates.

The estate consists of 16 blocks of varying shapes and sizes, ranging from long slab blocks to Y-shaped point blocks, in heights ranging from eight to 16 storeys, all but the former being equipped with lifts. It includes two 24-classroom schools, both of which operate in two sessions, 36 shops, an estate office, kerosene store, party-rooms, maintenance workshop. and other ancillary facilities.

South Aspect

The total population of the estate is about 34,000, on a 19-acre trian- gular site, which originally sloped gently from north to south. Most of the blocks face south over the neigh- bouring tenements and out to the harbour, and are arranged on terraces or platforms at different levels, all enjoying adequate light and air. There are covered play spaces and open recreation areas.

The road fringes of the site carry, on one side, a long eight-storey walk- up unit with balcony access, and a shopping parade in the ground floor. On the other side of the triangle there are two slab blocks, of 12

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So Uk Estate, Kowloon. 32,000 people are hous- ed in 16 multi- storey blocks

Far East Architect & Builder November, 1965

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