Iconic building transforms Hong Kong harbour front

Bucking the trend for high-rise buildings, the extension of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre changed the harbour front landscape with its instantly recognisable winged design jutting out into the harbour.

The iconic winged-design roof is believed to be the largest curved roof in the world, covering 40,000 square metres. To achieve the shape, steel roof trusses of various shapes were used, supporting the aluminium tiles. Space limitation was another factor in the roof construction. The six pairs of roof trusses measuring up to 81 metres long were fabricated off site and transported to the site by barges.

The Extension, completed within a tight 26-month schedule, houses three exhibition halls, a convention hall, a foyer, 26 meeting rooms and restaurants. Sitting on the reclaimed land, the Extension was connected to the existing section by the 110-metre long multi-level atrium.

At the tip of the building, where the 1997 Handover Ceremony took place, is a 30-metre tall glass façade offering a 180 degree view of Kowloon and the Victoria Harbour.