Sai Lau Kok Garden

Tucked away in the heart of Tsuen Wan, Sai Lau Kok Garden offers a tranquil escape. This isn’t just any urban park. Sai Lau Kok Garden is a testament to innovative design and community spirit. Originally built in 1987, the garden was a hidden gem. Its close proximity to the Tsuen Wan MTR Station was overshadowed by its enclosed structure and lack of direct access. The redevelopment project, starting in November 2016, breathed new life into this space. The towering 2.5-meter walls were replaced with 1-meter green barriers. This opened up the Sai Lau Kok Garden, allowing it to connect with the surrounding cityscape and improve ventilation. Accessibility was a key focus. Half of the Sai Lau Kok Garden was “raised” to create a podium garden. This innovative design connected the garden to the district’s footbridges and the MTR station entrances. This created a seamless flow between transportation hub and green space. One of the connecting footbridges is a unique suspension bridge. It links to existing footbridges on Castle Peak Road, providing direct access to public transport. The split-level design of Sai Lau Kok Garden is complemented by staircases on both sides, ensuring easy access for all. The community’s desire for indoor activity spaces was also addressed. A multi-purpose activity room and a covered multi-purpose venue were incorporated into the design. Inside, a striking inverted glass cone skylight dominates the foyer. This architectural marvel not only enhances natural ventilation and lighting but also blurs the lines between the indoor and outdoor environments. The choice of materials further enhances the garden’s tranquil atmosphere. Fair-faced concrete and traditional Chinese kiln-fired grey bricks create a sense of timeless elegance. Wooden slats adorn the interior walls and screens, adding warmth and a natural touch. The high headroom design maximizes natural ventilation, minimizing the need for air-conditioning. Natural light floods the space through the glass and skylight, reducing electricity consumption. Thoughtful details abound. Handrails and seat backs on the benches assist the elderly. Sai Lau Kok Garden embraces green building design. Climbing plants on nets increase shaded areas. Thirteen original trees of various species were preserved, and new shrubs and lawns were planted. This created a cool oasis in the bustling city. Sai Lau Kok Garden is more than just a park. It is a vibrant community hub, a place for leisure, activities, and connection.