Architecture studio Farrells have been honoured with an NEC Award for their delivery of a waterfront swimming pool in Hong Kong.

The firm, led by Terry Farrell, won the NEC Award for Large Project Of The Year 2016 – which recognises excellence in project delivery and good practice.

They were commissioned to build a new home for the Kennedy Town Swimming Pool, after its former facility was demolished to make way for a new MTR train station.

The site chosen for the pool was a derelict car park on a patch of reclaimed land, with an uninterrupted sea view. Farrells were commissioned to create a memorable landmark surrounded by landscaping, trees and green walls to revive the neighbourhood and attract local residents to keep fit and healthy by using the facility.

To achieve this, they designed a futuristic triangular form derived from the shape of the site and framed by the city’s historic tram line, residential towers and Victoria Harbour. From some angles, when completed the building will resemble an oncoming train.

The first phase of the complex – a 50m (164ft) outdoor pool and a smaller leisure pool – was completed in 2011. The second phase, which will see the addition of two indoor pools, a jacuzzi and an outdoor garden, due to be finished in October this year.

The project has cost an estimated HK$671m (US$86.5m, €76m, £60m), funded by the MTR Corporation.

The NEC (New Engineering Contract) is a type of legal document that facilitates the implementation of sound project management principles and practices. The designers of NECs host an annual awards ceremony honouring “innovative projects and organisations that demonstrate successful cooperation and have worked in the spirit of mutual trust.”

The NEC judges cited the Kennedy Town Swimming Pool project for the “excellent time management and delivery” demonstrated by the development team, and the effective working relationship between the Hong Kong government, the MTR Corporation, engineering firm Paul Y Construction and Farrells.

All project stakeholders attended regular workshops and training sessions during the tender process and after the contract award. According to the team, a ‘no blame’ culture was fostered “to encourage team members to express their views unreservedly to enable early identification and resolution of potential issues.”

Farrells director Stefan Krummeck told CLAD: "An integrated team approach was adopted amongst to ensure thorough understanding of the common objectives for time, cost, quality, safety and community expectations for project delivery. This teamwork was integral to the project’s success.”

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