© Copyright Kris Provoost, courtesy of Henning Larsen Architects

The multipurpose Shaw Auditorium provides a flexible space that can host a wide range of events for up to 1,300 visitors. Located at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), this building serves as a bridge between the faculty and the neighboring community.
 

The Shaw Auditorium, designed and realized by a joint venture between two award-winning architect offices, 'Henning Larsen Architects' and the local 'Wong Tung & Partners', is located at the entrance of the campus to the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). With its three-story-high elliptical shape, Shaw Auditorium presents itself as an architectural highlight in contrast to the typical rectangular buildings surrounding it.
 

© Copyright Kris Provoost, courtesy of Henning Larsen Architects

In case of an event in the auditorium the organic form of the building results in a natural flow of visitors, that is protected from both sun and rain by the cantilevered ceilings. Regarding Hong Kong's subtropical climate, passive shading in particular was part of a Platinum Award-winning Energy & Environment concept used in the design and construction of the building. 

To accommodate these warm-wet outdoor conditions, a building material solution had to be found for the jointless planned cantilevered ceilings that would meet these climatic and visual requirements. The solution was AQUAPANEL^® Cement Board Outdoor - Knauf's 100% water-resistant, cement-bound building board. For the required jointless appearance it was processed with joint filler and joint tape that are part of the system solution.

© Copyright Kris Provoost, courtesy of Henning Larsen Architects

The main design objective was to reflect HKUST's reputation as a renowned centre of innovation. The auditorium reflects this in its imaginative use of space: a highly flexible, acoustically sophisticated auditorium with bright, spacious social areas for concerts, conferences, gala dinners and exhibitions.

For the interior of the building, AQUAPANEL^® Cement Board Indoor L.E.F. was used. Here, however, it was more the product properties of robustness as well as bendability and resistance to mold and mildew. All these properties made it possible that approx. 3,500 square meters of this product were installed in different application areas. Across the entire project, over 6,500 square meters of AQUAPANEL^® Cement Board were installed to put the design concept into reality.