574 HKJC Conghua Racecourse Grandstand

The Grandstand

The racecourse site is situated in a picturesque mountain landscape, famous for its air quality, clear rivers and revitalizing hot springs. The project consists of a VIP area and a smaller public area right next to it. Due to the traditional domestic form of the roof, arriving at the venue feels like approaching a grand home. The large-scale yet welcoming structure marks the main entry point and ushers visitors through a range of activities and experiences that unfold over the course of race day.

The hanging roofs drop down like green foliage to nearly ground level, blending into the surrounding gardens that cater to various visitor activities. The gently curved roof silhouette and its natural green tone echo the dense tree canopies covering the surrounding mountains and valleys. With a focus on sustainable energy consumption, the entire roof surface is made of solar panels which generate sufficient energy for the project’s operational use; at the same time, rainwater is collected from the roofs and filtered for reuse.

Four levels of stacked terraces accommodate over thirty VIP boxes along with four restaurants and a grand ballroom for dining and entertainment. Full-height bay windows and continuous balconies allow guests to enjoy the panoramic view of the racetrack and the surrounding landscape on one side, and the more intimate and focused view of the Parade Ring on the other. Below the public building roof is a generous open platform leading either to stepped racetrack seating on one side, or towards the food stalls, visitor’s centre and gardens on the other.

All buildings rest on one integrated plinth, housing a large porte-cochere, the greeting place for all guests. From this arrival point, visitors are led to their various lobbies, event spaces and destinations efficiently. The plinth also accomodates all back of house circulation systems and operational support spaces.

Equestrian Venue

After supporting the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games equestrian event, the Hong Kong Jockey Club transformed the equestrian venue into the racecourse, and has since developed the site as a world-class facility for the training of Hong Kong’s thoroughbred racehorses; this includes the provision of essential facilities and the enforcement of policies and protocols to safeguard the health and well-being of the racehorses, throughout their racing careers and into their retirement.

The Grandstand project is the next step in the further activation of this site. The overall design adapts to the local climate of Guangzhou and the immediate environment. The harsh sun and heavy monsoon rains are shielded by the large roof, whilst at the same time the roof generates solar energy and collects water for use within the complex. The orientation and geometry of the roof work with the prevailing wind direction, creating a chimney effect that enhances the comfort level of both the horses and the visitors. The building design also complies with international high standards for view angle, live broadcast, and racing operation. This enables the Grandstand to compete alongside other world-class facilities, offering a high-quality visitor experience and a forward-thinking and long-term sustainable development.