Work has begun on the elegant-looking “wind cowls” atop the tunnel access and egress of two engineered islands serving the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB).  

Rendering of Eastern Artificial Island [Photo courtesy hzmb.org]

A critical part of the ventilation system for the bridge’s immersed tunnel, each cowling looks like a futuristic cap covering the entry-exit building. (Cowling is literally defined as the removable cover that cools a vehicle engine). Based on cross-ventilation, it can quickly discharge indoor heat and foul air. This will improve the driving environment both on the islands and in the immersed tunnel, according to the Project Department of China Communications Construction.

As important landscape architecture, the main part of the wind cowl will be a steel frame of partitioned manufacture and installation. The milk-white canopy will emerge and glisten atop the modern concrete structure upon completion.

Being constructed by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co Ltd, the canopy is complicated in technologies and difficult to manufacture and install. It also must satisfy highly demanding quality and meet a tight schedule. To fulfill the mission, the project department will further refine design and construction details to guarantee high quality and security for standout monuments on the two tunnel-access islands, claimed the contractor.