Hong Kong firm, designer fined over illegal removal of load-bearing flat wall

A Hong Kong court has fined a decoration company and an interior designer a total of HK$260,000 (US$33,120) over illegal modifications of a load-bearing wall at an upscale flat in a high-rise residential complex.

Space Envision Limited and Lai Chun-kit each pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a count of knowingly carrying out building works without approval and consent for removing three walls, including a structural one, at a 681 sq ft flat in The Capitol in Lohas Park, Tseung Kwan O.

Kwun Tong Court also recorded a guilty plea from the firm on an additional charge of “carrying out works in such a manner as is likely to cause a risk of injury to person or damage to property”.

The flat’s owner, Ku Chun-ho, pleaded not guilty to the two offences under the Buildings Ordinance. He will return to court for a pretrial hearing in August.

The Buildings Department found a 72cm-by-215cm (28 inches by 85 inches) section of a 20cm-thick load-bearing wall had been illegally removed in May 2023 to install a door between the flat’s living room and a bedroom.

An online video showing the renovation work had earlier sparked widespread safety concerns among residents.