Experts urge wider One Stanley checks, tighter paperwork after steel bar shortfall

Experts have called for Hong Kong's building authorities to consider inspecting the remaining properties within the luxury One Stanley development and tighten work process documentation after one house was discovered to have used insufficient steel bars during construction. The Buildings Department recently revealed an investigation into work quality issues at One Stanley, located in one of Hong Kong's most expensive neighborhoods, and has requested information from the developer, contractor, and relevant professionals.

However, it remains unclear whether the department will extend its examination to the other 31 detached houses and 11 low-rise blocks containing 50 flats in the development.

Professor Yau Yung, a surveyor and researcher at Lingnan University, suggested that the department could consider inspecting the rest of the development to ensure safety. He explained that if a systematic error, omission, or malpractice exists in one property, it is possible that similar issues may have occurred in others. Edward Chan Sai-cheong, a former chairman of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers' structural division, stated that the outcome of the investigation will determine whether additional properties need to be checked.

He emphasized that the department must decide whether the issue is isolated or systemic and whether it poses a serious problem.

The incident gained attention after an online property news platform, WuChatProp, reported that an on-site inspection of a house at One Stanley found that insufficient steel bars had been used, falling short of the approved building plans by up to 75 percent. The owner, who purchased the property for approximately HK$100 million ($12.8 million) in 2024 and began renovations in August 2023, discovered the quality issues.

The developer, K&K Property, expressed concern over the incident and stated that it would investigate. If any party is found to have made construction or other related errors, the company will address the issue and hold the responsible parties accountable in accordance with the law.

The Buildings Department issued an occupation permit for the development in July 2023. Upon receiving a complaint about the structural safety of floor slabs in January of this year, subsequent inspections revealed irregularities in the concrete cover of a beam and the steel reinforcement of some slabs. Professor Yau noted that the problem involves concealed work, which typically relies on technical staff from the contractor for supervision.

He recommended that the department could consider using penetrating radar for future assessments, but warned that this might require additional manpower and significantly prolong the process. He called for strengthening documentation of work processes, stating that in the future, hidden works such as installing steel bars and waterproofing kitchens and toilets should have ample technological support to maintain records.

This would help resolve disputes and demonstrate whether work was performed correctly or not. Yau also suggested that strengthening documentation requirements could discourage contractors and developers from cutting corners.

An industry expert, speaking anonymously, criticized the department for downplaying the severity of the issue. The expert argued that while the structure may not collapse immediately, it poses significant long-term safety risks. Every engineering project must strictly adhere to approved architectural plans and standardized protocols, particularly concerning concrete quality.

The expert emphasized that the use of defective building materials should provide property owners with legitimate grounds to rescind purchase agreements.