The Conghua Racecourse of the Hong Kong Jockey Club is located near Songyuan, approximately 180 km from Hong Kong and around 60 km from the city center of Guangzhou. The defining architectural and structural feature of the project is the roof, which shapes both the visual identity and engineering ambition of the complex. The expansive cable-supported structure spanning the parade ring and grandstands draws inspiration from traditional forms while utilizing advanced design and fabrication technologies to achieve both efficiency and a unified architectural expression.
The structural system of the north roof above the parade ring is designed as a suspended roof, supported at the top by a cantilevered truss and at the bottom by A-frame structures. The primary suspended elements are the ribbons, whose bending stiffness is enhanced by additional props attached above and below.
The south roof structure, which includes a large cantilever at its southern tip, is configured as a truss system supported by pendulum columns rising from the grandstand building.
The two roof systems are joined along a defined interface where horizontal forces and moments are intentionally decoupled. This avoids structural interaction between the different load-bearing systems – the suspended roof in the north and the truss structure in the south.
Photovoltaic elements integrated into the coloured roof cladding generate electricity for the building, contributing to its sustainability. The new grandstand offers a high-quality visitor experience and serves as a model for forward-looking and long-term sustainable development in equestrian sports.
