Introduction Audio

Historical Background

The Stone Houses are the only Chinese style tenement buildings remained in Hau Wong Temple New Village. They were built on the foundations of "Ho Ka Yuen" ("The Ho Family Garden") during the period 1941-1945. The Japanese Army demolished the ruins of Ho Ka Yuen House and divided the Ho Ka Yuen area into some eleven cottage-sites.

Since the 1970s, some of the Stone Houses had been used as industrial workshops and were rented to various companies such as "Nam Yan Kee Grave and Tombstone Construction". Hau Wong Temple New Village was cleared in 2001 and the Stone Houses became the only structure remained in the village.

Architectural Merits

The Stone Houses were constructed of granite blocks and concrete with its walls to support its pitched roof of timber rafters, purlins and clay tiles. Part of these original tiles was replaced with corrugated sheets. Rectangular windows have metal or timber frames with heavy lintel. Doors are in Chinese style with timber locks and rock sockets. Internal staircases are in timber and walls are plastered and painted. One of the most interesting features is the stone tablets inscribing the name of the shop called "Nam Yan Kee".

Virtual Tour

Photo

Stone Houses - Photo1 Stone Houses - Photo2 Stone Houses - Photo3 Stone Houses - Photo4 Stone Houses - Photo5 Stone Houses - Photo6 Stone Houses - Photo7 Stone Houses - Photo8 Stone Houses - Photo9 Stone Houses - Photo10 Stone Houses - Photo11 Stone Houses - Photo12 Stone Houses - Photo13