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DECEMBER 18, 2015
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For the
love
of
nature
PART2
> Exploring residential projects and developments in the name of ‘green’
C
ONTINUING
from last
week’s article on S P Setia’s
KL Eco City, an integrated
GBI-certified (Green
Building Initiative) property
development, this weekwe look at
a fewother similar award-winning
residential projects that champion
and incorporate environmental
sustaining designs and systems in
its blueprint.
First, we identify the
characteristics that make a “green”
development or township. The
criteria should include:
1) reduced or eliminated use of
fossil fuel;
2) adoption of sustainable
building practices;
3) promotion of “green” space
and clean air quality;
4) implementation of energy-
efficient andwidely/easily
available public transport;
5) pedestrian-friendly and
“walkable” designs/
landscapes; and
6) well organisedmixed-used
neighbourhoods that
combine living, working
shopping – or that similar to
the Setia brand’s “live, learn,
work, play” concept.
KEN RIMBA RESIDENCES
A development known for
adopting “green” principles and
environmental-friendlymethods
in its design – Ken Rimba Legian
Residences need no introduction
whereMother Nature is concerned.
Having won the Fiabci Malaysia
Property Award in the Sustainable
Development category, the
development project also received
the BCAGreenMark Gold award
and is GBI-certified.
It also employs a rainwater-
harvesting technology, said to be
able to harvest 450 gallons of
rainwater which it uses for
landscape irrigation and car porch
cleaning, apart fromhomeowners
living there having to pay very
minimal water charges.
Louvredwindows in its design
also “catches” the north-south
wind, receiving a constant wind
flowof fresh air, therefore
decreasing the need for air-
conditioning. These windows
are also adjustable, and help
keep the interiors of the home
cooler and breezier.
Themore recent Ken Rimba
Jimbaran Residences also adopt
this louvred-windowprinciple in
its design but also uses cavity
blocks said to be able to reduce
thermal heat transfer from the
exterior to the interior of the
homes. These apparently reduce
the heat within and keep interiors
cooler than homes made with
conventional bricks. Recycling bins
are also said to be placed at
convenient locations while low
volatile organic component paints
are used so as not to emit unhealthy
fumes and last longer than
conventional paints. Lighting with
sensors is also installed to reduce
electricity consumption.
IJM’S LIGHT COLLECTION
Another property developer
known to utilise green-related
technologies in its design is IJM
Land Berhad. It was reported
that the company spent 5%of its
construction costs in green design
mechanics for its The Light
development series. Phase One
of The Light Collection includes
The Light Linear and The Light
Point which both offer residential
condominiums built according to
“green” standards.
Apart from tapping into natural
lighting and cross-ventilation of
buildings in The Light waterfront
project, its basic and passive
design also cuts its reliance on
using high-technology products in
its construction. One way the
developer reduced its use of
materials in its project is by using
optic cables which is said to
tremendously lessen the use of
copper cables, at the same time
provide better “service” to
occupants. Recycled pavers and
composite timber are just some of
many other green construction
materials the developer uses in
its design.
Other greenmethods include
rainwater harvesting, recycling of
householdwaste, use of energy-
saving lights and air-conditioners
with in-built invertor technology, a
centralised vacuum system to
reduce airborne particles that may
be reintroduced in habitable spaces
andmore.
While The LightWaterfront
was recorded as the first to have a
marine ecosystem in a residential
precinct, The Light Collection,
along with The Light Linear and
The Light Point are certifiedwith
provisional GBI certification.
SUNWAY SPK DAMANSARA
A joint-venture development
project between Sunway City
Berhad and Sharikat Permodalan
Kebangsaan Berhad – 3 Harmoni is
the first low-rise residential
development to be awarded the
provisional GBI certification and
BCAGreenMark award.
Featuring well plannedmodern
garden homes, the development
project incorporates the five
pillars of LOHAS (Lifestyles of
Health and Sustainability) in its
design concept.
The gated and guarded
development offers harmonious
and spacious townhouses on
freehold property accessible via
the Sprint, NKVE, LDP and
Penchala Link highways.
Moreover, a fully equipped
clubhouse provides themeans for
healthier lifestyles offering various
facilities and amenities via a gym,
swimming andwading pools,
children’s playground, relaxation
pavilions, jogging track, reading
and karaoke rooms andmore.
Besides these, there is the sky
garden, a linear garden, recycling
and composting hubs, plus day-to-
day operations that use
environmental-sustainingmethods
of working as in rainwater
harvesting, photovoltaic cells, solar
heaters, water booster pump,
motion sensor lighting, applying
cross ventilation of
wind, et cetera.
While ecological design features
are reflected in the buildings’
architecture, Sunway SPK 3
Harmoni also caters to the young
and disabled population.
The Light Collectionwater villas.
THE HAVEN LAKESIDE
RESIDENCES
The renowned condo-resort
hybrid development is also touted
as one of the finest eco-resorts in
Malaysia. TheHaven Lakeside
Resort Residences offers short-
termrentals and is operated by
the BestWestern International
hotel chain.
Having received bountiful
numbers of awards to its name,
the development is also known
for its “green” features, especially
in harnessing natural energy
resources. Rainwater harvesting,
solar energy and using awindmill
turbine help reduce the
development’s carbon footprint.
Situated next to the virgin forest
inTambun in the state of Perak –
the flora and faunawithin are
conscientiouslymaintained and
preserved. Moreover, no fogging is
allowed, instead, the use of pandan
and lemongrass to keep themozzies
at bay. Fireworks are also not
allowedwithin the compound.
Other than providing residents
with breathtaking views of the
scenic natural lake and amazing
limestone hills, the luxurious
condominiumproject also offers
landscapedwater gardens, a jogging
track, swimming andwading pools,
barbecue areas, a gymnasiumand
sporting facilities, many leisure
spaces to relax in, including a spa.
In 2014, TheHavenwas
conferredBest GreenDevelopment.
This was just one of many other
awards. This year, TheHavenwon
some 10 over awards, including
Malaysia’s best, Asia’s best and
world’s best.
The Haven
Lakeside
Residences.