Page 80 - GreenRE_Sustainable Real Estate Book

Creating better buildings for the planet west flanks, which are more vulnerable to solar heat exposure.
This dual-skin feature prevents heat from entering the building
For their new headquarters, the Real Estate and Housing
while facilitating natural ventilation and admitting natural
Developers’ Association Malaysia (REHDA), as the industry’s
daylight to illuminate indoor spaces. The high thermal inertia
stalwarts wanted a design that would strongly express their
preserves optimal temperature and keeps the interior of the
push for the future, while honouring their past. They wanted
building cool, minimising air-conditioning requirements. During
to create a building that would work better for the planet
the construction phase, the project team ensured an Overall
as well as the people working inside it. They were keen to
Thermal Transfer Value (OTTV) of 47.98 watts per square meter.
represent their commitment to better the carbon-intensive
built environment and exemplify sustainable buildings. To
meet these aspirations, the architect worked in sustainable Powered by nature
features to communicate the association’s passion to create Wisma REHDA was designed to emphasise energy efficiency,
buildings that harmonise with nature and leverage natural conservation, and renewable energy sources. As a hub
elements to function symbiotically. Passive designs were for sustainability, the building has an array of photovoltaic
built in from the start, from building orientation to ventilation, panels that generate a significant amount of renewable
to leverage nature and its elements in a bid to stay energy energy, powering its in-house electricity needs. The building
efficient and low carbon. Completed in 2011, the new REHDA exclusively employs energy-saving light bulbs throughout its
Headquarters embodies a green vision ahead of its time premises, further enhancing energy efficiency.
housing a multi-purpose hall, training rooms, offices, resource The project team also included a rainwater harvesting
centre, boardroom and a grand atrium.
system that plays a significant role in water conservation.
The building is capable of collecting approximately 2 million
Facing the right direction
litres of rainwater annually, which is primarily utilised for
At the onset, the architect was adamant that the building must landscape irrigation and cleaning purposes within the
face the right direction so that it aligns with the prevailing wind. development. The harvested rainwater is also used for the
Designed to capture the prevailing wind coming from the north fishponds and lavatories.
and south, the three-storey development provides 29,000 sq ft
of built-up natural ventilation, offering cooling comfort to staff
and visitors while minimising the need for artificial cooling
mechanisms.

High thermal inertia
Featuring a double-skin façade, the building incorporates
block walls as an additional layer to its envelope, effectively
blocking out heat. This is especially important for the east and

69 SUSTAINABLE REAL ESTATE | Our 10-Year Journey