New architect centre goes green

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) is the latest to join the green revolution as its new headquarters in Bangsar opened its doors today.
PAM president Ezumi Harzani Ismail said the new building has five key design features – timeless, sustainability, practicality, innovation and economic viability.
"The building is not only designed in line with PAM's aspirations as a centre for architectural advancement and development but also took into account environment, culture and society with a timeless and minimalistic approach in overall design and detailing," he said.
The 3,782sq m building was launched by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharifuddin Idris Shah today.
Ezumi said PAM purchased the four-storey building in Japan Tandok, Bangsar with the initial intention of developing it into an "architect-driven centre" for contemporary arts, in the spirit of the National Art Gallery and Museum of Modern Arts in their formative days.
"However, the plan changed when the KL City Hall issued a notice to PAM to vacate our premises at Jalan Tangsi in 2012.
"The council then decided to change the initial design brief to accommodate a new PAM centre and centre for architecture instead," he said.
The centre has received the highest rating of platinum under the national Green Building Index. The index is a rating system that was developed by PAM and the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia in 2009.
Buildings are awarded ratings based on six key criteria: energy efficiency, indoor environment quality, sustainable site planning and management, materials and resources, water efficiency, and innovation.
The centre also maximises natural daylight where more than 50% of the space is illuminated with natural light that streams in through large glass openings and skylights.
It also uses renewable energy with a 25kWp solar photo voltaic system installed on its roof terrace.
Its water-efficient fittings result in 55% of water savings and all water requirements for flushing and irrigation are fully met by a rainwater harvesting system.