Kongsi House Prototype

Chapter 1: Introduction Problem Statement Research Questions Research Aim and Objectives Conceptual Framework Chapter 2: Background Study History of Kongsi House Issues History of Migrants in Malaysia Needs and Wants Socioeconomic of Migrants Chapter 3: Design Thesis Proposal Brief Client and Collaborators Case Study Precedent Study Architectural Theory Study Guidelines Study Chapter 4: Kongsi House Prototype Design Performance Criteria Design Rationale Idea Concept Spaces Possibilities Basic Prototype Idea of Growth Possibility of Planning Configuration Chapter 5: Pilot Site Site Selection Criteria Location Plan Site Analysis Site Plan Floor Plans Sections Elevations Perspective Views Chapter 6: Special Study Prototype Standardisation and Customisation Basic Prototype Assembly Overall Assembly Thermal Analysis Financial Analysis Chapter 7: Green and Sustainability Study Energy Efficient Concept Passive Design Strategies Active Design Strategies Sustainable Materials Energy Consumption Water Consumption Return of Investment References

// chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of Study

Malaysia houses almost 2.4 millions of documented migrants and it is estimated that the undocumented ones are engrossing up to 2 million, which places Malaysia among the highest country to depends on foreign labour to sustain its workforce in the Asia-Pacific region.

Construction is one of the key sectors that has been recruiting foreign workers to support its workforce.

Kongsi House in general term is a temporary accommodation provided for construction workers working for a particular construction project. This accommodation, usually built at construction site from discarded materials from construction such as plywood and metal deck house the workers in a bare minimum condition.

Currently, there are a lot of issues relating to the provision of Kongsi House for construction workers in Malaysia, be it social, environmental or economic aspects.

Last year, in a media statement, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the government would make it compulsory for employers to provide at least a minimum standard accommodation for their foreign workers. He warned that employers who failed to comply with the ruling would not be able to hire new foreign workers.

Hence, this study explores the current issues related to Kongsi House in Malaysia and proposes an architectural solution for the betterment of living state of the migrant construction workers.

Problem Statement The current state of living of construction workers in Malaysia is very bad and saddening as there is no specific guidelines to monitor the provision of Kongsi House for these migrants. Due to improper design and management, there is a need to come out with a solution as there are various social, sanitary and medical issues emerged as the product of almost none concern to provision of Kongsi House. There are cases of arguments between workers of different cultures and countries due to the lack of community spirit within this Kongsi House colony. Kongsi House is provided by the contractors in a very bare minimum condition, with insufficient facilities for the ease of these workers. The lack of security there has also resulted in various social cases. The poor build quality and unsuitable materials have caused unfortunate cases like fire, which have happened at some Kongsi House all around Malaysia. Some materials used also cannot be reused for the same purpose or other things.

At present, there is the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446) for estate workers. However, it does apply to the construction sector. According to Labour Department director-general Datuk Mohd Jeffrey Joakim, this resulted in contractors being unaware of the negative impacts of unstructured and unsupervised foreign workers’ accommodation like social problems, spreading of diseases and pollution. To tackle this, amendments to Act 446 was being looked into to include expansion of its enforcement to all sectors. For now, construction companies intending to build their own workers’ accommodation are to comply with the Temporary Construction Site Workers’ Amenities and Accommodation — Code of Practice (MS2593:2015) issued by the Standards Malaysia Department under the purview of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB).

Research Questions Can Kongsi House adapt to different needs of its occupants and site profile?

Can Kongsi House be designed to accommodate workers from different cultures and background?

How can Kongsi House incorporate better living environment for construction workers?

Thesis Aim To design a Kongsi House prototype that can accommodate diverse cultures, considers social, environmental and economic sustainability aspects and provides flexibility in configuration that allows for long term use.

Thesis Objectives To design a new prototype for Kongsi House in Malaysia To incorporate values of community spirit in the design of Kongsi House To promote a cleaner, safer and healthier living environment for migrant construction workers

Stage 1 Background Study

Identification of problems and issues Identification of needs Identification of existing solutions and its relevance and gap to thesis

Stage 2 Brief

Formulation of brief Identification of suitable client and collaborators Theoretical relevance Legal and guidelines study

Stage 3 Proposal

Design Performance Criteria Design Rationale Idea and concept Design solution

Stage 4 Specialisation

Module standardisation and customisation Thermal analysis Financial analysis

// chapter 2

BACKGROUND STUDY

History of Kongsi House

Almost all migrant communities around the world organise themselves in their new homes on the basis identifiable affiliations, place of origin, language or dialect, common ancestry (or even shared surname), occupation and so on. This social system also helps to overcome economic marginalisation, social ostracism and discrimination, and acts as an institutional framework into which new arrivals were inducted.

The most emblematic social organisation of migrant Chinese in Southeast Asia came to be the Kongsi or gong si, with kong denoting ‘company’ and si, its management. This is certainly the modern understanding of the term a ‘commercial company’ but more usually also a ‘clan association’. They certainly originated a long time ago in China, though it’s difficult to trace their precise evolution. It is clear, nonetheless, that such associations were at least in part selfprotection or mutual welfare societies, and acted as a bulwark against the depredations of the imperial state.

Large scale Chinese migration to Malaya dates from the nineteenth century, though there were smaller communities of settlements long before that – for example, Hokkien and Cantonese traders who had done business in Southeast Asia began settling in port cities from the sixteenth century. The modern understanding of the term is ‘clan association’ or even a ‘commercial company’ (though the British dubbed then ‘secret societies’) But in many cases, the origins of Kongsi were rather humbler. In the tin-mining areas of the peninsula, for example, newly arrived labourers organised themselves into work units – and these were called Kongsi. In the goldfields of Borneo miners formed themselves into unions or Kongsi that included not only mining workers but artisans, traders and agriculturalists who supplied food.

The leading authority on clan associations in Penang, Wong Yee Tuan narrows down the definition of Kongsi as ‘an autonomous organisation of shared interests based upon blood ties and geographical affinity among its members’. The so called Big Five clan were grouped within and represented by different Kongsi: Khoo, Cheah, Yeoh, Lim and Tan, the earliest being established in 1810.

These lineage groupings were organised in particular for shipping and maritime trade including smuggled goods like opium and firearms and later to provide for more familiar modern support systems in education, welfare and religious and judicial services. In other words, the Kongsi can be understood as representing the ‘good society’ in miniature, partly the institutional form of a commercial enterprise but being built on long-standing values of cooperation, mutualism and affinity. They are remarkably resilient and successful.

In today’s time, Kongsi is much more known for the temporary accommodation provided for migrant construction workers. The word Kongsi which also has a meaning in Malay, translates in English as ‘share’ suggests that workers are supposed to share the room and whatever facilities provided at Kongsi House. This Kongsi House is a makeshift structure meant to be temporary at construction sites and should be dismantled once the construction is completed.

Kongsi House Issues Bad Living Condition Physical Lack of facilities provided for ease of workers Unclean and unsanitary living leads to various medical problems Lack of security Political Lack of awareness about the welfare of migrant workers Lack of enforcements as there is no specific guidelines for the design of Kongsi House Social Lack of community spirit within workers’ colony Arguments between migrants from different countries Lack of entertainment / activities Emotional and Psychological Bad living condition has caused emotional distress which affect productivity of workers at work Environmental Kongsi House is not properly planned and designed and affect the environment with its open burning and improper drainage Economical Materials used not sustainable as it is often deteriorated and cannot be reused for the same purpose or other things

History of Migrants in Malaysia

Most of the registered migrant labours sent to Malaysia are being employed in various work sectors including construction, manufacturing, plantation, agriculture and services. While the source countries are from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand, India, China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Vietnam.

The fundamental concern is on migrant labours status because they remain the employees of those outsourcing companies and not the factories where they work. This is because work contract is made between the out sourcing companies and the factories owners (the employers) and not between the employees and the employers. This leaves great consequences on the employees.

At the same time there is large inflow of foreign labours that attributable to demand factors in the domestic labour market in labour intensive sectors, relative shortage of unskilled labours and remarkable economic success of Malaysia relative to neighbouring countries (The World Bank, 2013). The Memorandum of Understandings signed by Malaysia, which differs from country to country, cover issues such as minimum wages, the specific sector where the labours will be employed, housing, legal status, duration, etc.

Foreign labour admission is based on current policies, laws and regulations that changes overtime. Only migrant labour from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand, India, China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Vietnam, were admitted. The men were allowed to work in five sectors (restaurant, construction, cable, farming and agriculture). The large inflow of these foreign labours is largely attributable to demand factors in the domestic labour market in labour intensive sectors, relative shortage of unskilled labours, and remarkable economic success of Malaysia relative to neighbouring countries.

In 2012, the highest number of foreign labours are from Indonesia (640,609 illegal labours and 405,312 legal labours) followed by Bangladeshis (267,803 illegal labours and 132,897 legal labours) while Nepalese (221,617 legitimate labours and 33,437 illegal ones) (MAPO, 2014).

Rights to basic needs: The Memoranda of Understanding between Malaysia and home countries states that employers are obliged to provide migrant labours with accommodation, free access to water and electricity as well as transportation to the factory (Borrman, 2009). Outsourcing leads to further migrant labour dependency to agents, threats such as wage deductions for illness, become homeless and lose his or her work permit, and can even be a ground to terminate labours’ contracts. Agencies are legally obliged to cover the medical treatment of employees but in reality their wages are deducted for medical expenses.

Migrant Construction Workers Needs and Wants

In the book of Public Places Urban Spaces, (Matthew Carmona, 2003), despite the seemingly individualistic and complex demands of human values, goals and aspirations, the existence of an overarching hierarchy of human needs has been proposed by several authors.

Such hierarchies often follow the original work on human motivation

by Maslow (1 968), who identified a five-stage hierarchy of basic human needs: • • • • •

physiological needs: for warmth and comfort; safety and security needs: to feel safe from harm; affiliation needs: to belong - to a community, for example; esteem needs: to feel valued by others; self-actualisation needs: for artistic expression and fulfilment.

The most basic physiological needs must be satisfied before progress can be made to the higher order ones; for example, self-actualisation: However, although there is a hierarchy, the different needs are related in a complex series of interlinked relationships.

Migrant Construction Workers Socioeconomic

This data is acquired through interview with several migrant construction workers and employers about the monthly income. This data could be used to determine the possible rental fee to be imposed for the Kongsi House prototype.

Private Construction

“All my workers are from Indonesia because they are more hardy la. They earn RM2,500 – RM2,600 a month, or RM100 a day, working 8 hours. Anything more than that, they are paid O.T. at x1.5 rate.”

– Mr. Lim, construction and renovation business owner “We’re paid RM70 per day with meals, around Rm1,890 mothly. Our boss also provides us lodgings, but when there is no work, we won’t receive a salary at all.”

– Joe, construction worker No-name shy guy, Indonesia, RM90 per day “I’ve worked in Malaysia for three years. We work 12-hour shifts at the site from 10am to 7pm. It’s not bad, this job. The money is good, around RM1,700 mothly. I’ve also worked on the MRT site. The pay is the the same.”

– Suparto, construction worker

Government Construction

The MRT project is contracted to Gamuda and the company sub-contracts it to smaller companies, according to Vickneisan Katherason, Project Engineer at Acre Works. The private company is one of the sub-contractors.

He told that the workers are divided into two categories – specialists and ‘kongsi-kong’ (he spelt it for us).

Specialists can earn RM80 per day, while the kongsi-kongs (who basically do all sorts of labour) earn RM50 to RM60 per day. They work 8 hours for 7 days, while O.T. is pro-rated. i.e. specialists about RM10 an hour, and kongsi-kongs about RM8. Vickneisan also told that employers hold their passports to prevent them from running away, but there was one time, one of the guys’ dad (in Indonesia) was sick and the supervisor said that they willingly gave him back his passport, and actually fetched him to the airport to let him go home. He also said that holding passports was a common thing as migrants had a reputation of running away.

// chapter 3

DESIGN THESIS PROPOSAL

Kongsi House Prototype Brief

Kongsi House Prototype Client and Collaborator

The potential client will be the collaboration between the Ministry of Human Resources, NGOs and also business entrepreneurs to make this proposal from happening. This is because the responsibility of taking care the migrant workers is not really clearly identified by the Ministry and policy.

There are still uncertainties that who are really supposed to take the responsibilities of taking great care of the migrant worker’s living condition. Hence, a suitable program and management of the facilities have to be really carefully designed in order to ensure this program could be a successful measure to help promote a safer, healthier, cleaner living environment for the migrant workers as well as the local residents.

Client Ministry of Human Resources

Collaborator Tenaganita

Vision • To be the leading agency in development and management if a World Class Workforce • Mission • To develop a workforce that is productive, informative, discipline, caring and responsive to the changing labour environment towards increasing the economic growth and hence create more job opportunities.

• To encourage and maintain conducive and harmonized industrial relation between employers, employees and trade unions for the nation's economic development and wellness of people.

• To uphold social justice and ensure harmonious industrial relations through solving industrial dispute between employer and employee and awarding collective agreement.

• To ensure trade unions practice democracy, orderly and is responsible to assist achieving the objective of industrial harmony.

• To be the leader in development of nation's human resources.

• To ensure safety and health of workforce is assured.

• To develop skilled, knowledgeable and competitive workforce in a harmonious industrial relation with social justice.

Role Tenaganita is a Malaysian human rights organisation dedicated in assisting, building, advocating and protecting migrants, refugees, women and children from exploitation, abuse, discrimination, slavery and human trafficking. They seek to promote and protect the rights of marginalised and vulnerable individuals who have no voice in this globalised world.

Vision To fight for free, democratic and sustainable society where all persons are equal with dignity and rights Mission To promote and protect the rights and dignity of all women, migrants and refuges while creating spaces collectively to achieve their full potential and liberation in a globalised world Work Area Migrant Labour Rights Protection Program Services in Case Management and Legal Redress, Training of Community Leaders, Partnership and Advocacy Campaign Anti-Trafficking in Persons Prevention, intervention, and recovery for issues related to labour trafficking, child sex trafficking, sex workers and trafficked fisherman Shelter for Women and Children in Crisis Provide medical care, protection and safe repatriation to trafficked survivors

Case Study 1 Kongsi House, Location: Glenmarie Owner: UOA Project: Business P ark Capacity: 2000

This Kongsi House accommodates quite a high number of construction workers considering the scale of the project. Located on a vacant land outside the construction site but within walking distance, this Kongsi House looks like a village of migrants. The Kongsi House is made of single-storey plywood structure.

The condition of the Kongsi House is very bare minimum. However, it can be seen that the migrant workers are trying to live with whatever provided for them. The composition of the workers mostly consists of Indonesians and Bangladeshis. For a small room, they have to fit up to 8 and sometimes 12 persons with minimal opening and ventilation.

The communal cooking area has to be shared with the community but some would prefer to cook inside their room. This is very dangerous considering the Kongsi House is made mostly of fireprone plywood. From time to time, they would take turn to cook.

There is no proper place for them eat together a community.

It can be seen that the Kongsi House is quite okay in terms of cleanliness but there is no proper place for garbage management.

This leads to foul smell around the Kongsi House.

In terms of cooking supplies, a lorry carrying groceries will come from time to time in the morning. This is the only time for them to buy ingredients for cooking

Case Study 2 Kongsi House, Petaling Jaya Location: Petaling Jaya Owner: Sunway Property Project: Serviced Apartment Capacity: 900 workers

This Kongsi House is located inside the construction site. The positioning of the Kongsi House is made after considering the allocation of green area and ground parking space as required by the planning guidelines so as to not interfere with the construction.

Made from mostly fire-prone plywood, up to two-storey high, there are a lot of safety measures being neglected.

Sometimes at night, as shown in the photo, a van carrying pre-loved clothes come to the Kongsi House for business. This is the time when the workers could shop for their clothes.

It is noticeable that the cleanliness aspect is being neglected by the management as well as the community there. The living condition is quite dirty and there is no proper sanitary system .

In terms of facilities, as shown in the photo below, there is no proper cooking area and the bath provided is only the open one. There is no privacy at all but the workers there seems to have accustomed to this situation. hey organise communal cooking where take turns to cook but it can be seen that there is no proper dining area for them to eat as a community. It will be harder is it’s raining as the cooking and dining area is not covered.

The room condition is quite dirty too. The room has no bed, just plywood floor and some patches of mat. They have to share the small room sometimes up to 12 persons with minimal opening and ventilation.

As shown in the photo, a migrant worker is offering his friend massage service after a long day at work. At the other rooms, some are chatting with their roommate and some takes their personal time calling their families at home.

Precedent Study 1 Onagawa Temporary Container Housing + Community Centre, Japan

Following the earthquake in March 2011, Japanese practice Shigeru Ban Architects conceived and implemented this temporary container housing along with a community centre and atelier within the town of Onagawa in Japan. offering families privacy during the recovery, the firm initially embarked upon installing 1800 units of their 2 meter by 2 meter emergency partition system within 50 evacuation facilities.

During the process, they learned about the state of the town of Onagawa and their difficulties to provide temporary shelter due to the lack of flat land.

To resolve the geographical location’s terrain, a proposal for a threestorey structural framework to allow the stacking of 20 foot shipping containers in a checkerboard fashion. This alternating arrangement allows for airy and open living spaces with built-in shelves and closets for storage, a missing element within the temporary houses issued by the government. Since many areas share similar landscape characteristics, these buildings may be constructed in many disaster situations and continue to be used as a long term residential solution due to their excellent seismic performance.

Three variations are formed by the placement of units, forming a 19.8 square meter unit for 1 to 2 individuals, 29.7 m2 for 3 to 4 inhabitants and 39.6 square meter residences accommodating more than 4 dwellers.

Precedent Study 2 Saadiyat Construction Village, UAE

The village houses construction workers and operational staff in the 56 accommodation buildings comprising more than 4,300 steel framed modules incorporating 290,000 square metres of insulated sandwich panel.

The village is designed to international per capita standards for space, food preparation and laundry facilities. It features accommodation, kitchen, dining, recreation, prayer halls, shops, satellite TV, and community facilities. It features ample green space, including a cricket pitch.

The village has been constructed in four clusters with room for further expansion to accommodate 40,000 workers if required. The buildings have been designed with significant environmental considerations including the installation of an energy-efficient cooling system and solar hot water systems.

Precedent Study 3 Tuas View Dormitory, Singapore

Tuas View Dormitory is the largest worker's dormitory in Singapore catering to the Marine, Manufacturing, Processing and Construction Industries. At a capacity of 16,800 beds, it is a self-contained living quarters equipped with common toilets, designated cooking and food preparation area, laundry area and common dining cum interacting area.

Catering to the need for rest and recreation, there is also an indoor recreational/multi-purpose room, reading rooms and TV rooms as well as two indoor gymnasiums and at least two outdoor game courts. Besides, there is also commercial amenities such as minimarts, a canteen and other retail shops to provide greater convenience to the occupants. Tuas View Dormitory is owned by Active System Engineering Pte Ltd and managed by TS Management Services Pte Ltd.

Precedent Study 4 Micro housie by Atelier Tetowowe

Measuring five metres by five metres, it’s the size of two car parking spaces These potentially-unused car parks could be the sites for what the architects call an “urban village”. As the prototype has a pitched roof, they envision clusters of these homes arranged on a rooftop car park, with landscaped spaces between homes used as shared recreational space and other areas designated as communal kitchens and urban gardens.

However, tiny doesn’t mean cramped. Despite its size, the welldesigned house still manages to fit a large porch, living space, a pantry, a bathroom and even a second floor bedroom. Many of the spaces can be enlarged according to your needs, thanks to folding wall partitions.

With only a small private area for your own pantry and a bedroom, other areas like dining rooms, kitchens and even guest rooms can be shared by the community as needed.

Architectural Theory Adaptable Architecture

Architectural Theory Spatial Justice

“Spatial” = a basis in space, location, or position Space can be defined in many ways, including both the commonsense use of the term as well as more technical definitions. According to the geographer David Harvey, spatial relationships can be defined as: absolute space: definite position on an (unchanging) coordinate system relative space: distance to a common reference point in time and space relational space: position within a symbolic system perceived by a particular person or group Our working definition of spatial justice encompasses each of these approaches to looking at geographic space.

“Inequality” Inequality can be defined as difference that has implications for social justice, according to the geographer David Smith. Community groups with a concern for social justice perceive these differences and can document spatial inequality by representing the differences within a spatial framework.

The power of spatial expressions of inequality lies in the visual appeal of maps and the ability to capture the powerful role played by geography.

Spatial Justice Resources is focused on providing formal, or statistical, methods of representing, communicating and measuring spatial inequality (absolute or relative concepts of space). We would also like to encourage users to combine these with other ways of representing inequality.

Examples of Spatial Inequality and Spatial Injustice Facilities or services that are needed for the health and well-being of a community are not adequately available in an area with need, as compared with their availability in other locations.

Allocation of resources, e.g. budgets, political power, etc. are unfairly distributed such that on a per-capita or other basis, some areas are disadvantaged compared to others.

Facilities or activities that cause harm to communities are unevenly distributed such that some communities suffer the effects to a significantly greater extent than others. Access to space is unfairly or unjustly controlled.

Architectural Study Relevant Standards and Guidelines

// chapter 4

KONGSI HOUSE PROTOTYPE

Kongsi House Prototype Design performance Criteria

Kongsi House Prototype Design Rationale

Kongsi House Prototype Idea Concept

Modular system is used for the Kongsi House Prototype.

A basic prototype is a combination of modules and structural framing.

Modules (2.4 x 2.4 x 2.7) are made of customised prefabricated components such as wall, floor, foldable furniture etc. while structural framing (4.2 x 8.4 x 3) is made of customised steel sections.

The basic prototype can be expanded horizontally and vertically by combining more of the basic prototypes.

As modules are being combined together, few typologies emerged so to provide option and variation.

To locate it at a site, structural framing is constructed first. Then, the module framing is fixed to the structure before components such as wall, floor etc. being installed to the framing.

On how to fix the module to the framing, it'll be connected by using connection angles and bolts and clip-on mechanism. The idea is to make it easier to adapt to various configurations and also to make it easier to disassemble later.

This modular system also allows for erection at sloping site as the members of the structural framing can be customised according to needs.

Kongsi House Prototype Spaces Possibilities

Kongsi House Prototype Basic Prototype (Personal Unit)

Kongsi House Prototype Basic Prototype (Sharing Unit)

Kongsi House Prototype Idea of Growth

Kongsi House Prototype Possible Planning Configuration

// chapter 5

PILOT SITE

Site Selection Criteria

Considering that this is a prototype for Kongsi House and developments are happening all around Malaysia, site selection criteria is devised to help in justifying the viability of the site.

The proposed site should consider: •

• Future developments Underutilised / unused land • Future contextual impact

The proposed site is chosen considering all these three criteria.

Located along Jalan Cheras, Chan Sow Lin, Kuala Lumpur, it is located within 5km radius to major developments in Kuala Lumpur including Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) • Bandar Malaysia • Developments around Jalan Cochrane and Jalan Peel • The presence of these developments is crucial to sustain the inhabitants of the Kongsi House prototype.

•

•

The second criteria suggests that an underutilised / unused land in suitable for this transient structure, considering the land cost needed to be covered. The proposed site was previously JKR Quarters before the being acquired for the construction of MEX Highway. The quarters were demolished and the residents were relocated in Cheras.

The last criteria is crucial as bringing in migrant workers is attached to the stigma that it will cause a lot of social problems. It important to consider that the Kongsi House prototype does not affect the contectual sensitivity of the locals. The proposed site is located in between institution land, which is CIDB and DBKL Workshop. This is indeed suitable as there is less impact as compared to site located near to residential area.

Proposed site

A Glimpse of Chan Sow Lin

Historically Different Developments Although geographically situated in the larger Sungei Besi area, both developments have different historical and socioeconomic backgrounds. Bandar Malaysia will be located on the old Sungei Besi airport site which has historical bearing as the country’s first international airport as well as the birthplace of Royal Malaysian Air Force. In light of new developments, the location will gain greater significance with its latest role in the future as one of the most desirable environments to live, learn, work and play in the Asian region.

Chan Sow Lin was once the nation’s thriving industrial hub, housing iron and tin foundries which modernisation has evolved into factories and automotive workshops. However, many of its privately owned businesses have not proven to be sustainable through economic challenges. Today, its streets are lined primarily with dilapidated warehouses, shops and squatter homes which look misplaced in a bustling city.

Unlike Chan Sow Lin which has to contend with its historical and social infrastructure, Bandar Malaysia has the advantage of being developed from the ground up, allowing a masterplan to build a futuristic mixed development which is characteristic of a world-class city to be put in place.

Distinct Socioeconomic Roles Bandar Malaysia, the brainchild of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) will have a gross development value of RM20 billion. This strategic development will feature vibrant mixed-use community living areas complemented by commercial districts. Its key features include ecologically-friendly buildings and living solutions, large public spaces which are designed to encourage social interaction and world-class social and educational infrastructure such as event halls, academic institutions, theatres and public parks. The development is set to become one of the few region’s inclusive public transitoriented cities designed to encourage walking and cycling using its series of well-planned pedestrian and cycling networks.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will build on Chan Sow Lin’s legacy as an industrial area to re-launch it as the city’s state-of-the-art automobile business park which will house companies supplying parts to as well as supporting businesses associated with the automobile industry such as accessory dealers, car showrooms and vehicle servicing workshops.

Existing businesses in Chan Sow Lin have long enjoyed the advantages of the accessibility provided by its highways, wellconstructed roads and LRT line. Upgrading the friendliness and connectivity of the work areas, improving the residential developments in the township and constructing new commercial districts are top priorities in DBKL’s urban regeneration agenda for Chan Sow Lin. An Interdependence of Value The geographical proximity of Bandar Malaysia and Chan Sow Lin will be mutually beneficial. An example of the interdependence that is foreseen between Bandar Malaysia and Chan Sow Lin is best represented by the relationship between KLCC and Ampang. In addition to a rise in property values, the Ampang area has experienced physical, social and economic expansion in order to cater to the interest in areas surrounding KLCC. Properties and businesses within the KLCC enclave rely on Ampang’s infrastructure for its residents’ social and economic growth.

Bandar Malaysia as a landmark development has already positively impacted real estate values in it surrounding areas. Its development will see a rise in the population of Sungei Besi and provide a bigger market for industrial and commercial hubs such as Chan Sow Lin to service.

The project will also benefit from its proximity to Chan Sow Lin as the area will provide the physical framework to house the heavier industries which are required to support the growth of Bandar Malaysia and its residents. Chan Sow Lin’s strategic location has seen a rise in the number of investors contributing to its revitalisation plan.

Proposed site

Site Analysis

SWOT Analysis

Strength Strategic location: located at the centre of future developments around Kuala Lumpur Located nearby to various mode of transportation, bus stop, LRT and future MRT line Weakness Noise contributed by traffic from MEX highway Structure of the flyover crossing through the site Opportunity Space under the flyover could be utilised Constraint Setback restriction from the highway structure Small road frontage Narrow site

Site Plan

The proposed site is located in Chan Sow Lin, along Jalan Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. Formerly was JKR quarters, it was demolished in 2010 as the land was acquired by the Federal Government for the construction of MEX Highway.

Now, the site is a vacant land, and currently rented to a privete used car company. It is separated into 3 parcels and the flyover structure of the highway runs across the site making it not favourable by many.

Lot Number : 53, 56, 57 Street Name : Jalan Cheras Topography : Flat land Existing Usage : Used Car Land Title : Housing Land Owner : JKR Malaysia

Ground Floor Plan

// chapter 5

SPECIAL STUDY

Prototype Standardisation and Customisation (Process)

Prototype Standardisation and Customisation (Materials Breakdown)

x1

Floor Structure Frame (100 x 1200 x 1800)

x 10

Screw Pile

x6

Secondary (I-section) 200 x 200 x 1200

x 10

Primary (I-section) 200 x 300 x 2400

Floor Structure Frame (100 x 1200 x 2400)

x 10

Vertical (I-section) 200 x 200 x 2700)

x 16

Secondary (I-section) 200 x 200 x 2400

X1

x3

Floor Structure Frame (100 x 2400 x 2400)

x3

Ceiling (I-section) 100 x 100 x 2400

x3

Floor Structure Frame (100 x 2400 x 1800)

x7

Compressed Cement Board (15 x 2400 x 1200)

x7

Compressed Cement Board (15 x 1800 x 1200)

x3

Fiberglass Sheet (6 x 2400 x 2400)

x 22

Panel Track (2200)

Centre Unit

Track (990)

Fiberglass Sheet (6 x 2400 x 1800)

x 11

x4

x3

x6

x4

Corner Unit

Intermediate Unit (Adjoining)

x 21

x3

Gutter (2400)

Ceiling panel (1200 x 1200)

x4

Ceiling Panel (1200 x 600)

x1

Gutter (1200)

x3

x 15

Balcony Set

Roof Truss

x3

x3

Purlin Set

Railing (2200)

x1

x 14

Corrugated Metal Roof Sheet (1200 x 3000)

Railing (1000)

Step by Step On-site Assembly

Standardised Bed

Toilet Fiberglass Detail

Financial Analysis

Thermal Analysis

// chapter 6

GREEN & SUSTAINABILITY STUDY

Green and Sustainability Study Passive Design Strategies

Insulated Wall Panel for Thermal Comfort Department of Standards Malaysia, 2007 has published a guideline for a standard indoor environment design for Malaysian climate recommends indoor temperature to be in the range of 23 °C to 26 °C.

Air-permeable above-window Opening for Cross Ventilation

In order to allow cross ventilation, which could help to regulate the indoor temperature, the panels of the modules are designed with airpermeable above-window opening. The wall panels with this opening are installed on both sides to allow this to happen.

However, for the existing kongsi house provided using container, based on a research conducted by Al-Obaidi et al., it is revealed that the indoor air temperature of this container can exceed up to 32 °C due to its material which is made of steel. This is far exceeding the recommended temperature.

Thermal comfort is very crucial in determining the livelihood of the occupants. By using rockwool-insulated wall panels, the indoor temperature could be reduced to the recommended figure.

Rockwool as insulation is economically sustainable and it works best as sound insulation too.

Raised Development for Sustainable Site Planning

Considering that the kongsi house prototype is meant to be temporary, the development is made raised from the ground so it does not leave any impact to the site. Screw pile is used to create this raised effect at it is connected to the structural framing of the prototype. By having this gap between the ground and the prototype, it also allows for air to flow.

Green and Sustainability Study Active Design Strategies

Low Energy Electrical Appliances and Automatic Sensor System Switching off lights and appliances is one of the best known ways to save electricity. But often we forget to switch them off when needed or we keep them on even when they are not needed. Most of the times this happens for convenience or because of forgetfulness. But we all know that this is increasing our electricity bills. In many cases the one who pays for the electricity bills is the one who is concerned about rising bills but the one using it does not care much. But all this can be avoided using some of the latest technology that is available in the market.

Usage of low energy electrical appliances and application of automatic sensor system on light fittings will help in reducing the consumption of energy as well. The appliances will only switch on when there is a user and switch off after the user left. Since most of the areas that will be shared among the tenants, in order to avoid unnecessarily wastage, it is best to use automatic sensor system.

Example: Occupancy Sensor Control Occupancy Sensors also known as PIR (or passive infrared rays) sensors can be very effective in controlling the lighting system in an indoor space. These provide a lot of convenience of switching on or switching off the lighting system based on the occupancy of the room. These sensors typically sense motion up to 20 ft from the sensor and control the lighting based on occupancy in that space. If placed strategically, a sensor can cover a lot of space in a room and can switch on the light when a person enters a room and switch it off when there is no one in the room.

Green and Sustainability Study Sustainable Materials

Fibreglass This material is used for the modular units. The advantages of using this material for the wall panels is that it is highly durable. Fibreglass is used for the external and internal part of ships, boats or even an aeroplane. It is also weather resistant. These factors are essential as kongsi house prototype should be able to withstand weather challenges so it could be reused several life cycles.

Screw Pile Considering that this prototype is meant to be temporary and it could be disassembled and moved to different construction sites, screw pile is used instead of the conventional foundation. Screw pile is perfect to build temporary building.

Other reusable and recyclable materials All the materials used for the prototype is meant to be reusable so it’s crucial to allow for its portability. For instance, structural framing components such as steel I section and castellated section could be reused. Fibreglass on the other hand could be recycled to become other products such as furniture should the lifetime of this modules exceeded.

Green and Sustainability Study Energy Consumption

Malaysia is located within the equatorial region and its exposure to ample and constant sunshine of up to eight hours a day with average radiation of 4,500 KWh make it an ideal environment for the research and development of suitable PV technologies. A fitting of solar panel in Kuala Lumpur would give about 1,000 to 1,200 kWh per year which receives 30% additional energy than an equal scheme in Germany.

Solar energy is used for two purposes: 1) solar thermal applications, and 2) PV technologies. Solar thermal applications are where heat from the solar energy is used for heating purposes, while PV technologies are for electricity generation. Thus, by introduction of solar panels’ system into this project can help in saving energy consumption from TNB. According to FiT, Feed in Tariff Malaysia, solar PV is one of the renewable energy system which can guaranteed the return of investments even the materials are expensive.

Estimation of amount of monthly electricity consumption

Electrical load calculation Total GFA

= 6897 m2

AC Load: In order to achieve greater sustainability, no AC will be used in this building. All the spaces will be naturally ventilated. 100% natural ventilation.

Lighting Load: Lighting load (rule of thumb) = Total GFA m2 x 5W = 6897 m2 x 5W = 34,485 W = 34.5 kW

Total Electric Load:

Total electric load/day = 34.5 kW / 345 kWh Total electric consumption per month (estimated) = 1035 kW / 10,350 kWh Total electric consumption per year (estimated) = 12,420 kW / 124,200 kWh * Rule of Thumb of AC/Lighting Load refers to (Hawkins, 2011) Hawkins, G. (2011). Rules of Thumb R. Radburn (5Ed.) Guidelines for building services (pp. 18) Estimation Electricity Generated from BIPV

Using the JAP 6 72-320/3BB model of solar panel, it is estimated that it could generate 300W power from a 1.2m x 2.4m (2.4sqm) panel.

Potential Roof Area/ PV installation Net Flor Area = 900 m2 Number of solar panel installed = 900/2.4 = 375 panels Total kWp power installed (No. of solar panel x Power generated from one panel /1000) = 375 x 300 = 112.5 kWp *Provided that estimated annual average PV yield is 1580 kWh/kWp/yr Total annual kWh generated by PV (Power installed x Annual average) = 112.5 x 1580 = 177,750 kWh/yr Percentage of BIPV energy replacement = 124,200 / 177,750 x 100% = 70% (High Energy Efficiency)

Table shows the estimated water consumption in the world + per appliance and sector Source: International Water consumption data table Number of residents in one colony: 80 Number of toilet module provided in one colony: 24 Total number of kitchen sink: 6 Total number of tap for laundry: 6 Estimated calculation of water consumption required by public bath module:

Amount of Water consumption required by one person in one module = toilet (5 times) + shower + teeth brush (2 times) + hand/face washing (5 times) = 66 litre + 50 litre + 2 litre + 5 litre = 123 litre per head per day Amount of Water consumption required by one person for food preparation and dish washing (three times) = (Food preparation + drinking and cooking + dish washing) X 3 = (15 litre + 3 litre + 6 litre) X 3 = 72 litre per head per day Amount of Water consumption required by oner person for laundry handwash = 20 litre per wash per head per day Total amount of water consumption by one person = 123 + 72 + 20 = 215 litre per head per day

From the table above, the water consumption required by boarding school is 250 litre per pupil per day, which is quite similar to the calculation that I have calculated above.

Therefore, it is best to assume that the water consumption required by a resident in the kongsi house is 250 litre per day.

Amount of water consumption required by all residents per day = 560 (number of residents) X 250 litre = 140,000 litre per day Amount of water consumption for praying facilities in kongsi house = 30 (maximum number of prayers) X 50 litre = 1500 litre per day Total amount of water consumption per day = 140,000 + 1500 = 141,500 litre

Estimation of Rainwater Harvested Volume *Refer to the website http://greencleanguide.com/rainwaterharvesting-potential-calculation/

Following table shows default values for the run-off coefficient;

Amount of water consumption required by toilet flushing = 30 litre per day per person per unit x 3 (average number of users) x (24 x 7) units = 15,120 litre per day Potential replacement of water supply by RWH from roof catchment for toilet flushing = 11,229 litre / 15,120 litre x 100% = 74%

Given that the formula to Calculate potential supply of rainwater from the catchment area: Mean rainwater supply in m3 = Mean annual rainfall in mm/year (Need to convert the value in ‘m’) x Surface area of catchment in m2 x Run-off coefficient Potential supply of rainwater from the roof catchment area: Mean annual rainfall = 2500mm /year (2.5m) Surface area of catchment for roof = 2342 m2.

Run-off coefficient = 0.7 Mean rainwater supply = 4098.5 m3 (4,098,500 litre) per year = 11,229 litre per day *provided roof catchment efficiency = 100% Potential replacement of water supply by RWH (Non Potable) = mean rainwater supply / total amount of water consumption per day x 100% = 11,229 litre per day/141,500 litre per day x 100% = 7.93% As only 7.93% potential to replace the water supply by RWH, thus the purpose of RWHS system for the proposed project will be used for toilet flushing in the toilet module. Hence, the rain water harvested will be used for all the toilets flushing.

Green and Sustainability Study Return of Investment Return of Investment of Electricity

Total consumption per year (without renewable energy) = 124,200 kWh/year Current Tariff Calculation: For each kilowatt maximum of demand per year = 124,200 x RM30.30 = RM3,763,260 BIPV generated = 177,750 kWh/yr 1kWh = RM0.365 Hence, total electricity bill: = 177,750 x RM0.365 = RM64,878.75 Total Saving = RM64,878.75

Estimated Overall Construction Cost

Built up area= 6897 sqm / 74,238 sq.ft Estimated construction cost of the proposed building = 74,238 x RM250 per sq.ft = RM18,559,500 Estimated cost for the installation of green technology system consists of 5-7% of the overall construction cost. Assuming the installation of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) and rainwater harvesting system equal up to 5% of the overall building construction cost.

Hence, the estimated installation cost of green technology system is: RM18,559,500 x 5% = RM927,975 Assuming the installation of rainwater harvesting system consumes 3% of the installation cost of green system, while 90% is used to install BIPV system.

Thus, cost of installing Rainwater Harvesting System = RM927,975 x 3% = RM27,839.25 The cost of installing BIPV System = RM927,975 x 97% = RM900,135.75 Rainwater harvesting installation cost : RM27,839.25 Annual saving from RWHT : RM9216.76 Estimated years to get the return = RWH installation cost/ annual saving from RWH = RM27,839.25/ RM9216.76 = 3 years Annual savings from BIPV = RM64,878.75 Estimated years to get the return = BIPV installation cost / annual savings from BIPV and light pipe = RM900,135.75/ RM64,878.75 = 13 years

Green and Sustainability Study Return of Investment Return of Investment of Water Supply

Total water bill per month (without renewable energy): = 141,500 litres x 30 = 4,245,000 litres/ month = 4245 m3 per month 1mÂł = RM 2.28 Therefore, the total annual water bill is = 4245 x RM 2.28 x 12 months = RM116,143.20 Total water bill per month (with rainwater harvesting system): = 11,229 litres x 30 = 336,870 litres/ month = 336.87 m3 per month Hence the total annual water bill is = 336.87 x RM2.28 x 12 months = RM9216.76 Total Saving = RM9216.76

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