Building & Investment January - February 2022 by Building & Investment

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NEWS & EVENTS 06

A round up of events and happenings within the industry

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CONTENTS

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NEWS & EVENTS

NS BlueScope Malaysia goes big on solar energy NS BlueScope Malaysia, one of the main producers of coated steel in the country, celebrated a new milestone in BlueScope’s 2050 Net Zero Goal with the construction of its 33,930m2 solar farm, NS BlueScope SunField. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on 16 December 2021 and attended by His Excellency Dr Justin Lee, Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia; Koh Boon Hong, Country President of NS BlueScope Malaysia; Management Team of NS BlueScope Malaysia, Business Partners and esteemed guests. “The NS BlueScope SunField is an example of our commitment to renewable energy. Guided by BlueScope’s decarbonisation pathway to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050, we are gearing up to decarbonise our o perations through empowering our people and adopting new technologies,” said Koh. The NS BlueScope Sunfield, comprising 9,629 photovoltaic (PV) panels, will be constructed on NS BlueScope’s Kapar Manufacturing Plant. It is estimated to be completed by May 2022. Koh said the solar powerhouse can generate 7,007,364 kWh over a year, which is sufficient to power 1,678 residential homes. It will help to reduce 4,477 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually compared with using fossil fuel or the equivalent of 29,430 fewer passenger cars or planting 42,033 trees. “To make the NS BlueScope SunField possible, we have devoted an initial investment of RM16 million. Tapping into the strength of steel, we are able to introduce a resilient solution that could sustain the generation of clean energy for at least 25 years,” added Koh. “Our existing initiatives today including the NS BlueScope SunField represent a 23.9% reduction in greenhouse gasses. Using the year 2018 as a baseline, this is expected to enable the company to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030. Bigger plans are en route to bring us closer to our decarbonisation 6 January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz

pathway, which include the introduction of green smart office, EV charging stations, water recycling, EV forklifts and many more,” he explained. The NS BlueScope SunField is one of the major milestones in NS BlueScope Malaysia’s climate change strategy. Earlier initiatives include the Solar LED Street Lights, Rainwater Harvesting, Wastewater Treatment, Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser (RTO), and the continuous optimisation of energy efficiency in the company’s manufacturing operations. NS BlueScope Malaysia is a part of BlueScope Steel Ltd Australia, one of the world’s largest manufacturers listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX: BSL) for premium metallic coated and painted steel building products. The strength of BlueScope is its global network with more than 100 facilities in 18 countries. It has a staff strength of more than 14,000 across the globe.

Nippon Paint announces Malaysian Winners of AYDA 2021 The 14th instalment of Asia Young Designer Awards (AYDA 2021) in Malaysia has successfully concluded as the winners were announced via a live virtual awards ceremony held on 30 December 2021. Organised by Nippon Paint Malaysia in collaboration with long-standing partner IJM Land Berhad, AYDA 2021 garnered a total of 1,276 entries for both the Architecture and Interior Design categories. Themed ‘FORWARD: Amplifying Empathy Through Design’, this year’s AYDA challenges the next generation of designers to grow beyond designing one-dimensional space and incorporate the evolving demands of consumers while factoring in sustainability and environmental care. Nippon Paint Malaysia Group Managing Director, Yaw Seng Heng said: “Today’s design demands the need for increased levels of emotional understanding. Designers are now required to make essential decisions in maximising commercial value while protecting the aspects of nature and human emotions. Our winners prominently portrayed the theme’s objective in their designs with conscious design solutions incorporating sustainability, and social and emotional factors in mind.” Muhammad Afzal bin Hasmi from International Islamic University Malaysia bagged the winning prize for the Architectural category with his project titled ‘Sejahtera Community Center’. The design with innovative facilities aims to empower local entrepreneurship so that people’s livelihood and social needs can be sustained during the “new normal” in achieving a harmonious and resilient socio-economic community. Meanwhile, Amirah Afiqah binti Abdullah from City University of Malaysia emerged as the winner for the Interior Design category with her project ‘Bakau’. The design aims to develop an agricultural hub with various activities such as commercial, social, education and a preservation centre so that mankind can live within the ecosystem of mangrove forests for sustainable living in the environment.

Both Muhammad Afzal and Amirah Afiqah will take their winning designs and represent Malaysia in the international grand finals against finalists from 16 countries. The grand prize winners from the two categories will then receive a fully-funded 6-week Design Discovery programme at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design in Boston, USA worth US$10,000 next year. This year’s competition marks AYDA’s

second virtual event in light of COVID-19 restrictions. Nippon Paint Malaysia took special care to include several digital interactions and virtual coaching sessions, ensuring participants were able to interact with industry mentors and coaches. Participants were able to gain first-hand industry knowledge and were exposed to various online workshops by experienced lecturers and industry professionals through the CAKAPLAH! Sessions. January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz 7

NEWS & EVENTS

Antonio Riggio, Operations Manager of Tecnopails, IM Group.

Tecnopails reveals “Lavelli A21” – the world’s first liquid paints Tecnopails, the dedicated filling division of the recently rebranded, IM GROUP (formerly Inkmaker Group), has unveiled the world’s first automated system for coupling lids with latches, in time for the year-end festive period. Tecnopails, which was acquired by IM GROUP early last year, specialises in the design and production of customised automated systems for dosing, sealing and labelling for Ink, paint and chemical containers, produced the innovative machines for a renowned European multinational company that develops innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. Known as the “Lavelli A21” (after its creator Luigi Lavelli), the two twin machines conceived in unison with Tecnopails’ client, are specifically designed to produce the ultimate packaging solution and effectively minimise any operator’s actions to that of just placing a lid, with latch, onto a container. The operation of packing the ready-stacked lids – currently the only action remaining for an operator to handle – has also been predesigned to be fully integrated into the existing system using IoT and industry 4.0 technology. “The main reasons behind our being the first to develop this

8 January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz

machine can be attributed to our 40 years of experience in the sector, coupled with IM GROUP’s significant investment in R&D and industry 4.0 automation; the smart technology used enabled us to craft these machines to interface with the customer’s management system, as well as to predesign them for future integration and automation of potentially many more process phases, within an industry 4.0 context,” explained Antonio Riggio, Operations Manager of Tecnopails. “We are very proud of this achievement, firstly because these machines are the first of their kind in the world but also because they have produced another example of quality Italian engineering at its best.” The system utilises two stations, where operators can load lids and latches in a totally safe environment, even whilst the machine is in motion. The machine then automatically assembles both lid and latch, pairs them, and then uniformly stacks them. The smart system is programmed to automatically detect the orientation, in which any handle has been positioned, eliminating the necessity for the latches to be stored in a precise order by the operator. Additionally, each machine comes equipped with a user-friendly touch screen to facilitate the GUI interface.

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January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz 9

NEWS & EVENTS

From left: Richard Soo (Project Director of KSK Land), Vincent Tan (Executive Director of KSK Land), Joanne Kua (CEO of KSK Group and Managing Director of KSK Land), Ar Hud Bakar (Managing & Design Director of RSP Architects KL), Cheah Ham Cheia (Group Managing Director of GDB), and Alexander Lo (Group Executive Director of GDB), at the official topping out ceremony of YOO8 Tower A at 8 Conlay.

KSK Land tops out first tower of YOO8 branded residences serviced by Kempinski at 8 Conlay KSK Land, Malaysia’s leading lifestyle and design property company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of KSK Group Berhad recently celebrated the structural topping out of the first tower (“Tower A”) of YOO8 branded residences serviced by Kempinski. “We are proud and thankful to have braved through the pandemic and arrived at this important milestone for 8 Conlay without any major accidents or injuries. While the past year was indeed challenging, we observed that there is in fact stronger interest in the local market for branded residences like YOO8 compared to pre-COVID times, while the international market remains engaged. Based on a recent global buyer study, there are now more buyers seeking hotel-integrated residences for their branded services and amenities, high-yield potential and quality property management. As international borders begin to reopen, we look forward to welcoming visitors who are enthusiastic about owning a branded residence to our sales gallery,” said Joanne Kua, CEO of KSK Group and Managing Director of KSK Land, during the topping out ceremony held on 18 November 2021. Located on nearly four acres of freehold land at the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s city centre, 8 Conlay encompasses three skylineenhancing towers, which features the world’s tallest twisted twin residential towers – the YOO8 serviced by Kempinski branded residences, with interiors designed by Steve Leung & YOO (Tower A) and Kelly Hoppen for YOO (Tower B); the first and only five-star Kempinski Hotel in Malaysia; and four-storeys worth of experiential lifestyle retail quarters. Following the structural completion of the project’s first branded residential tower, KSK Land will be pushing forward with plans for its handover by the end of 2022 and the second tower (“Tower B”) by mid-2023. KSK Land also unveiled the latest features in its 8 Conlay homeowner mobile app, which includes mobile lift access 10 January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz

KSK Land has also announced the successful completion of its fullyfurnished mock-up units in YOO8 Tower A by Steve Leung & YOO, which showcases the build quality and design of a sought-after branded residence.

control; smart home control in partnership with Lutron; visitor management; vacant possession and defect management; and an in-app chat, voice call or video call function that directly connects to the concierge. Built by KSK Land’s data & tech arm, KSK City Labs, the mobile app is designed to seamlessly elevate homeowners’ experience

at 8 Conlay, encompassing the entire journey from purchase to residency and property management. More new features will be introduced down the line, including a chat function that connects YOO8 residents directly to Kempinski’s Lady-in-Red for access to the hotel’s hallmark services such as butler on call, private chef service, housekeeping, residential provisioning, tailoring and more.

January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz 11

NEWS & EVENTS

The Tropicana Industrial Park consists of eight phases with plots of land between one and three acres ready for sale to light and medium industries.

Tropicana heralds a new industrial park in Iskandar Malaysia Tropicana Corporation Berhad has unveiled the Group’s first Industrial Park during a groundbreaking ceremony in Iskandar Malaysia recently. This 1,188-acre industrial park is the only centralised industrial park in the district, set to spur economic growth in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia. “We are grateful to YAB Dato' Haji Hasni Mohammad, the Johor Menteri Besar, for officiating our groundbreaking ceremony. The Tropicana Industrial Park is situated in a prime location and enjoys unparalleled connectivity. Investors will be pleased to know we provide a whole host of infrastructure, conveniences, and facilities. We are confident the plots will see swift take-up,” said Lee Han Ming, Group Chief Executive Officer of Tropicana. “Iskandar Malaysia, covering 2,217sq km, is an important economic corridor in the country since its inception in 2006. It focuses on holistic and comprehensive growth, balancing economic prosperity, quality living, and sustainability. Its development is guided by the Comprehensive Development Plan and the Circle of Sustainability and planned, promoted, and facilitated by the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA). Electrical and electronics, petroleum and oleo-chemical, food and agroprocessing, logistics, tourism, creative, healthcare, education, and financial and business processes are the region’s nine promoted sectors. We target to achieve a population of three million and RM383 billion in cumulative investment by 2025. I am pleased Tropicana Industrial Park will help the state government achieve our targets and contribute to an investment-friendly environment,” said Johor Menteri Besar YAB Dato' Haji Hasni Mohammad. Tropicana Industrial Park consists of eight phases with plots of land between one and three acres ready for sale to light and medium industries, priced at RM67 per sq ft. The Tropicana Industrial Park sets out to redefine the industrial landscape by providing a wealth of amenities, facilities, and infrastructure on-site such as high-speed fibre optic services; safe, comfortable dormitories with 18,000 beds; an accumulative size of 10-acre industrial facilities depot to support the overall development and operation of the industrial park; a recreational park and lake with landscape design for outdoor activities including a jogging path and a cycling track. 12 January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz

The Tropicana Industrial Park’s groundbreaking ceremony was officiated by Johor Menteri Besar YAB Dato' Haji Hasni Mohammad.

The groundbreaking ceremony of the Tropicana Industrial Park at Iskandar Malaysia.

Tropicana also offers bespoke business support services to prospective and future occupants of the industrial park, including the setting up of business registration, guidance on approval of licenses, planning and design of industrial space, manpower recruitment, accommodation for the workforce, workplace safety procedures, assistance on internet services, customisation of factory, assistance on government incentives, as well as connecting with local and foreign business associations, chambers of commerce, and national authorities such as MITI and MIDA.

Hatten Land signs Comprehensive Collaboration Agreement (CCA) with Huawei SGX Catalist-listed Hatten Land Limited has recently announced on 27 December 2021 that its wholly-owned subsidiary Hatten Edge Pte Ltd has entered into a Comprehensive Collaboration Agreement (CCA) with global leading information and communications technology (ICT) provider Huawei International Pte Ltd. Under the CCA, Hatten and Huawei will jointly explore and develop opportunities in cloud computing and enterprise intelligence, renewable energy, data centres, fintech infrastructure in Melaka and the region by utilising their respective capabilities in technology, operational resources and business networks. In addition, both companies aim to work on potential opportunities for large-scale solar facilities in the region, thereby augmenting Hatten’s sustainability efforts. As a start, Hatten’s first PV project of installing over 6,000 solar panels on the roof of the largest mall in Melaka, Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, in 2022, will be equipped by Huawei’s smart inverters. Hatten has substantial hospitality and commercial property businesses and assets in Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a major tourist attraction in Southeast Asia. Hatten has recently had undertaken a major strategic review to re-purpose its malls and to pivot its business model towards blockchainrelated and digital economy trends as well as opportunities in digital assets.

Hatten’s digital opportunities include building a “Virtual” world, starting with a digital twin city of Melaka (“Digital Melaka”), which will contain NFTs, tokens and other digital assets using blockchain and initiatives. HUAWEI CLOUD will endeavour to support Hatten’s strategies and initiatives in blockchain, NFT, ‘green’ and ‘clean’ digital assets, custodian services and other digital asset creation and monetisation activities by providing its latest research and innovations on industrial-grade infrastructure architecture designed for financial institutions. With the partnership targeted towards the regional markets, there are strong opportunities to leverage on both Huawei and Hatten’s business networks to harness the emerging trends and business opportunities in Asia’s digital economy. Dato’ Colin Tan, Executive Chairman and Managing Director of Hatten, said: “The Huawei-Hatten partnership is a strong and unique complementary combination. Huawei’s expertise in innovation, technology and complex digital product integrations, and Hatten’s established track record and business network in Malaysia and the region will allow us to build the next generation of cloud solutions, digital platforms and renewable energy solutions. Together, working as one team, we aim to unlock the full potential of digital transformations and business opportunities within the new digital economies in Asia.” January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz 13

NEWS & EVENTS

Carrier Malaysia launches VRF cooling systems for commercial spaces Carrier Malaysia has launched the allnew variable refrigerant flow (VRF) XCT7 cooling system for commercial buildings and spaces. Amidst the ease of restrictions and return-to-office (RTO) policies, Carrier Malaysia aims to equip Malaysian businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the right cooling solutions. This latest innovation by Carrier is capable of serving different usage patterns of different spaces while maintaining building aesthetics and optimizing operational efficiency. Key features of the new VRF cooling system include enhanced performance through its improved refrigerant distribution; increased reliability with anti-liquid shock technology of the compressor; high efficiency in cooling by utilizing an advanced DC compressor with high-efficient fan; incredible flexibility to accommodate almost any building requirement, perfect for limited space applications; and it comes with a wide

range of options from a single module to four modules, providing a combined capacity of up to 112 HP and up to 64 indoor units per outdoor system. Managing Director of Carrier Singapore, Malaysia & Brunei Chong Wai Yen said, “Carrier’s XCT7 cooling system is our first Carrier-branded VRF system to be offered in Malaysia and the seventh generation globally. We aim to provide Malaysian SMEs and business owners with the best solutions that offer superior performance, flexibility and reliability for

peace of mind and business continuity for their employees and patrons. In addition, by pairing XCT7 with our air treatment solutions, we can create a more comfortable and safe indoor air environment.” Carrier is reinforcing its local digital footprint with the launch of its new online presence, the eCarrier Expert Centre (eCEC). The eCEC virtual showroom allows customers to discover all the VRF product features through a user-friendly and intuitive interface.

Geo Connect Asia sets to return for second edition International events organiser Montgomery Asia has announced that the flagship geospatial and location intelligence industry trade show and conference for Southeast Asia, Geo Connect Asia (GCA), is set to return for its second edition in a largely inperson format. Following its incredibly successful debut in 2021, GCA 2022 is expected to double in size in terms of participants and floor space, and will once again bring together the latest innovations in surveying and monitoring equipment, sensors, robotics and mapping solutions, among others. Scheduled for 23 to 24 March 2022, GCA 2022 and its two complementary industry profiles Digital Construction Asia (DCA) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Asia, will see the geospatial community converge at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore. Additionally, the event will again comprise a virtual component on so that the wider Asian community can share some of the exchanges. Themed “Geospatial & Location Intelligence Solutions for Asia – Underground, Land & Sea to Sky”, GCA 2022 seeks to address the increasing interplay between ground and satellite technologies, and artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics, amid growing momentum towards a Geospatial 4.0 world. Visitors can look forward to a comprehensive showcase of the latest technologies and solutions for government and non-for-profit markets, and multiple industry verticals. GCA 2022 sets to host over 80 international exhibitors and 14 January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz

2,500 professional visitors, alongside 100 enterprises, associations and agencies featuring all aspects of geospatial technologies, digital construction and UAV solutions. Over 30% of participating companies at GCA 2022 are new, including drone and aerial providers AECA Solutions, Amuse Oneself Inc, Viscoy and YellowScan; image capture experts PhaseOne; and inspection tech pioneers Screening Eagle. Additionally, the Geo Connect Asia Conference 2020 will facilitate knowledge transfer among industry players to address some of the world’s leading challenges. Concurrently, GCA 2022 is curating four expert stage programmes, namely Smart Agriculture, Digital Construction Asia, UAV Asia, and Digital Underground Connect. Several free-to-attend programmes include the Tech Talk and PropTech stage.

Inkmaker Shanghai partners with FFM in China Inkmaker Shanghai, the manufacturer of integrated dispensing systems in China for IM GROUP, has recently announced its partnership with Fast & Fluid Management Asia (FFM Asia) in an auspicious start to 2022. The union, which was announced on 18 January 2022, will see FFM Asia’s renowned POS (Point of Sales) tinting solutions business collaborate with Inkmaker’s leading expertise in the coating, paint and ink industries, and subsequently strengthens both parties’ foothold in the Greater China market. “The expertise of Inkmaker in the paint and coating industry made them an obvious choice for us to further boost our share in the critical China market. Their strong background in the in-plant tinting system and our strong relationship with their teams in Malaysia and Indonesia made the decision easier,” said Balu Kuppuswamy, General Manager, Fast & Fluid Management Asia. FFM Asia, a long-term partner of Inkmaker, has for 30 years built a name for itself as a reliable and innovative leader offering a complete range of paint dispensers, mixers, shakers, and software suitable for a wide range of applications. Lau Kar Seng, GM of Inkmaker Shanghai and board member of global technology leader IM GROUP concluded, “Fast & Fluid Management Asia is an elite addition to the global brands that we are already associated with. We are confident of building on this association and further strengthening it in the years to come. The ability to customise every single solution to match the specific requirements of our clients remains our biggest USP.” Founding member of IM GROUP, Inkmaker, is the only European dispensingsystem manufacturer to have an assembly plant in China, which has contributed

LAU KAR SENG

Group board member & General Manager INKMAKER SHANGHAI

significantly to its building a prominent network throughout greater China. In 2004 Inkmaker Srl (Italy) and Inkmaker Asia Sdn Bhd (Malaysia) formed Inkmaker Shanghai Ltd Co. The company has since grown to become a recognised and trusted manufacturer, of integrated and automated dispensing and mixing systems, and the preferred partner of many of the largest industry names in their respective sectors across China. As FFM Asia’s new certified channel partner for China, Inkmaker Shanghai will now focus on the sale of their following products: • X-SMART PRO – An entry-level automatic sequential paint dispenser with high productivity and accurate results. It requires no assembly and comes with up to 16 canisters in 2.25 l. •

X-PROTINT – A high performance automatic sequential paint dispenser that comes with 16 canisters and is bidirectional, solvent-based and waterbased. It is built with future-proof technology for VOC-free colorants across Asian markets.

•

Harbil Series and AT8000 for in-plant and specialty applications i) Harbil – Built on ZeroPurge™ piston pump and AutoDrive™ technology to ensure futureproof efﬁciency and reliability for business operation. ii) AT8000 – Built on DVX® pump technology, AT8000 is for highvolume paint departments that need the fastest, most reliable, and highest capacity tinting solution.

•

Mixers and Shakers i) SK300 and SK550 1.1 Shakers – SK300 is the entry model in the shaker range of Fast & Fluid. With its capacity of 35kg, it is suitable for all points of sales with a low to medium volume paint turnover. The SK550 1.1 heavy-duty paint shaker incorporates high-quality components. ii) GX300 and GA480 Mixers – Entry level and high-end automatic mixers, with high-performance and intelligent features. January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz 15

NEWS & EVENTS

KeTSA Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (centre) with Mr Lukanisman Awang Sauni (Chairman of SEDA Malaysia) at launch of MyRER 2022-2035.

KeTSA launches the Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap (MyRER) The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (KeTSA) has officially launched the Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap (MyRER). At the MyRER launch on 30 December 2021, KeTSA Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the Roadmap is to be implemented beginning from year 2022 until 2035. Developed by the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia, MyRER details Malaysia’s renewable energy (RE) development plan and highlights the prime route for the transition to a lowcarbon energy system in short and medium terms. “MyRER outlines a strategic framework to achieve the country’s RE development vision, ‘Towards A Low Carbon Energy System’, through the four technology-specific pillars namely solar, bio-energy, hydro, and new technology & solution. These pillars are further supported by four enabling initiatives that will support the realisation of the target stated in the Roadmap – market readiness, grid flexibility, human capital development and access to financing,” explained the Minister. MyRER provides guidance to industry players in various areas: • the direction of national RE development in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak; • the potential, targets and strategic framework as well as expected economic spillover value of the development of RE resources that contribute to aspirations of an increase in the RE mix in the country’s electricity supply; and • reference for RE capacity projections as well as national strategies to achieve the 31% RE target by 2025 and 40% by 2035. The KeTSA Minister also stated that through MyRER, the nation’s RE capacity in 2025 will increase by 4,466MW to 16 January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz

12,916MW compared to the capacity in 2020 of 8,450MW. Meanwhile, the projected RE capacity in 2035 will continue to increase by 9,546MW to 17,996MW. This targeted increase in RE capacity is the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the nation’s aspiration to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions as early as 2050 as well as contributing to the nation’s climate change commitment under the Paris Agreement. MyRER is a three-pronged approach that will not only enable an increase in Malaysia’s RE capacity, but also assist in meeting the country’s climate change commitments. Additionally, the Roadmap sets to generate economic spillover of about RM20 billion by 2025 and RM33 billion by 2035 and also the creation of an estimated 47,000 employment opportunities in the RE field.

The first Lalaport in Southeast Asia opens in Kuala Lumpur Mitsui Fudosan Co Ltd, a leading global real estate company headquartered in Tokyo, has announced that its flagship project in Southeast Asia under its Malaysian subsidiary MFBBCC Retail Mall Sdn Bhd (established with UDA Holdings Berhad, Eco World Development Group Berhad and Employee Provident Fund Board) located in Bukit Bintang City Centre will commence its operations on 20 January 2022. Approximately 400 stores with an optimal tenant mix will be opened in sequence with numerous wellknown brands from Japan that are making its first appearance in Malaysia. Upon project delivery and commercialization of LaLaport BBCC, which is the core of the Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC), the project will become Mitsui Fudosan’s very first LaLaport mall in Southeast Asia and one of the largest commercial facilities with over 82,600sqm of floor space. LaLaport BBCC is Mitsui Fudosan’s second LaLaport shopping mall overseas after Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Shanghai Jinqiao. In addition to the shopping mall, Mitsui Fudosan works closely with BBCCD to establish the BBCC project as a large-scale urban development with diverse functions, comprising a shopping mall, residences, serviced apartments, office buildings and hotels, with a total site area of approximately 78,500sqm. Upon its completion, the BBCC project is set to become the one and only landmark that proposes a new Japanese-based lifestyle, enabling the local community to “live, work, play and gather” in a more convenient way. LaLaport BBCC will be leading the development of the entire project as the central hub that promotes people-to-people exchanges, improves livelihoods and offers relaxation to the public. As a lifestyle- focused shopping mall originating from Japan, LaLaport BBCC aims to boost consumer confidence with its design that creates a new customer experience and incorporates Malaysia’s culture and trends while retaining a distinctive Japanese DNA. Through its experience with the vast Japanese commercial network and long-standing track recor, LaLaport BBCC will be bringing well-known brands in Japan such as NITORI, Nojima and JONETZ by DON DON DONKI. In addition, Star Child, a nursery

school that incorporates Japanese-style childcare and intellectual education, will open its first facility in Malaysia here at Lalaport BBCC. The environment of this new shopping mall is aesthetically designed based on “Modern Simplicity” and “Japanese Flavour” design concepts. It features an interior design rooted in nature to provide a place where the public can do more than just shopping. LaLaport BBCC’s seamless indoor-outdoor design flow offers a place where shoppers and visitors to the mall can interact and spend an enriching time with friends and family. January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz 17

NEWS & EVENTS

PKNS spurs market in 2022 with 12 new projects worth RM690 million in GDV The Selangor State Development Corporation or Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS) – the development arm of Selangor – plans to roll out 12 new projects in 2022 worth RM690 million in GDV. The announcement was made at the Corporation’s 2022 outlook briefing held on 26 January 2022. For the financial year ended 31 December 2021, PKNS recorded approximately RM900 million from the sale of residential, commercial property and land against the backdrop of the pandemic and challenging market conditions. PKNS’ portfolio comprises a mix of affordable, mid-range to high-end residential developments, priced from RM400,000 to RM1 million catering to the needs of diverse homebuyers in the state. In the past year, the Corporation has delivered over 4,000 affordable homes under its Rumah Selangorku range. Despite the challenging market conditions, PKNS also witnessed a growing demand in its mid-range homes evident with the encouraging take up rates for its Rafflesia (Bernama Jaya), Puteri Daffina X (Kota Puteri), Antara Gapi; Selangor Cyber Valley, and Residensi Aurora projects. With a landbank size of 5,972.04 acres, as at 21 January 2022, PKNS says it sees opportunity for growth with the right mix of developments to match emerging market demands. The composition of PKNS’ landbank represents 44% commercial, 13% residential, and 43% mix developments with the largest parcels strategically around economic gateways in Klang, Bernama Jaya and Hulu Langat. PKNS has set an ambitious target to achieve approximately 18 January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz

RM584 million in sales for the year 2022. Leveraging on the strength of its property portfolio comprising over 160,000 homes built across 64,500 acres and industrial developments spanning 11,885 acres, PKNS expresses optimism in achieving its targets and unlocking greater value for the state, the community and its stakeholders. Entrepreneurs in the state are among the key stakeholders included in PKNS’ development focus. The Corporation seeks to elevate the reach of existing entrepreneurship enrichment programmes namely, the Graduate Realizing Opportunities Way Forward (GROW) Programme, also known as Program Usahawan Siswazah PKNS targeting potential graduate entrepreneurs and the Program Tunas Niaga Negeri Selangor (PROTUNe) targeting high school students, mooted by the Economic Affairs Ministry and carried out by PKNS in collaboration with the Selangor State Education Department. Its goal is to cultivate entrepreneurship and produce resilient, competitive and viable entrepreneurs in the state. PKNS CEO Dato’ Mahmud Abbas highlighted that the corporation’s commitment to enhance existing townships and developments. “In addition to new developments, PKNS is also passionate about rejuvenating existing developments by introducing new concepts, repurposing spaces, injecting contemporary designs, and conserving natural gems. We believe by doing so, our developments will continue to excite the community, be it home buyers or entrepreneurs, and uphold the state as an attractive hub for investors.”

Rumah-i introduces end-to-end property rental solution to make renting out properties easier Rumah-i has introduced an end-to-end property rental tool bringing new levels of simplicity, convenience and security for both property investors and tenants. The multifaceted app acts as a one-stop solution with the ability to list a property for rent, interact with interested parties and sign paperwork amongst a growing list of services. “In the past, we have seen that the property market has been dominated by certain segments, we want to change this and make the market more open to all. By providing a free platform for property listings, Rumah-i decentralises the property rental market by breaking down conventional market barriers through accessible tools that simplify the whole property rental cycle,” explained Bryan Tan, CEO and Founder of Rumah-i. Rumah-i streamlines the process and guides investors through every step of a successful renting endeavour as engages with property investors to identify target tenant demographics, and from there, Rumah-i’s experts devise a costing, marketing, listing and even makeover strategies that is tailored to the target audience. Rumah-i essentially functions across four key pillars: home matching, rental tools, ancillary services as well as loyalty and benefits. Rumah-i’s home matching functionalities combine a viewing manager, agent star rating mechanism, credibility ranking systems and smart recommendations to streamline tenant search and property viewings. Through Rumah-i’s rental tools, finding the right tenant is easier than ever with renters’ profiles complete with credit scores to help landlords assess default risk. Once the match has been made, Rumah-i offers Malaysia’s first digital tenancy feature that complies with the Digital Signature Act 1997. This allows both parties to safely, securely and conveniently confirm legal matters of the tenancy. Importantly, this feature also meets Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards creating a more eco-friendly environment by digitalising more aspects of the tenancy process.

Rumah-i is a rental listing app specialising in room rentals.

From there, landlords and tenants can expect easier communications and dealings through Rumah-i with the auto rental collection system, damage reporting mechanisms equipped with an inhouse repair team to address damages as well as an up to date tenancy overview. Rumah-i also features an in-app chat functionality that offers a neutral space for landlords to communicate with their tenants without sacrificing their privacy. Rumah-i is also working towards building an i-Community for tenants and property investors to nurture increased community engagement where renters are able to enjoy a better quality of life. It will facilitate a Green, Sustainable and Trusted lifestyle through the development of the i-Community feature. The in-app services are designed to provide renters with the confidence that the property that they are living in is cared for and properly

Bryan Tan, CEO and Founder of Rumah-i.

maintained. The app also features rent payment tools and a reward system that allow renters to receive benefits and discounts. January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz 19

PROJECTS

PROJECT AT A GLANCE Classification: Mixed Development Location: Colorado, USA Approx. Project Cost: Undisclosed Approx. Commencement Date: 4Q 2021 Approx. Completion Date: 2H 2023

Artist impression: One River North project is currently under construction in the River North Art District of Denver, Colorado, USA, has the potential to become the city’s next architectural icon. (Source: MAD architects)

ONE RIVER NORTH

eijing-headquartered global architecture firm MAD Architects and the principal development team of The Max Collaborative, Uplands Real Estate Partners, and Wynne Yasmer Real Estate have broken ground on One River North, a 16-storey residential tower in Denver’s River North Art District (RiNo). Known for its street art and dense concentration of galleries, brewpubs, and trendy eateries, the formerly industrial enclave was heralded as “America’s most improbably cool neighbourhood” in 2018. Located at 3930 Blake Street opposite the 38th and Blake RTD light rail station, One River North marks MAD’s third completed or under-construction project in the United States and its first outside of the Los Angeles area. The firm’s first, Gardenhouse in Beverly Hills, was completed in the summer of 2020 while the swooping spaceship-like Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, originally planned for Chicago and now located at L.A.’s Exposition Park, topped out earlier this year and is slated to open in 2023 following COVID-prompted delays. Another MAD-designed project, a 22-storey biomorphic Hollywood office tower dubbed the Star, was unveiled in September and is currently seeking city approval. DESIGN COMPOSITION One River North, which will include 187 for-lease residences, is slated for completion during the latter half of 2023. One River

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CREDIT LIST DEVELOPER: R Cap Blake Street LLC ARCHITECT: MAD Architects; Davis Partnership Architects CONTRACTOR: Saunders Construction

Artist impression: One River North features 13,352 square feet of open-air amenity environments, including rippling water elements and a landscaped, trail-like walkway that traverses across four floors. (Source: MAD architects)

North takes the form of a largely straightforward rectangular glazed volume topping a base that will include nearly 8,000sq ft of dedicated retail space. However, in true rubberneck-inducing MAD fashion, a massive gash is carved into the tower’s fissured facade that cascades from the roof down through its midsection. Described as a “landscape rift”, the chasm spans a total of 10 storeys and recalls the experience of ascending from the foothills to the trail and canyon, to reaching the alpine plateau. This playful referencing of alpine topography, in this instance the Rocky Mountains, is not new for MAD as One River North complements

Artist impression: The sculptural crevice opens resident views and blends nature into the urban context. (Source: MAD architects)

the far more low-slung design of Gardenhouse, which was designed to resemble a lush and rather mystical mountaintop villa. The lower, horizontal half of the cleft will include a sloping, landscaped, trail-like walkway complete with rippling water components that extends four storeys (the sixth through ninth floors) within the chasm-within-a-tower. Above that is a nonaccessible vertical slot canyon stretching across the upper floors up to the tower’s roof. The roof itself is set to feature a 6,813sq ft terrace with a swimming pool, spa, and expansive gardens, that will provide One River North residents with an additional space to revel in the great outdoors without leaving the property. One River North will offer a total of 13,352sq ft of what the developers have called "open-air amenity environments" including the rooftop terrace and greenery-laced, scalable-in-parts ravine. “If we regard modern cities as man-made landscapes on the earth, we need to design canyons, woods, creeks, and waterfalls, transforming concrete forests into second nature,” said Ma Yansong, founder and principal partner of MAD, in a statement. “The nature-inspired design by MAD Architects was influenced by Colorado’s legendary landforms and merges nature and architecture to inspire a well-balanced life. Its glass facade is likewise ribbed with louvres that regulate sunlight and soften its visual presence, shaping a serene retreat in the sky,” added Kevin Ratner, co-founder of The Max Collaborative. Joining The Max Collaborative, Uplands Real Estate Partners, and Wynne Yasmer Real Estate on the larger development team is Zakhem Real Estate Group. Denver-based Davis Partnership Architects joins MAD on the project design team while Saunders Construction is serving as the general contractor. With non-outdoorsy features set to include a lounge with workspaces, a pet spa, and a three-level subterranean parking garage, One River North will offer a mix of one-, two- and threebedroom luxury rental units ranging from 625sq ft to 2,500sq ft. All residences will boast floor-to-ceiling windows and private open-air terraces to better take in Rocky Mountain views. (Source: archpaper.com)

January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz 21

INFRASTRUCTURE

Artist impression: The Keflavík Airport Area Strategic Masterplan is focused on the development and planning of a 55-square-kilometre area surrounding Iceland’s global aviation hub. (Source: KCAP)

KEFLAVÍK AIRPORT AREA STRATEGIC MASTERPLAN

CAP Architects & Planners (KCAP), a leading international Dutch design firm specialising in architecture, urbanism and landscape design, has won an international competition to design the Keflavík Airport Area Strategic Masterplan in Iceland. The Keflavík International Airport is a wellconnected international airport and can serve as a driver for an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable area. The location between Europe and North America, the proximity to the capital area, as well as the dynamic municipalities in Reykjanes, are qualities that play an important role in the development of the area. The Keflavík Airport Area Strategic Masterplan is focused on the development and planning of a 55-square-kilometre area surrounding the Keflavík International Airport, Iceland’s

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global aviation hub. The plan will serve as both a framework for the area’s long-term development (until 2050) and as a springboard for individual projects in the near term (until 2030). Emphasis is placed on sustainable development and planning of the area that will mutually benefit the airport and surrounding communities, as well as the national economy. The current focus is on the development of areas that will strengthen the connections between the airport and the Helguvík harbour site, the neighbouring municipalities and the capital area with Keflavik Airport. Led by KCAP, the multidisciplinary team includes WSP, Felixx, MIC Mobility in Chain, VSO Consulting, Buck Consultants International, Buro Happold, Base Design, Maurits Schaafsma, Amberg Loglay and Kanon Arkitektar. Organised by the Keflavík Airport Development Company (Kadeco), Kadeco’s CEO Pálmi Freyr Randversson praised the

The current focus of the Masterplan is on the development of areas that will strengthen the connections between the airport and the Helguvík harbour site, the neighbouring municipalities and the capital area with Keflavik Airport. (Source: KCAP)

winning proposal as “a crucial step to realising our future vision for the airport area. I’m thrilled to partner with Team KCAP on this project of national importance.” The masterplan aims to transform strategic locations in the airport area into a showcase for the country’s ambitious economic development and sustainability strategies. It was this approach – together with the proposal for collaborative development between public and private sectors – that earned the team the first prize. KCAP’s masterplan aims to elevate Keflavík’s strategic position between Europe and North America, with its plentiful supply of renewable energy, and the captivating landscape of the Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark. By setting a path for long-term sustainable development, the masterplan is intended to act as a catalyst to innovate the Icelandic economy. Meanwhile, for mutual benefit, the masterplan seeks to enhance the relationship between the airport and local communities of Reykjanesbær and Suðurnesjabær to be able to grow together. “With that in mind, Team KCAP’s proposal emphasises projects that have a strong local ownership and respond to existing needs,” said the KCAP team. The team’s strategy is based on identifying catalyst sites that can achieve a high impact in terms of identity and value creation.

While the focus on the Masterplan is framed around a polycentric urban archipelago, the sites are planned to be connected by the landscape of the Airport Corridor. Through the connections of landscape, these areas are aimed to contribute to climate action plans and are intended to play a fundamental role as the ‘identity carrier’ for the airport area. “Tapping into the government’s climate action plan that identifies reforestation as a top priority, the landscape concept connects the Airport Corridor into a national network of reforestation projects,” said the KCAP team. “A future-oriented mobility vision comprising the KeflavíkReykjavík Link (BRT), local public transport and active mobility linkages connects the airport area’s urban nodes for travellers, workers and inhabitants alike.” The design team added that different development strategies have been assigned to the catalyst sites, from greenfield interventions to the transformation and densification of existing built areas; carefully phased timelines allow for the different areas to be developed simultaneously and incrementally, according to market demand. The catalyst sites facilitate diversification into new sectors such as the production of green hydrogen, electric aviation, hitech agriculture, and marine aquaculture. Keflavík Airport Area will attract new high-value companies and create opportunities January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz 23

INFRASTRUCTURE

Tapping into the government’s climate action plan that identifies reforestation as a top priority, the landscape concept connects the Airport Corridor into a national network of reforestation projects. (Source: KCAP)

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The Keflavík Airport Area Strategic Masterplan integrates an ambitious economic development concept in terms of sustainable urban design, landscape, and mobility strategies. (Source: KCAP)

A future-oriented mobility vision comprising the Keflavík-Reykjavík Link (BRT), local public transport and active mobility linkages connects the airport area’s urban nodes for travellers, workers and inhabitants alike. (Source: KCAP)

To transform the Masterplan Framework for Keflavík Airport Area into reality, the multidisciplinary team developed a cohesive yet incremental strategy for the catalyst sites. (Source: KCAP)

for a diverse workforce; the economic strategy will deepen the talent pool for innovative sectors by attracting international experts as well as improving educational opportunities for the local population. This is based on the team’s belief that knowledge and skills acquired overseas can be brought back to benefit the Icelandic economy, and that investment in economic development should also target the development of the labour force. To transform the Masterplan Framework for Keflavík Airport Area into reality, the multidisciplinary team developed a cohesive yet incremental strategy for the catalyst sites. “A project of such significance requires a bold and at the same time sensitive approach. A step-by-step roadmap will provide investors with a trajectory that responds to the possibilities, to the market, to the culture of development and to the stakeholder landscape over time. This gradual approach should also apply to stakeholder relations, which need to be developed with great care to create a resilient and ambitious organisation,” says Anouk Kuitenbrouwer, partner in charge at KCAP. Positioning Kadeco (the client) as a forward-looking collaborative partner, capable of realising a vision for change, is vital for the future of the project. (Source: kadeco.is and worldarchitecture.org)

January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz 25

PRODUCTS & SERVICES ADVERTORIAL

Creating safe and secure access for travellers and commuters

he COVID-19 has indeed changed the way we live and work over the last two years. We see modifications made to homes and businesses as well as public spaces with features that minimize contact and provide extra protection for residents, tenants, and visitors against the deadly virus. Being the global leader in door opening solutions, ASSA ABLOY is dedicated to satisfying end-user needs for security, safety, and convenience. Every day, we help billions of people move through a safer, more open world with ease. As the world slowly recovers from the pandemic, ASSA ABLOY understands there are still concerns on public health safety as well as continuous need for security particularly in places with heavy foot traffic such as public transportation facilities. Airports, train terminals, and subway stations see millions of travellers every day. For instance, the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the largest and busiest airport in Malaysia, handled 13,156,363 passengers, 505,184 tonnes of cargo, and 124,529 aircraft movements

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in 2020, making it the world’s 23rd-busiest airport by total passenger traffic1. In view of these issues, the new normal we live in today, and for a safer world tomorrow, ASSA ABLOY has formulated total access and security solutions, with a focus on: • High quality doors and door hardware that are durable and secured to meet transportation needs;

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1 http://annualreport2020.malaysiaairports.com.my/ wp-content/uploads/2021/04/airportstatistics2020.pdf

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Since its establishment, ASSA ABLOY has shown great strength in providing solutions that are reliable and relevant to the current trends for security, life safety and convenience. Regardless of the end-user application, ASSA ABLOY has a deep understanding of what matters most in your building, and will continue formulating innovative solutions and products to suit all door security needs so you can enjoy life to the fullest, with peace of mind. January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz 27

PRODUCTS & SERVICES ADVERTORIAL

The Crystal Palace.

(Source: uribarel via Canva.com)

HOW TO CONSTRUCT A ‘STEEL’ OF A BUILDING

fficient and economical. Would you ever use these two words to describe the awesome, gargantuan task of building one of the wonders of the ancient world – the Great Pyramids of Giza? Probably not. But read on, and you will discover how these ancient Egyptians could teach us a thing or two about saving time and costs. There is nothing new under the sun, they say. Especially in the business of building. Little did the Egyptians know over four thousand and six hundred years ago when they were building their pyramids that they would also be sowing the seed of an idea that would impact current modern construction methods. The idea was simple: the building blocks were planned and manufactured separately first before the monumental task of heaving these blocks into place. The smaller blocks were of course, easier to be cut and carved to fit the sizes required. In this way, it would make it a more manageable affair to transport the blocks. How they did it is of course, another story altogether. But let’s focus on the fact that they somehow, you might say – ‘pre-fabricate’ the building blocks before heaving them to the construction site and to their properly fitted locations on the pyramid.

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The ancient Egyptians, you could say, are the predecessors of the modern industrialized building system (IBS). A STEAL OF AN IDEA It was only in 1851, during the Industrial Revolution that a major shift in construction occurred with the building of the Crystal Palace using the IBS method, which took only four months to complete.

January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz 29

PRODUCTS & SERVICES Just what exactly is the IBS, you might ask. If you answer: “It’s a ‘steel’ of an idea”, you are right. There’s just something intrinsically economical within this method of construction, indeed. It was Mr Charles Bage, a liquor merchant who contributed his knowledge of the structural properties iron towards the construction of one of the most important buildings in modern architectural history in 1797 - the Ditherington Flax Mill. It came to be known as the “grandfather of skyscrapers despite being only five-storeys, being the first castiron framed building in the world. Later christened as the Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings due to the factory’s subsequent function, its importance was finally officially recognized in the 1950s with its stature as a Grade I building when its Main Mill was restored. IBS BENEFITS IN MALAYSIA Pre-casting the steel framework is very much a part of the IBS method, which is defined as a construction technique where “components are manufactured in a controlled environment either on or off-site. They are then transported, positioned, and assembled into a structure with the least of additional site work.” The Malaysian building industry has also experienced its own journey moving towards the usage of IBS ever since the Public Works Department (PWD) sent architects to several European countries to explore this concept of development in 1963. Subsequently, official Malaysian representatives were also sent to Germany, Denmark and France to learn about their construction systems. IBS has been further encouraged by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) since 2003 to advance the level of competitiveness and efficiency of the construction industry. How else if not through the IBS method that Malaysia’s iconic Petronas Twin Towers, Bukit Jalil Sports Complex and the Malaysian Light Rail Transit infrastructures were built? The IBS system of pre-fabrication various parts afford several excellent advantages for modern building over the traditional wet construction method, which meant higher costs and slower 30 January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz

production. For one, IBS creates cleaner, neater and safer construction sites due to its principles of systematic assembly. This efficiency enables cost reduction for the entire project, minimizing wastages. With the time saved due to the preconstruction phase of production, the entire project has also fewer chances of being affected by adverse weather conditions while being set in motion towards a speedier completion time. What more can we add to this fabulous concept long utilized in nations like Finland, Sweden, Germany, Japan and Singapore that makes constructions cost and timeefficient? LIGHTWEIGHT DURABILITY’S EDGE CSC Steel Malaysia, a Taiwanese-owned company with its forte in steel-producing technology has pioneered galvanized steel innovations such as realzinc™ and realzinc™enhance with a wider thickness range of 0.18mm to 2.5mm. This enhanced thickness offers the most comprehensive protection against corrosion with a wider zinc protection range between Z080 (80g/ m2) and Z400 (400g/m2). Compared to the conventional method, it is advantageous to use lightweight steel in the IBS method such as the having galvanized steel wall structures like the realzinc™ series, which is easy to fabricate

and assemble apart from its optimum performance in strength. What’s more, the realzinc™ series wall frame structures are also more favourable in the instances when it comes into contact with alkaline substances such as cement as it is highly resistant to corrosion. Its efficacy against corrosive alkali has been proven via cement dipping tests, establishing its compatibility of use and suitability of support in steel framework designs. With the movement towards construction industrialization being a worldwide agenda and with IBS having been successfully been adopted in developed countries, it is timely for Malaysia to bring the industry leaps and bounds forward with the right, raw resources at hand. Simply, CSC Malaysia is committed to move in synchrony with revolutionizing better construction methods through contributing its lightweight innovation that can result in substantial impact on expenditure reducing efforts and longer lasting structures. Much like the method first inspired by the ancient pyramids. Come explore how CSC Steel Malaysia’s realzinc™ series can enhance your construction projects. For more details, please scan this code:

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PRODUCTS & SERVICES ADVERTORIAL

MIDEA VC PRO VRF SERIES

DC Inverter VRF Cooling Only System

ince its establishment over 50 years ago, Midea Group (MIDEA) takes pride in offering one of the most comprehensive ranges of products for homes and businesses. In 1999, MIDEA through its Midea Building Technologies (MBT) business division has launched the first generation of digital scroll Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system for its range of central air-conditioning, marking the company’s official entrance into the VRF field. After 20 years of research and development, MIDEA has recently unveiled the DC Inverter VRF Cooling Only System that combines many of the company’s leading technologies, featuring more functions, enhanced performance, and more energy saving. The Midea VC PRO VRF Series is renowned for its strong external performance capable of keeping buildings ultra cool even in extreme environment. Its main features are: ➢ ENERGY SAVING The Midea VC PRO VRF Series is designed with Energy Management System (EMS), which comprises floating refrigerant temperature control to maximise comfort and energy efficiency, with output limitations (40 – 100% capacity) for projects that have temporary electricity supply restrictions. It also features a 4-side heat exchanger as well as high efficiency “2-1” refrigerant flow, which increases the proportion of liquid refrigerant in heat exchanger and improve heat exchange efficiency. ➢ WIDE OPERATION RANGE The Midea VC PRO VRF Series has a capacity up to 30HP per unit; a single system can have up to three units with combined capacity up to 90HP. It guarantees stable operation in a wide

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ambient temperature from -5°C to 55°C in cooling mode. The Midea VC PRO VRF Series is known for its compact footprint, thus requiring less outdoor space, with long piping length (up to 1,000m), the system allows maximum flexibility in installation. ➢ HIGH RELIABILITY The Midea VC PRO VRF Series is equipped with real-time monitoring of the temperature, pressure and amount of refrigerant to ensure consistent performance. It also has duly cycling that equalizes the running time of the outdoor units in a multiple-unit system and of the compressors in each unit, significantly extending compressor lifespan. Each unit comes with two compressors whereby if one fails, the other can serve as a backup for up to four days (subject to selected models only). The Midea VC PRO VRF Series is designed with refrigerant cooling PCB comprising a double U-shape refrigerant pipe that improves its normal operation in harsh environments. It should be noted that the maximum outdoor ambient temperature of the refrigeration operation rose from the original 48°C reliable operation to 55°C, an increase of 7°C. Additionally, the system includes an intelligent field local configuration that can achieve quick and easy on-site settings for easiest installation and commissioning. System checking and settings also can be easily achieved via wired making the configuration more flexible and convenient. A desktop computer or a laptop can be used for browser-based access to achieve system configurations through IMMPRO gateway via LAN connection. Further, it has a high-efficiency centrifugal oil separator (with separation efficiency of up to 99%) that ensures the compressor internal oil is separated from the discharge gas and returned to the compressors in a timely fashion. An even

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PRODUCTS & SERVICES

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NOTABLE PROJECTS SERVICED BY MIDEA

DRB-HICOM UNIVERSITY OF AUTOMOTIVE MALAYSIA LOCATION: Pekan, Pahang PRODUCT: 888HP Midea V4+ Series VRF System

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24/26/28/30HP (with dual fans)

setting up field settings or through the centralized controller. In addition to noise-reduction functions, the system’s outdoor unit uses multiple and high precision EXVs to create comfortable indoor environment. The EXV control precision is up to 3000-stage that can precisely control refrigerant flow and guarantee stable indoor temperature. In this way, temperature setting can be adjusted in 0.5°C step, enabling precise comfort control. The Midea VC PRO VRF Series can be matched with 12 different types and more than 100 models of internal machines, which can meet different installation scenarios and customers’ personalized needs. The wind speed of the internal machine can be adjusted at 7 speeds to make the blown air more comfortable; 0.5°C or 1°C adjustment can be selected at will to make the temperature control more accurate; at night, users can also choose mute mode or turn off the internal display. The Midea VC PRO VRF Series not only supports centralized control and remote control, but it can also access BMS system, which is very convenient to use.

COUNTRY GARDEN FOREST CITY LOCATION: Johor Bahru, Johor PRODUCT: 1,371HP Midea V4+ K-Type V5X & Mini VRF System

KOSSAN R&D CENTRE LOCATION: Klang, Selangor PRODUCT: 288HP Midea VX VRF System

CJ CENTURY LOGISTICS LOCATION: Shah Alam, Selangor PRODUCT: 436HP Midea VX VRF System

Aemulus

Aemulus Holdings Berhad

AEMULUS HOLDINGS BERHAD LOCATION: Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang PRODUCT: 340HP Midea VX & VXi VRF System

YAMAHA ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING (M) SDN BHD LOCATION: Ipoh, Perak PRODUCT: 500HP Midea VC Pro VRF System January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz 35

Concepts & Designs

The Cactus Towers, Copenhagen, Denmark. (Source: BIG)

SENSORS IN CONCRETE:

New technology to improve efficiency and minimise material waste

ontrol of concrete strength and maturity in largescale projects has traditionally been recorded and measured manually. Nowadays, there are new technologies that allow builders to melt sensors directly into the concrete whereby when connected to a transmitter show continuous data on the material’s temperatures, sending the data wirelessly to the cloud platform. The software then automatically calculates maturity and strength based on historical data, so the concrete mix and strength development process can be followed from any device and in real-time. These sensors, based on 0G technology from Sigfox – one of the main IoT (Internet of Things) operators in the world – have facilitated the construction of one of the most innovative architectural projects in Europe, the Cactus Towers (Kaktustårnene) in Copenhagen, helping calculate the exact moment to remove the formwork that shapes its characteristic façade. Expected to be completed by spring 2022, the Cactus Towers have been designed as a hotel and a residence for youths in central Copenhagen, Denmark. The towers stand at a height of 60m and 80m respectively, and are shaped by hexagonal cores. The 21,000sqm hotel consists of 1,250 rooms spread over the two

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towers, which also house 500 ‘youth rooms’ averaging 30sqm in size with modern aesthetics. The project has a technical complexity that few buildings have as each floor is rotated in a different axis and their complicated forms create displaced balconies and cornered façades. In terms of materials, special attention is paid to the concrete formwork to achieve a solid foundation, which is an additional challenge since large structures with many floors normally require cooling to guarantee product quality. Therefore, the monitoring of the condition of the concrete plays a fundamental role as it is essential to give the towers their twisted and very particular shape. In the case of the Cactus Towers, the builders used a solution by Maturix that consists of a comprehensive tool to control the strength of the concrete in a much more efficient way. With thermocouples fused into the structure, the concrete temperature can be accessed in near real-time and the data collected are sent wirelessly to the cloud. Maturix has a software to calculate maturity and resistance based on historical data, which is an advantage when making adjustments in project management. Given the complexity of the project and with many subcontractors involved, it is a plus in terms of organization and time measurement. The second part that has made the project possible, together

(Source: kaktus-towers.dk)

(Source: BIG)

(Source: Cortesía de Sigfox España)

with Maturix’s sensors and technology, is Sigfox’s 0G network. It is a simple, lowconsumption, long-range alternative for IoT connectivity widely used in the world of industry, logistics, or asset monitoring. As it is based on radio technology, it overcomes some of the traditional limitations of other alternatives based on cellular networks or SIM cards, such as scalability or being able to provide service in interiors, rural areas, or, in this case, monitor the temperature of concrete in real-time. The 0G network is the first connectivity option exclusively designed for the IoT.

Since most industrial IoT requirements only need a small data package, Sigfox decided to focus on a low-power network, to achieve a much greater reach in these applications. This technology is designed to streamline decision-making and improve efficiency in the use of materials. Having updated information in real-time, it is much easier to avoid material waste while improving the final quality of the project. Concrete is one of the most used materials in the construction sector and any novelty that represents an advantage from the first to the last phase is sure to be welcomed in a sector as essential as

construction. This sector, on the other hand, is increasingly committed to efficiency, like so many others. Sustainability has ceased to be a commercial slogan and has become a pillar of business and the large-scale digitization of construction in many of its areas. It is already more common than just a few years ago, and this is just one of many examples. Thanks to the IoT, data on the resistance of this material can be obtained, which is a key factor when it comes to saving resources but also ensuring that buildings are in good condition. In the case of construction, the IoT can be applied at different stages of the work process, helping in the design and subsequent maintenance of buildings. The use of connected sensors, as in the case of the Cactus Towers, provides architects with upto-date information on the development of the project, something that is useful for any building, but especially in bridges and tunnels that tend to suffer regular damage. Undoubtedly, construction is undergoing a revolution with the arrival of the IoT and it is a path that should be used to transform the businesses of the sector, to continue innovating, and above all to improve the efficiency of the processes. (Source: archdaily.com)

January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz 37

Concepts & Designs

STADIUM 974

@ Doha, Qatar

olourful shipping containers and a modular steel structure make up Stadium 974, which Fenwick Iribarren Architects has completed in Qatar ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Formerly known as Ras Abu Aboud, the 40,000-seat sports venue near Doha’s port is the first stadium designed to be fully demountable in FIFA World

Cup history. Stadium 974 was designed by Spanish studio Fenwick Iribarren Architects with structural engineers Schlaich Bergermann Partner and engineering consultancy Hilson Moran. Its modular structure combines repurposed shipping containers and a steel structure, parts of which are recycled. The aim is for the stadium to be dismantled and reassembled in a new location after the football tournament in 2022 or repurposed as a series of smaller venues. Its modular design also reduced constructions costs, build time and material waste, and organisers said water efficiency methods

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(Source: dezeen.com)

ensure it will reduce water use by 40% compared to a conventional stadium development. Stadium 974 is named after the number of shipping containers used for its construction. The number 974 is also the country’s international dialling code. The shipping containers, many of which were used to transport construction materials to the venue, serve as a nod to Qatar’s maritime history and the industrial heritage of the site. While forming portions of the stadium’s exterior, some of these steel containers contain staircases, concession stands and bathrooms. According to the Supreme Committee for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ (SC), Stadium 974 has been designed by the architect to achieve the five-star certification in the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) for both its construction and design. GSAS rates green building and infrastructure across the Middle East and North Africa. Certification is available for the design, construction and operations of a structure, with six stars being the highest achievable rating. The shape of the stadium and gaps between the seats facilitate natural ventilation, meaning artificial cooling is not required. This is helped by the stadium’s proximity to the sea. The SC also hopes that the project will serve as “an innovative blueprint” for more sustainable stadium designs for future largescale events. “The striking Stadium 974 is a proud symbol of sustainability and innovation,” said SC chairman and engineer Yasir Al Jamal. “We consider this innovative venue a game-changer for future megaevent hosts,” added the SC’s secretary-general Hassan Al Thawadi. The stadium has hosted its first match on 30 November 2021 on the opening day of the FIFA Arab Cup, between the United Arab Emirates and Syria. Other recently completed stadiums for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ include the Al Thumama Stadium by Ibrahim M Jaidah and the Education City Stadium that Fenwick Iribarren Architects also designed. Stadium 974 is the only stadium positioned close to the sea and will also be the first stadium that football fans will see upon arriving in Qatar for the tournament, due to its proximity to Hamad International Airport. (Source: dezeen.com)

January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz 39

Concepts & Designs

(Source: Stefano Boeri Architetti)

TRANSFORMING SCHOOLS INTO MIXED-USE SPACE @ Tirana, Albania

s part of the new Tirana 2030 masterplan, Milan-based Stefano Boeri Architetti has created a new model for schools that will transform them into places for people of all ages. The project, which was inaugurated in Tirana, serves as the “new epicentre for life in urban neighbourhoods”. It is used by students during the day as a school campus and by the whole community on weekends and public holidays as recreational and meeting places, as well as potential places for shelter during emergencies. The masterplan was designed between 2015 and 2017, and featured the construction of 17 new large-scale schools. The proposal was not only intended as a response to Albania’s considerable demographic growth over the past twenty years but to revive the suburbs of Tirana and offer a new concept of state schools that are used by local communities as well. This urban growth has saturated and fragmented the urban fabric, with no balance between built and open spaces, and minimal consideration

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(Source: Stefano Boeri Architetti)

of residents’ services. The new Tirana Regulatory Plan, which covers the entire metropolitan area, operates on three levels: urban forestation by creating a large continuous orbital forest system around the city; relaunch and redistribution of the smaller centres; and redevelopment of barely populated peri-urban areas and satellite centres. “If before it might have seemed little more than a splendid utopia, today - after this dramatic pandemic - the theme of open schools has become a real necessity in order to respond to the demand for well-being expressed by residents all around the world. On the educational level, an open school means osmosis with the territory, an exchange of knowledge and experiences with an important impact on the life of the neighbourhood. This new open schools project will be able to give Tirana a preview of that vision of an ‘archipelago city’, a metropolis consisting of neighbourhoods, which are self-sufficient in providing services to their inhabitants, something which is today being pursued by many other international capitals,” said the architect. These schools are located in the Don Bosko, Kodër-Kamëz, and Piazza Shqiponja areas of the north-western part of the city. The 9,812sqm Don Bosko campus includes a middle school, a high school, spaces for preschool education, and a nursery. The KodërKamëz Schools, which has a similar range of educational services to Don Bosco, will extend over a total area of 11,898sqm. The

Shqiponja Schools offers pre-school education facilities, a middle school, and a nursery, covering an area of 7,898sqm. The new schools feature permeable urban spaces on ground floors, making the squares, streets, and parks that surround the structures active and inviting. The main entrances were designed to ensure maximum flexibility and ease of circulation. Facilities and functions such as canteens, libraries, and sports facilities will be used at different times by both students and the community, as they are placed on the ground floor and around the perimeter of the building. Although open and permeable, the school model ensures a necessary degree of safety and protection by following a planimetrically defined architectural structure that separates into an urban residential block inside where all the functions are placed. The buildings’ visual design features red stoneware façades that contrast with a white base. This creates a mixture of colours and materials that pays homage to the traditional Italian architecture of the first decade of the 20th century, which is widely seen in Tirana as well. The tower acts as a landmark, emphasizing the structure as a public architecture. As for the interior design, a lot of attention was given to colour, as it is highly influential on the understanding, comfort, and social interaction of users. The school was inaugurated by the Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, the mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj, and architect Stefano Boeri. (Source: archdaily.com)

January-February 2022 | www.b-i.biz 41

Landscape

THE HYPERIONS A self-sustaining urban utopia to achieve two

major objectives: energy decentralization and food deindustrialization

‘H

yperions’ is the new Agritectural Garden Towers for Jaypee Greens Sports City in New Delhi, India. Designed by Parisbased Vincent Callebaut Architectures in collaboration with the Indian agroecologist Amlankusum, the design is for a self-sustaining urban utopia that not only grows organic food, but also produces more energy than it consumes in a closed-loop system. Conceived with the double objective of energy decentralization and food deindustrialization, Hyperions is very holistic as it combines the best of low-tech and high-tech instead of systematically opposing them. The designers’ aim is to reconcile urban renaturation and small-scale farming with environment protection and biodiversity. The Hyperions is named after the tallest tree in the world ‘the hyperion’ – a sequoia semperviren found in northern California whose size can reach 115.55 metres (close to 380 feet). It comprises six 36-storey connected towers built from crosslaminated timber, providing the best environmental footprint

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Artist impression.