ATSA eNewsletter #8

    eATSA 08/2013 Greetings again. The colour green is incorporated on to our logo to represents our efforts towards Green and sustainable design in all our projects and we aspire to become the exemplary Architecture firm that adopts to the \"2030 Challenge\". [read more] Welcome 2013! ATSA Architects Sdn. Bhd. wishes you HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013. [read more]   AIA 2030 Challenge Adopter and Commitment It's official, ATSA Architects in Malaysia has been successfully accepted as an Adopter of the prestigious international movement, The AIA 2030 Challenge. Architecture 2030 is an organization that has issued The 2030 Challenge to motivate the global architecture and building community to adopt the following targets. - All new buildings, development and major renovations shall be designed to meet a fossil fuel, GHG - emitting, energy consumption performance standard of 50% of the regional (or country) average for the building type. - At a minimum, an equal amount of existing building area shall be renovated annually to meet a fossil fuel , GHG-emitting, energy consumption performance standard of : 50 % of the regional (or country) 60 % in 2010 70% in 2015 80% in 2020 90% in 2025 Carbon Neutral in 2030 (using no fossil GHG emitting energy to operate). These targets may be accomplished by implementing innovative sustainable design strategies, generating on site renewable power and / or purchasing (20% maximum) renewable energy and/or certified renewable energy credits. [read more]   Viewpoints The Green Building Index (GBI). The eventual goal of sustainable living is by using current and future technologies to build houses with zero / low energy or renewable energy. With the world’s population growing rapidly, reaching 7 billion in October 2011, the rapid changing of the climate, which is said to be the main cause of the depleting food supply (to feed the world’s population), and the increase of fuel prices, the scarce supply of raw materials and poor connectivity has now caused us to reconsider how mankind should live in this 21st century. It is now the right time for us to start planning for a more sustainable life for future generations to adopt. The world population also needs to manage and share its resources with each other to avoid future unrest or wars. It is also said that the world’s population will continue to rise to approximately 9 billion people by mid century (2050) before it reaches to a more stabilizing growth or even negative growth towards the end of this century. Most of the population growth will be in countries which are the least developed and poor. According to the Population and Housing Census of Malaysia, Statistic Department, Malaysia is expected to reach to a maximum population of 57 million by the year 2090. After that, it is projected that the population of Malaysia is expected to experience negative growth. [read more]  

Ideas & Sketches - Langkawi, Kedah (click image to preview) The Mat Chincang Series by Victor Chin. This series was inspired by the 50 million-year-old mountains of Langkawi. This group of 99 islands contains the best and most complete record of the geological history of this unique natural landscape in Malaysia. My artwork is an attempt to visually celebrate the variety of rock and limestone formation in this magnificent landscape. A painting or a drawing is not to copy the landscape as we know and see it. As an artist, one's job is to absorb what is seen and the put together something new from one's understanding of its basic elements. All the variety of shapes, lines, colours and textures found are recomposed into a painting to suggest the essence of the place. The sea, the islands and the rock and limestone formations take on a new life. This new life is that of the painting. It's now an aesthetic object of appreciation. This painting has the same sort of slow and gradual life of the formation of our planet earth. It also may hold the secrets of the power of creation. 290712 Victor Chin      Ideas & Sketches - Temasya Glenmarie - 3 Storey Superlink Homes (click image to preview) The proposed development of 174 Units Double Storey and Three Storey Terraced House (Superlink) (Phase 2) at Temasya, Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

ATSA Architects Sdn Bhd (ATSA) has been appointed by Temasya Development Co. Sdn Bhd (TDCSB) to undertake the design and development of the abovementioned project. Situated in a prime area of Glenmarie, Shah Alam and flanked by major highways such as the Federal Highway to the south, NKVE Highway to the north and linkage to the Guthrie Expressway to the northwest, the site is a location that provides opportunities for TDCSB to further enhance their standing in the property market in Malaysia. TDCSB is a subsidiary company of I&P Group Sdn Bhd, one of the major players in property development in Malaysia. Corporate information about the group is available at http://www.inp.my, the official company’s website. TDCSB intends to build a Superlink Terraced Houses to cater for the professionals in private sector as well as businessmen whom are searching to upgrade to a bigger built-up, landed and guarded properties. SPPK requires three (3) major designs of Double Storey Terraced Houses based on the land plot which had been pre- determined in the earlier approved Master Plan. Other types of design will be for the identified end lots and corner lots of the respective plot sizes. TDCSB had provided ATSA with detailed design brief as described below: Design Statement 1- Tropical design language; pleasant tropical look façade, eco-friendly house, large opening and natural ventilation, natural lighting, shading device, water harvesting, solar heat water, screening and so forth. 2- Up market detailing work, building finishes material, sanitary plumbing and low energy fittings product which will contribute for the energy saving or green product.     Rahsia Estates, Resort Residences & Spa, Langkawi - In Progress (click image to preview)

  ATSA Updates President of Maldives Inaugrates New Dhiraagu Head Office designed by ATSA Architects. President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik today officially inaugurated the USD18 million new Dhiraagu Head Office building. Speaking during the ceremony President Waheed said that the new Dhiraagu Head Office building opened today symbolizes the telecommunication advancements achieved in the Maldives. In his speech, the President noted the many areas in which Dhiraagu continues to contribute to the development and progress of the Maldives. The President said that the development of a country depends on the telecommunication system established in the country. He mentioned with gratitude, the contributions of Dhiraagu in finding better and more feasible means of telecommunication in the country, especially via the most modern technology. Picture taken with Dhiraagu officials and The President of Maldives Dr. President Waheed also noted that Dhiraagu was an exemplary company in providing the best Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik (4 from right). service in the country. The President also noted Dhiraagu’s involvement in the various social events. At the ceremony, Dhiraagu presented a commemorative plaque to the President, following which he took a tour of the new building. Source from : Haveeru News Online   Recent Travels (Courtesy from Azim) Dhiraagu, Maldives [view album]   Koh Samui, Thailand   Events ATSA Aidil Fitri Open House 2012 Restoran Sri Melayu

    45 A Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 3, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel : 03-7727 1877 Fax : 03-7727 1875 E-mail : [email protected] | www.atsa.com.my Subscribe | Unsubscribe

   eATSA 08/2013 The colour green is incorporated on to our logo to represent our efforts towards Green and sustainable design in all our projects and we aspire to become the exemplary Architecture firm that adopts to the “2030 Challenge”. [read more] AIA 2030 Challenge Adopter and Commitment It's official, ATSA Architects in Malaysia has been successfully accepted as an Adopter of the prestigious international movement, The AIA 2030 Challenge. Architecture 2030 is an organization that has issued The 2030 Challenge to motivate the global architecture and building community to adopt the following targets. - All new buildings, development and major renovations shall be designed to meet a fossil fuel, GHG - emitting, energy consumption performance standard of 50% of the regional (or country) average for the building type. - At a minimum, an equal amount of existing building area shall be renovated annually to meet a fossil fuel , GHG-emitting, energy consumption performance standard of : 50 %'of the regional (or country) 60 % in 2010 70% in 2015 80% in 2020 90% in 2025 Carbon Neutral in 2030 (using no fossil GHG emitting energy to operate). These targets may be accomplished by implementing innovative sustainable design strategies, generating on site renewable power and / or purchasing (20% maximum) renewable energy and/or certified renewable energy credits.     AIA 2030 Commitment Immediate Operational Actions Within six months of signing the commitment, the firm will implement a minimum of four operational action items from the list provided. These actions will be undertaken while the long-term sustainability plan is in development. Office Energy Use Track and report energy use in the office Install occupancy sensors in meeting rooms and other common spaces Procurement of Energy Star rated equipment and appliances Institute office-wide policy of shutting down computers when leaving the office Replace any existing CRT monitors with LCD monitors Replacement of incandescent lamps with fluorescent Establish a timeline for ultimately acquiring 100% green power Waste Reduction and Supplies Reduce paper consumption by using electronic documents and forms Reduce paper consumption by implementing printing polices (i.e. printing double-sided, print drafts on discarded paper) Institute a firm-wide recycling policy Implement policies for purchasing environmentally friendly office supplies Implement policies for purchasing environmentally friendly kitchen supplies Implement policies for purchasing environmentally friendly cleaning supplies Implement policies for purchasing environmentally friendly office furniture Transportation Incentives for employees who ride share, walk, or cycle Establish a policy for fuel efficient rental cars for firm travel Establish a policy for offsetting firm travel Encourage telecommuting options for employees

Meeting Procedures Use of paperless technology for agendas, hand-outs, and presentations Encourage virtual meetings when possible Establish an environmental policy to share with venues, vendors, and attendees for meetings Encourage meeting participants to coordinate travel plans and share rides from the airport source: The American Institute Of Architects     2030 Implementation Guidelines A Resource For Firms and Organizations Adopting The 2030 Challenge [click here to read more]     45 A Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 3, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, 60000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel : 03-7727 1877 Fax : 03-7727 1875 E-mail : [email protected] | www.atsa.com.my Subscribe | Unsubscribe  

    eATSA 08/2013 Viewpoints The colour green is incorporated on to our logo to represent our efforts towards Green and sustainable design in all our projects and we aspire to become the exemplary Architecture firm that adopts to the “2030 Challenge”. [read more] The Green Building Index (GBI). The eventual goal of sustainable living is by using current and future technologies to build houses with zero / low energy or renewable energy. With the world’s population growing rapidly, reaching 7 billion in October 2011, the rapid changing of the climate, which is said to be the main cause of the depleting food supply (to feed the world’s population), and the increase of fuel prices, the scarce supply of raw materials and poor connectivity has now caused us to reconsider how mankind should live in this 21st century. It is now the right time for us to start planning for a more sustainable life for future generations to adopt. The world population also needs to manage and share its resources with each other to avoid future unrest or wars. It is also said that the world’s population will continue to rise to approximately 9 billion people by mid century (2050) before it reaches to a more stabilizing growth or even negative growth towards the end of this century. Most of the population growth will be in countries which are the least developed and poor. According to the Population and Housing Census of Malaysia, Statistic Department, Malaysia is expected to reach to a maximum population of 57 million by the year 2090. After that, it is projected that the population of Malaysia is expected to experience negative growth. The next 30 years is not only crucial to Malaysians but to mankind in general that we try to find and agree to a solution to counter these threats. In the past 100 years, we have experienced an exponential growth in the consumption of nearly all of our natural resources and the building up of waste and the degradation of our natural environment. Most of the destruction is now almost impossible to rectify. The path we have taken in the past has greatly contributed to the many problems we are facing right now and we have basically no real common road map to reverse some of the destruction that has been done due to our own recklessness in our pursuit for a better life. Many past attempts to reach an effective common agreement to counter climate change between countries have failed. To provide for a better future living condition, we have to change the way we live now, however small, in order to ensure that future generations will live in a better and sustainable environment. If we fail, we will have to face the consequences of uncertainty of our world’s future conditions or live to adapt ourselves to the unknown conditions of the future. The Green Building Index (GBI) is Malaysia’s recognized Green Rating tool for buildings for the purpose of promoting sustainable design in our built (Malaysia) environment and to raise awareness amongst Developers, Architects, Engineers, Planners, Designers, Contractors and the Public on the need to live in a more sustainable lifestyle. To live in a sustainable world, we must be concerned with the many threatening environmental issues and know our responsibility to correct it and to ensure that future generations will live in a world that is safe and livable. We have to learn from our past mistakes and ensure that our world will be a better place to live in and teach our children to learn the importance of keeping our environment safe. The GBI rating tool provides an opportunity for developers and building owners to live and work, in sustainable buildings that can provide energy savings, water savings, a healthier indoor environment, better connectivity to public transport and be aware of the need of recycling of used materials, to introduce lush greenery in their buildings and make efforts to replenish the environment. The GBI focuses on the following criterias to promote sustainability, 1. Energy Efficiency 2. Indoor Environmental Quality 3. Sustainable Site Planning & Management 4. Material and Resources 5. Water Efficiency 6.Innovation The concerns of our environment began several decades ago, but it is not only until recently (in mid 2000) that the world took it seriously. I believe two recent invents, may have triggered the movement towards sustainability living. The first event was brought to our attention through the Nobel Peace Price recipient Mr. Al Gore, the former US Vice President, through his concerns and the documentary on climate change, \" The Inconvenient Truth\" and the rise of petrol prices to USD 147 per barrel which had caused havoc to the world’s economy and contribute to the rising costs of many basic essentials. The all-time high was at USD145 a Barrel, In Malaysia, Petrol prices are heavily subsidized by the government which I believe, it is not sustainable in the long run. It was reported that each year the Malaysian government kept oil prices low by subsidizing up to RM 10 billion - RM 20 billion a year. However, it has helped many living in Malaysia in their daily life expenses but has also created a false sense of security. A solution must be derived in order to both help Malaysian and at the same time, help reduce fuel subsidy by the

Government. The current market price for petrol as at September 2012 is approximately USD 96 per barrel which is high, but reasonable, as it below USD 100 per barrel and a far cry from the all time high price of USD 145 per barrel. The petrol prices, in Malaysia are currently subsidized at a price of RM1.90/liter for RON 95. However, this price will rise in the near future. We have no choice to plan for a world that will depend on renewable energy. General info of average energy usage for houses in Malaysia:- 1. Average total energy used in a 2 Storey Terrace House per annum of approximately 200m² (2000 sq ft) is approximately 2 to 5 KW/hr. 2. Average total energy used in a Semi Detached of approximately 300m² (3000 sq ft) is approximately 6 to 10 KW/hr. 3. Average total energy used in Bungalow approximately 400m² (4000 sq ft) is approximately 11 to 15 KW/hr.   45 A Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 3, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, 60000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel : 03-7727 1877 Fax : 03-7727 1875 E-mail : [email protected] | www.atsa.com.my Subscribe | Unsubscribe