New architect HQ goes green

> Building maximises natural daylight, uses renewable energy

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) is the latest to join the green revolution as its new headquarters in Bangsar opened its doors yesterday.

PAM president Ezumi Harzani Ismail said the new building has five key design features – timelessness, sustainability, practicality, innovation and economic viability.

“The building is not only designed in line with PAM’s aspirations as a centre for architectural advancement and development but also took into account the environment, culture and society with a timeless and minimalistic approach in overall design and detailing,” he said.

The 3,782sq m building was launched by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharifuddin Idris Shah yesterday.

Ezumi said PAM purchased the fourstorey building in Jalan Tanduk, Bangsar with the initial intention of developing it into an “architect-driven centre” for contemporary arts, in the spirit of the National Art Gallery and Museum of Modern Arts in their formative days.

“However, the plan changed when KL City Hall issued a notice to PAM to vacate its premises in Jalan Tangsi in 2012.

“The council then decided to change the initial design to accommodate a new PAM HQ and centre for architecture instead,” he said.

The centre has received the highest rating, that of platinum, under the national Green Building Index, a rating system developed by PAM and the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia in 2009.

Buildings are awarded ratings based on six key criteria – energy efficiency, indoor environment quality, sustainable site planning and management, materials and resources, water efficiency and innovation.

The centre also maximises natural daylight, where more than 50% of the space is illuminated with natural light that streams in through large glass openings and skylights.

It also uses renewable energy, with a 25kWp solar photo voltaic system installed on its roof terrace.

Its water-efficient fittings can result in 55% of water savings and all water requirements for flushing and irrigation are fully met by a rainwater harvesting system.