SUSTAINABLE HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT

[QSB 2453]

Smart and Sustainable Housing Development for the Future

GOH JENG JHIEH 0315080

JAKE SIA CHYI SERN 0314396

KELLYANN HIEW YAU MEI 0319532

MELVIN LIM WEI JIEN 0315772

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................2

LOCATION.............................................................................................................................3

FEASIBILITY STUDY............................................................................................................6

DISTANCE.........................................................................................................................6

WATER SUPPLY...............................................................................................................7

ELECTRIC SUPPLY..........................................................................................................7

FACILITIES........................................................................................................................8

COMMERCIAL AREA.....................................................................................................8

RECREATIONAL............................................................................................................9

EDUCATION.................................................................................................................10

HEALTH........................................................................................................................10

SAFETY........................................................................................................................11

DRAWING PLANS...............................................................................................................12

MASTER PLAN................................................................................................................12

FLOOR PLAN...................................................................................................................13

SIDE VIEW (EAST)..........................................................................................................14

BUILDING SUSTAINABLY..................................................................................................15

SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE...........................................................................................15

METAL ROOFING............................................................................................................16

SOLAR PANEL................................................................................................................17

RAINWATER CATCHMENT............................................................................................19

TRIPLE GLAZED WINDOW.............................................................................................20

LIGHT COLOURED EXTERIOR WALLS.........................................................................20

REFERENCES....................................................................................................................21

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INTRODUCTION

This report is a proposal to build a smart and sustainable house design for the future. The proposed location is at Setia Alam. Sustainable or “green” building means designing and constructing houses that are efficient and durable. The main objectives of sustainable design is to reduce, or completely avoid depletion of critical resources like energy, water, and raw materials; prevent environmental degradation caused by facilities and infrastructure throughout their life cycle; and create built environments that are liveable, comfortable, safe, and productive.

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LOCATION

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country occupying the Malaysian Peninsula and part of the island of Borneo. It's known for its beaches, rainforests and mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. Geographically, Malaysia is almost as diverse as its culture. 11 states and 2 federal territories (Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya) form Peninsular Malaysia which is separated by the South China Sea from East Malaysia which includes the 2 states (Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo) and a third federal territory, the island of Labuan.

Selangor, also known as Selangor Darul Ehsan, is one of the 13 states of Malaysia. It is located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is bordered by Perak to the north,

Pahang to the east, Negeri Sembilan to the south and the Strait of Malacca to the west. It surrounds the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, both of which were once under Selangor's territorial sovereignty.

The state capital is Shah Alam, however the first city in Selangor, and the royal capital is Klang. Another major urban centre is Petaling Jaya which was awarded city status on 20 June 2006. Selangor is one of only two Malaysian states with more than one city; Selangor has the largest city in Malaysia and it is growing rapidly due to modernisation in the Klang Valley

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Setia Alam is a new township located in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. Setia Alam is an integrated development spanning over 4,000 acres (16 km2) of land. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) which had placed restrictions on the establishment of entertainment outlets such as pubs or live music venues.

Setia Alam was chosen because the township is not fully constructed yet. This provides us with the opportunity to utilise the empty lot to build a sustainable housing area. Since 2009, Setia Alam and Setia Eco Park have become one of the most sought after residential townships in the Klang Valley. With this information, it will ensure that the proposed building will be purchased due to the high demand.

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The location chosen for the proposed sustainable building (in yellow) is located near Setia City Mall

As the image below shows, the chosen site is yet to be developed.

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FEASIBILITY STUDY

DISTANCE

The images below will show the distance from Setia Alam to other various cities as well as the airport. It also shows the time needed to reach the destination.

It will take 32-34 minutes from Setia Alam to reach the capital city, Kuala Lumpur.

It takes 45 minutes to reach Kuala Lumpur International Airport

It will take 19 – 23 minutes to reach Subang Jaya.

It is only a 13 – 15 minutes’ drive to reach Klang.

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WATER SUPPLY

Setia Alam receives their water supply from Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (SYABAS). SYABAS is reliable as they adhere to the regulatory compliance preset by the Government during the Concession Agreement (CA) in 2004 (Syarikat Bekalan AirSelangor Sdn Bhd, 2015). From the beginning of their operations, they have met or even exceeded the standards set by the regulator.

A good quality of water is SYABAS top priority as they ensure all water supplied that goes to consumers’ taps are always clean and safe to drink from. In addition, SYABAS has strategized an integrated and comprehensive Water Quality Improvement Master Plan which was launched back in 2007 to further improve the quality of water that is distributed to consumers. Setia Alam also has an existing water treatment plant.

ELECTRIC SUPPLY

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) supplies electricity to Setia Alam. They are the largest electric utility company in Malaysia and a leading utility company in Asia. TNB is serving over 8.3 million customers in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah as well as Labuan. Tenaga Nasional Berhad generates electricity from six thermal stations and three major hydroelectric schemes (Tenaga Nasional Berhad, 2015). The electricity is then sent to a step-up transformer where the voltage will be increased for efficient transportation. The transmission lines transports the electricity over long distances and to the step-down transformer where the voltage is decreased. The distribution lines then transports the electricity to households and industries.

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FACILITIES

Another reason why Setia Alam was chosen to build a sustainable residential area is because of the many different available facilities in the township.

COMMERCIAL AREA

The township is equipped with two kinds of commercial area, the larger commercial and the smaller commercial area. The larger commercial includes Setia Alam’s very own shopping mall, which is Setia City Mall. They also have their very own Convention Centre and a large hypermarket, which is Tesco.

On the other hand, the smaller commercial areas are where multiple shop lots are built in one area. These shop lots are located at the north east and south west of the Setia Alam Township. Both kinds of commercial area include a sufficient amount of parking lots.

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RECREATIONAL

Setia Alam builds their township with nature in mind. They have over five recreational park which is the Wetland Park, Urban Park, Setia City Park, Western Park, and the Setia Alam Recreational Park. Each residence is not more than one street away from the Village Green via landscaped pedestrian paths called Green Fingers (S P Setia Bhd. Group, 2015).

Within the Setia Alam exists a badminton court and a football field. In addition, there is also a clubhouse located at the south west of the township which is known as Setia Alam Club. Setia Alam Club is equipped with many various facilities such as a swimming pool, sauna room, music studio and a gymnasium. The club also has a Flexi Studio which is designed for yoga, exercise and dance classes (S P Setia Bhd Group, 2015). Furthermore, they are furnished with 2 badminton courts, 2 squash courts and 2 table tennis tables that are available for booking. There is also a proposed clubhouse at the north side of the township.

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EDUCATION

There are many institutions for education in Setia Alam. Some of which have already been erected and the rest are soon to be developed. There are a total of 4 Kindergarten schools on the north side of Setia Alam and 15 Kindergarten school at the south side. In addition, there is a total of 5 Primary and Secondary Schools which are spread out in the township and a Chinese Primary School named Pin Hwa SRJK(C). Furthermore, there are two international schools, SEGi International School which will be constructed in Setia Alam and Tenby International & Private School which is already erected at Setia Eco Park.

HEALTH

There are various clinics available which is located at the shop lots of Setia Alam. There is also a KPJ Klang Specialist Hospital which is a 5 minutes’ drive from Setia Alam (www.vincENTHNS.com, 2015). A proposed medical centre is located near the Police Station. In addition, Setia Alam is an Industrial-free zone development thus promoting a better air quality.

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SAFETY

There are pedestrian bridges in selected areas of the township. Zebra crossings are also available for pedestrians to use. 2 Police Stations are located in Setia Alam, with one being stationed at the south west and the other in the centre of Setia Alam

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DRAWING PLANS

MASTER PLAN

Drawing is not to scale

There is a two entry way into the residential area for an easier ease of access. A park with a lake is in the middle of the residential area for recreational activities.

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FLOOR PLAN

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SIDE VIEW (EAST)

Drawing is not to scale

The slanted inwards roof will allow water to be collected for the water catchment system. With the solar panel placed on the roof, it will be able to harness the solar power from the sun. In addition, because of the position of the roof, the solar panel will be able to receive direct sunlight at all times when there are no disruptions (clouds).

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BUILDING SUSTAINABLY

SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE

Concrete is the most commonly used construction material on earth, it has the longest lifespan of any conventional building material. Structures created can still stand even after more than 2,000 years.

Buildings and homes constructed with high-performance concrete wall systems offer excellent energy efficiency, guarding against daily temperature fluctuations and providing occupants with greater comfort and lower heating and cooling bills (Portland CementAssociation, 2015). As concrete is designed for each distinct project, there is a minimal amount of waste, and the material has an unlimited flexibility in applications ranging from high rise buildings to parking lots, bridges to stadiums. When a structure made from concrete has served its function, the material can then be crushed and recycled for other purposes.

Concrete is durable as it gains strength over time. It is not weakened by moisture, mould or pests and it can withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. It is low maintenance as it is compact and non-porous, and does not attract mould or lose its key properties over time. If compared to other building materials such as steel, concrete is definitely cheaper to produce and thus it is extremely affordable.

In addition, it is naturally fire-resistant and it forms a highly effective barrier to fire spread. CO2 emissions from concrete and cement production are relatively small compared to other building materials (IMS Consulting Plc, 2014). Concrete walls and floors slow the passage of heat moving through, which reduces temperature swings. This reduces the energy needs from heating or cooling, offering a year-round energy savings over the life-time of the building. Concrete also has an Albedo Effect, where by the high "albedo" (reflective qualities) of concrete which is used in pavements and building walls reflects light and so less heat is absorbed, thus resulting in a much cooler temperature.

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METAL ROOFING

The use of aluminium as a roofing metal is becoming increasingly popular, since it resists corrosion and requires little maintenance. Aluminium also tends to reflect heat better than steel, thus keeping a house cooler (Flamholtz, n.d.). If properly installed, a metal roof should last as long as the house, sealing out water and surviving strong winds. Metal is also resistant to fire, mildew, insects, and rot.

Compared with tile at 750 pounds per square (an area equal to 100 square feet) or concrete tile at 900 pounds per square, metal roofing is lightweight. Most varieties run from 50 to 150 pounds per square. As it is light weight, the number of roof support members can be downsized. Most metal roofing materials come in multiple-shingle sections or in 12- to 36-inch-wide panels. An accomplished contractor can install these quickly.

Because metal roofs are non-combustible, they’re given a Class A fire rating (the most resistant). Part of a roof’s classification depends on materials beneath the surface that could ignite in intense heat. Most metal roofs applied over a combustible material such as wood shingles have a lower, Class C rating. It also reflects radiant heat from the sun, minimizing midday heat gain. This means energy needed for air conditioning during the day can be reduced. Though the material itself is low in insulation R-value, many systems utilize a dead-air space between the metal and roof deck to increase energy efficiency.

Most metal roofing materials can be installed on gently pitched roofs without presenting a leaking potential. It is also practically impervious to rain because of the way it is designed to interlock and because the surfaces are hard and slippery.

Sadly, there are disadvantages to metal roofing. The biggest drawback is initial cost. Metal roofing is equivalent in cost to other premium materials. It is also noisy when there is a rainstorm but the noise can be controlled both by using materials that have structural barriers to minimize the drumming effect and by applying them over sound-deafening insulation and solid plywood sheathing. Aluminium metal roofing is also prone to denting.

Because metal expands and contracts as it warms and cools, most new products have fastening systems that accommodate movement; otherwise, fasteners that secure the roofing tend to come loose. Expansion and contraction on hot days can cause a wavy affect. Metal roofing materials installed in large panels are more difficult to replace if damaged than individual shingles.

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SOLAR PANEL

Solar Power has expanded in recent years for our domestic and industrial needs. Solar power is produced by collecting sunlight and converting it into electricity. This is done by using solar panels, which are large flat panels made up of many individual solar cells. It is most often used in remote locations, although it is becoming more popular in urban areas as well.

Below is a list of advantages of solar panel and solar energy:-

1. The major advantage of solar power is that there is no pollution created in the process of generating electricity. Environmentally it the most Clean and Green energy. Solar Energy is clean, renewable (unlike gas, oil and coal) and sustainable, which in turn helps us to protect our environment.

2. Solar energy does not require any fuel.3. It does not pollute our air by releasing carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide

or mercury into the atmosphere like many traditional forms of electrical generation does.

4. Solar Energy does not contribute to global warming, acid rain or smog. It actively contributes to the decrease of harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

5. There is no on-going cost for the power it generates – as solar radiation is free everywhere. Once installed, there are no recurring costs.

6. It offers much more self-reliance than depending upon a power utility for all electricity.

7. It is quite economical in long run. After the initial investment has been recovered, the energy from the sun is practically free. Solar Energy systems are virtually maintenance free and will last for decades.

8. It’s not affected by the supply and demand of fuel and is therefore not subjected to the ever-increasing price of fossil fuel.

9. It’s generated where it is needed. Therefore, large scale transmission cost is minimized.

10.Solar Energy can be utilized to offset utility-supplied energy consumption. It does not only reduce your electricity bill, but will also continue to supply your home/ business with electricity in the event of a power outage.

11.A Solar Energy system can operate entirely independently, not requiring a connection to a power or gas grid at all. Systems can therefore be installed in remote locations, making it more practical and cost-effective than the supply of utility electricity to a new site.

12.They operate silently, have no moving parts, do not release offensive smells and do not require you to add any fuel.

13. More solar panels can easily be added in the future when your family’s needs grow.

However, there are also some disadvantages to solar panel which is listed below:-

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1. The initial cost is the main disadvantage of installing a solar energy system, largely because of the high cost of the semi-conducting materials used in building solar panels.

2. The cost of solar energy is also high compared to non-renewable utility-supplied electricity. As energy shortages are becoming more common, solar energy is becoming more price-competitive.

3. Solar panels require quite a large area for installation to achieve a good level of efficiency.

4. The efficiency of the system also relies on the location of the sun, although this problem can be overcome with the installation of certain components.

5. The production of solar energy is influenced by the presence of clouds or pollution in the air. Similarly, no solar energy will be produced during night time although a battery backup system and/or net metering will solve this problem.

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RAINWATER CATCHMENT

Rainwater catchment involves the accumulation and deposition of rainwater for reuse rather than allowing it to go to waste. The rainwater is a legitimate source of water and can easily sustain a household on its own. By using rainwater for toilet flushing, laundry and garden use alone, it can reduce mains water requirements of a typical household by 70% (RainHarvesting Pty Ltd, 2010).

Some of the advantages of rainwater harvesting is that it is easy to maintain as it is based on a simply technology to collect rainwater for everyday applications. It also reduces the cost of water bills as now there are two sources of water. Water is commonly extracted from the ground but when done excessively can cause a huge water scarcity in that area. So by using rainwater as an alternative source the ground doesn’t have to bear the load to fulfil daily demands. It can also definitely reduce floods and soil erosion for places which suffers from loose soil and poor drainage. The rainwater collected however need not be purified if it serves non-drinking purposes making it one thing less to worry about.

Despite the various advantages, there are in fact a number of disadvantages as well. Unpredictable rainfall is one of the most common concerns when it comes to rainwater harvesting as it fully depends on the weather to be used to its full capacity (ConserveEnergy Future, 2015). The initial cost may be a disadvantage depending on the size and technology of the system. The cost can be recovered in 10-15 years however it still depends on the amount of rainfall. Other than that, rain water harvesting system need regular maintenance as it is prone to spawn pests such as rodents, mosquitoes, algae and other kinds of insects if not maintained properly. This in itself can pollute the system and cause some sanitary issues. As with all other storages, this system’s storage also has limits. So in cases of heavy down pour the system may not be able to collect all the water.

In conclusion, it is best to use both the normal water distribution system as well as the rainwater harvesting system and utilise it to have best outcome. The load on each system can be split evenly and it will still save cost and energy than when only using one. For instance, the main water distribution system can be used only for drinking purposes and the rainwater harvesting system can be used for cleaning purposes. That way it can really benefit both the user as well as the environment.

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TRIPLE GLAZED WINDOW

The manufacturing processes and the technology involved in making triple glazed windows have progressed a lot in the last few years. It is an energy efficient multiple glazed window. Although some double glazed energy efficient windows do carry the A rating, triple glazed windows are always highly rated as they have three layers of glass with internal gas filled spaces to provide much better insulation. The most energy efficient designs have krypton, argon or xenon between the sheets of glass. These are the inert gases – there is little chance that they could leak out but if they did, the gases are completely harmless (EnergySavingSecrets, 2015).

LIGHT COLOURED EXTERIOR WALLS

Nippon Paint Odour~less AirCare paint will be used as it absorbs harmful formaldehyde and refreshes the air. Nippon Odour~less AirCare is one of the most advanced technological innovations to date that can help improve air quality by absorbing formaldehyde. This breakthrough product has Anti-Formaldehyde with Active Carbon Technology that will continuously absorb harmful formaldehyde from the air and convert them into water vapour and therefore, create a safer environment for the consumers (Nippon Paint (M) Sdn Bhd, 2015). This product also has a near zero volatile organic compounds (VOC) and odour. It is anti-bacterial, has a superior washability and scrub resistance.

The walls will be painted in light colours as a light exterior will help the building stay cooler by reflecting heat. A light and bright exterior colour scheme has a big impact on indoor comfort (Smart Homes for Living, 2014). The best colours to use for exterior walls are white, light grey, beige or other light-coloured neutrals. In addition, light-coloured exteriors not only give a clean, fresh appearance to a home, it also makes it look bigger and more appealing than a darker colour might.

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REFERENCES

Conserve Energy Future, 2015. What is Rainwater Harvesting?. [Online] Available at: http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/Advantages_Disadvantages_Rainwater_Harvesting.php[Accessed 16 June 2015].

EnergySavingSecrets, 2015. How to Choose the Right Energy Efficient Windows. [Online] Available at: http://www.energysavingsecrets.co.uk/choose-right-energy-efficient-windows.html[Accessed 20 June 2015].

Flamholtz, C. J., n.d. Metal Roofing Pros and Cons. [Online] Available at: http://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/metal-roofing-pros-and-cons-zmaz84mazgoe.aspx?PageId=1[Accessed 20 June 2015].

Habitat for Humanity International, 2015. Sustainable building. [Online] Available at: http://www.habitat.org/env/Construction_Standards.aspx[Accessed 9 June 2015].

IMS Consulting Plc, 2014. Sustainability Benefits of Concrete. [Online] Available at: http://www.wbcsdcement.org/index.php/en/about-cement/benefits-of-concrete[Accessed 20 June 2015].

Nippon Paint (M) Sdn Bhd, 2015. Odour~less AirCare. [Online] Available at: http://www.nipponpaint.com.my/products/topcoat/Odour-less-AirCare[Accessed 20 June 2015].

Portland Cement Association, 2015. Foundation for a Sustainable Future: Concrete Innovates. [Online] Available at: http://www.cement.org/think-harder-concrete-/buildings-structures/design-aids/sustainable-design[Accessed 20 June 2015].

Rain Harvesting Pty Ltd, 2010. Ideal uses for rainwater. [Online] Available at: http://rainharvesting.com.au/knowledge-center/ideal-uses-for-rainwater/[Accessed 16 June 2015].

S P Setia Bhd Group, 2015. Facilities. [Online] Available at: http://www.setiaalamclub.com.my/facilities.asp#.VZF9TvkirIU[Accessed 11 June 2015].

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S P Setia Bhd. Group, 2015. Key Features. [Online] Available at: http://www.setiaalam.com.my/key-features.asp[Accessed 11 June 2015].

Smart Homes for Living, 2014. Choosing the best exterior colours for an energy-efficient home. [Online] Available at: http://www.smartideas.smarthomesforliving.com.au/choose-best-exterior-colours-energy-efficient-home/[Accessed 20 June 2015].

Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd, 2015. Water Quality. [Online] Available at: http://www.syabas.com.my/corporate/about-us-water-quality#0[Accessed 10 June 2015].

Tenaga Nasional Berhad, 2015. Corporate Profile. [Online] Available at: http://www.tnb.com.my/about-tnb/corporate-profile.html[Accessed 10 June 2015].

WBDG Sustainable Committee, 2014. Sustainable. [Online] Available at: http://www.wbdg.org/design/sustainable.php[Accessed 9 June 2015].

www.vincENTHNS.com, 2015. Contact & Find Us. [Online] Available at: http://www.vincententhns.com/Finding%20us.html[Accessed 10 June 2015].

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