An easy lifestyle can be one of the appeals of condominium living, but the environmental impact has been known to cause a twinge of conscience. However, new construction practices are reducing the carbon footprint of large buildings.
Developed by Amarin Group, the Amarin Wickham in Kuala Lumpur's embassy district embraces eco-friendly building techniques. The boutique residential development features materials and fittings chosen with sustainability in mind, says director Lee Vun-Tsir.
“The influence of green living can be seen in every aspect, from design to the materials to the finishes used on the building and in the apartments,” he says.
Each of the 21 units is designed to minimize the carbon footprint of its residents. The complex aims to achieve a Green Mark Gold rating for environmentally friendly buildings from the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore.
A north-south orientation with breezeways, vertical air wells and double-skin facade minimise exposure to direct sun and make the most of natural ventilation. Low-E glass also helps reduce heat gain for the low-rise structure.
As a result of its commitment to green living, Amarin Group received a SURIA 1000 for Developers grant under the auspices of Pusat Tenaga Malaysia, which promotes the use of building-integrated photovoltaic (PV) cells in Malaysia.
“The PV cells will occupy panels on rooftop canopies which are connected to the grid to offset electricity costs for common areas”, says Lee Vun-Tsir. All 7 penthouses at the Amarin Wickham will feature private infinity pools and rooftop gardens. Besides offering green space, the gardens will provide insulation from excessive heat gain, and will catch rainwater. Any runoff will be channeled into a retention tank for irrigation and cleaning.
The duplex and triplex units range from 280m2 to 840m2 and will include low-flow tapwares and sanitary fittings in every bathroom. Residents will be able to customize their apartment, but finishes and adhesives must be low-VOC to minimize odors and ozone depletion. Locally made products will be used as far as possible, says Lee Vun-Tsir.
